We are excited to announce the formation of two delegations comprising Black Canadian producers who will have the opportunity to attend either Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) or Access Canada Summit.

 

The Black Creators Festival Initiative offers a platform for talented Black Canadian content creators to showcase their work at international film and TV festivals and markets. This initiative extends assistance to selected participants, including festival accreditation, travel and accommodation support.

 

 

 

 

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is one of the most prestigious and influential film festivals globally. Held annually in Toronto, Canada, it showcases a diverse selection of international and Canadian films, including premieres of highly anticipated movies. TIFF attracts filmmakers, actors, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from all over the world, making it a significant hub for networking and film appreciation. With its commitment to promoting cinematic excellence, cultural diversity, and thought-provoking storytelling, TIFF has become a major platform for celebrating the art of filmmaking and fostering global cinematic dialogue.

 

Date: September 4-14, 2025.

Location: 350 King St. West, Toronto (and surrounding theaters and venues).

 

Delegates will receive:

Note: Each delegate will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation. 

 

Access Canda Summit brings together the entertainment industry’s top platforms, broadcasters, studios, producers, and creators for three days of connection, collaboration, and deal-making. This year’s edition expands its market access offerings with more curated meetings, rotating roundtables, and interactive workshops, all designed to spark new partnerships and move projects forward. Whether you're emerging or established, Access Canada is where industry leaders meet, network, and shape what’s next.

 

Date: September 8-10, 2025.

Location: Omni King Edward Hotel, Toronto.

 

Delegates will receive:

Note: Each delegate will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation. 

The BSO is proud to support 10 Black women creators attending the Netflix-BANFF Diversity of Voices Initiative this year. This impactful program offers a vital platform for underrepresented voices in Canada’s screen industries and continues to champion inclusion across identities and experiences.

 

Our support is made possible through funding from Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), which helps ensure that more Black women can access industry opportunities, networks, and career-building pathways at BANFF.

More Delegates: 

Through the Black Creators Festival Initiative (BCFI), we are proud to support two incredible talents this June as they bring their projects to leading international festivals.

 

Malachi Ellis returns to the  in the town of Annecy, France. Annecy International Animation Festival (June 9–15) with his animated sci-fi action comedy, Project Blackout: “I'm incredibly excited to return to Annecy with my series Project Blackout. The series received development funding, and I am excited to showcase it at an international level at one of the world's largest Animation Festivals & Markets.”

 

Mylène Augustin will attend Sunny Side of the Doc (June 24–27) in La Rochelle, France,  with her animated documentary feature, Fifty Letters to My Mother: “I’m so grateful for this opportunity to present the animated feature documentary I’m developing at the leading international industry event for co-production funding. I’m looking forward to meetings with experts from all over the world.”

 

 

 

 

Canada is showing up strong at the American Black Film Festival, running from June 11 to 15, with five standout titles highlighting the talent and creativity of Black Canadian storytellers.

 

In the Spotlight Screening category is 40 Acres, directed by RT Thorne, presented courtesy of Magnolia Pictures and followed by a special talkback. Making its world premiere in the Narrative Features category is It Comes In Waves, directed by Fitch Jean.

 

In the Voices of Culture Block 2, Sugar Dumplin, directed by Tristan Barrocks, represents a bold short from Canada. In the documentary feature Carnival: They Can’t Steal Our Joy, directed by Ian Mark Kimanje, the film makes its US premiere. And in the Series category, Ainsi va Manu – Hogtown Episode 203, directed by Josiane Blanc, also premieres in the US.

 

These powerful selections showcase a range of stories and genres, reaffirming the strength and diversity of Canada's Black screen talent.
 

 

40 Acres: R.T. Thorne (Director, Co-Writer, Executive Producer)

It Comes In Waves:  Fitch Jean (Director) 

 Sugar Dumplin': Tristan Barrocks (Writer, Director) 

Carnival: They Can’t Steal Our Joy: Ian Mark Kimanje (Director, Co-Writer) 

Ainsi va Manu – Hogtown Ep. 203: Josiane Blanc (Writer, Director) 

As part of the Black Women Directors Program, Mariam Barry joined the set of Billion Dollar Bluff at Neshama Entertainment in late 2023 and early 2024. Under the mentorship of director Stefan Brogren, Mariam took part in a meaningful observership that deepened her experience. Congrats to Mariam on this incredible milestone.

 

Reflecting on the experience, Mariam shared: “I am grateful to the producers at Neshama and Stefan for creating such a powerful creative environment. I built key relationships from this production that I’m eager to continue, and I felt like a trusted collaborator in this process. Getting to direct a scene under their mentorship was a milestone I cherish to this day.”

 

For more information: Black Screen Office | info@bso-ben.ca