TORONTO/MONTREAL — On Wednesday, Telefilm Canada announced it has committed to investing $100,000 annually toward the creation of a Black Screen Office in Canada. The pledge was made on Monday during a meeting with Black filmmakers who have called for the creation of dedicated bureau.
“Telefilm supports the formation of an institution to expand the reach of stories and works by Black filmmakers,” said Christa Dickenson, executive director of Telefilm Canada, in the news release. “The creation of a Black Screen Office will be a concrete step in helping address the imbalances that exist within Canada’s film industry and will work towards dismantling the systemic racism that exists.”
Black filmmakers lauded Telefilm for its commitment to helping create a Black Screen Office.
“We commend Telefilm for being the first Canadian agency to contribute to the founding of the Black Screen Office,” said Jennifer Holness, Damon D’Oliveira, Joan Jenkinson, Tonya Williams, Clement Virgo, Charles Officer, Floyd Kane, and Maya Annik Bedward, members of the Black Screen Office Ad Hoc Group, in the release. “This commitment will help to ensure Black screen-based content is made and seen in Canada and around the world. We could not be more thrilled with their support and financial investment.”
“A Black Screen Office in Canada will be another big step in helping create a more balanced and representative film industry in Canada,” added Kathleen Beaugé and E.J. Alon, co-chairs of the Equity and Representation Action Committee at Telefilm Canada. “As we continue the rollout of Telefilm’s Equity and Representation Action Plan, we look forward to continuing our conversations with Black creators.”
In July, Telefilm released its Equity and Representation Action Plan, which we reported on here. The plan outlines a series of action items dedicated to building a more representative film community within Canada for racialized filmmakers.
