A Call to Story: Why “Being Black in Canada” Matters Now
The Being Black in Canada program is more than a call for applications—it’s an invitation to tell stories that matter. Through mentorship and hands-on filmmaking, emerging Black creators have the opportunity to explore identity, community, and lived experience while shaping narratives that resonate across Canada.
Kor
Contributing Writer
Across Canada, there are stories waiting to be told—stories rooted in lived experience, identity, and the realities of navigating Black life in this country. The Being Black in Canada program is more than a call for applications—it is a call to step into storytelling with purpose.
Created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, the program is recognized as one of Canada’s largest incubators dedicated to Black filmmakers, offering mentorship, training, and the opportunity to create a short documentary film.
For emerging creators, this is a rare and powerful opportunity: to learn directly from industry professionals, to develop a story from script to screen, and to have that work showcased at major Black film festivals across the country.
But beyond the technical training, what makes this program significant is its intention.
At its core, Being Black in Canada invites participants to explore what it means to exist, create, and belong within their city. It challenges filmmakers to reflect on the realities of social integration, identity, and representation—issues that continue to shape the experiences of Black communities nationwide.
In cities like Vancouver, where Black presence is both vibrant and often underrepresented, storytelling becomes a form of visibility. It becomes a way to document, to affirm, and to imagine new possibilities. Documentary filmmaking, in this context, is not just about capturing moments—it is about creating cultural records that can shift narratives and expand understanding.
For many, this program is a first step into the audiovisual field. It is designed for emerging filmmakers who may not have had access to traditional pathways, offering both resources and a platform to grow.
And that is what makes this moment important.
This call is not only about making films—it is about building a future where Black stories are seen, heard, and valued across Canada’s cultural landscape.
If you’ve been thinking about telling a story—this is your moment to begin.
All the details and the application forms are on our website: https://beingblackincanada.com/