Black Screen Office

@playbackinstagram Op-ed: The greenlight is the pipeline Training programs and development labs have their place — but they are not a substitute for the commission. The case for why Canada’s broadcasters need to stop deferring and start greenlighting Black-led projects. Read more (link in bio): https://playbackonline.ca/2026/05/11/op-ed-the-greenlight-is-the-pipeline/

Are you interested in the BSO-CMPA Black Producers Accelerator program? Register for the info session on May 21, 2026, from 1–2 PM EST (Zoom) : https://cmpa.zoom.us/meeting/register/_jwxe0HRTBWQXznYyE4oUg#/registration  (Link in bio) The BSO-CMPA Black Producer Accelerator Program is here — a paid mentorship built to fast-track Black Canadian producers in the screen industry.  $20,000 minimum  20-week placement   Hands-on across development, production, business affairs & more   Scripted, doc, factual & unscripted content  Monthly check-ins with BSO Fore more information or to apply visit: https://cmpa.ca/mentorship/black-producer-accelerator-program/ (Link in bio) Applications are open until June 12. #BlackProducerAccelerator #BSO #CMPA #BlackInFilm CanadianFilm BlackStorytellers @the_cmpa @cmf.fmc @inspiritfdn

The Black Screen Office was invited to attend the Futures Festival at Pinewood Toronto Studios, a career focused event bringing together students, emerging creatives, industry professionals, unions, schools, and organizations from across Canada’s film and television sector. At BSO, we are always looking for ways to connect with and support the next generation of creatives by creating opportunities for access, exposure, conversation, and community within the screen industry. It was great meeting so many students and organizations passionate about building more pathways into film, television, media arts, production, VFX, cinematography, and storytelling. Thank you to everyone who welcomed us and shared more about the work they do. Featuring: @pinewoodstudios @thecreativeschl @thecdnacademy @imaginenative @reelworld @povfilm @iatselocal667 @canadiancinematographer @actratoronto @entpartners @rocketsciencevfx @ontariocreates @humbermediaarts @bronwyn.zip #BlackScreenOffice #FuturesFestival #PinewoodStudios #TorontoFilm #CanadianFilm FilmIndustry TVIndustry EmergingCreators OntarioCreates ACTRA IATSE667 VFX Cinematography MediaArts TorontoCreatives

On April 29 in Montréal, Coalition M.É.D.I.A. and Black on Black Films, with the Black Screen Office, launched the Being Seen Québec Report — a roadmap toward authentic representation in Québec’s screen industry. A day of workshops, panels, and the kind of conversations this work has long deserved. The report names what Black and racialized creators in Québec already know. Chronic underfunding. Limited opportunities. Stories that too often lean on stereotype. It answers with sixteen directives to move from recognition to action. “Quebecers who do not see themselves on screen are less inclined to engage with productions that do not reflect their realities.” — Marina Mathieu, Executive Director, Coalition M.É.D.I.A. Photo credit: Tsikimamy Photographie (@tsikimamy_photographie ) #BeingSeenQuébec #CoalitionMÉDIA #BlackOnBlackFilms #BlackScreenOffice —— Le 29 avril à Montréal, Coalition M.É.D.I.A. et Black on Black Films, en collaboration avec le Black Screen Office, ont lancé le rapport Being Seen Québec — une feuille de route vers une représentation authentique dans l’industrie de l’écran au Québec. Une journée d’ateliers, de panels et de conversations que ce travail attendait depuis longtemps. Le rapport nomme ce que les créateurs et créatrices noir·e·s et racisé·e·s du Québec savent déjà. Un sous-financement chronique. Des occasions limitées. Des récits qui s’appuient trop souvent sur les stéréotypes. Il répond par seize directives pour passer de la reconnaissance à l’action. « Les Québécois et Québécoises qui ne se voient pas à l’écran sont moins enclins à s’intéresser à des productions qui ne reflètent pas leurs réalités. » — Marina Mathieu, directrice générale, Coalition M.É.D.I.A. Lisez le rapport. Lien dans la bio. Crédit photo : Tsikimamy Photographie (@tsikimamy_photographie )

The wait is over. The Being Seen: Québec Report is officially here, shining a light on the experiences of Black and racialized creators across Québec’s screen industries. Grounded in real voices and real data, this report uncovers systemic barriers, highlights gaps in representation, and outlines actionable steps toward a more equitable future. This isn’t just a report—it’s a call to action. Read the full report now (link in bio). www.bso-ben.ca/being-seen-quebec-report/ #BeingSeen #QuebecReport #EquityInFilm #BlackCreators #MediaJustice RepresentationMatters —-—— L'’ttente est terminée. Le rapport « Être vu.e : Québec » est officiellement disponible. Il met en lumière les expériences des créateur·ices noir·es et racisé·es dans l'’nsemble des industries audiovisuelles québécoises. S'’ppuyant sur des témoignages et des données concrètes, ce rapport met en évidence les obstacles systémiques, souligne les lacunes en matière de représentation et propose des mesures concrètes pour un avenir plus équitable. Ce n'’st pas seulement un rapport, c'’st un appel à l’action. Lisez le rapport complet dès maintenant www.bso-ben.ca/being-seen-quebec-report/

Joan Jenkinson’s Master Class at the RTA School of Media, Toronto Metropolitan University Joan Jenkinson, Co-Founder & CEO, Black Screen Office When I was starting out, I was often the only Black woman in the room. The circle didn’t open. People turned away. It took me years to learn: walk in like the host, not the uninvited guest. Last month I spoke to final-year media students at @torontometropolitanuniversity ’s RTA School of Media — and I told them what I wish someone had told me. Take up space. Build community. Name the thing you actually want. The industry isn’t always ready. Show up anyway. 🔗 Read the full story — link in bio #BlackScreenOffice #WomenInFilm #BlackWomenLead #CanadianMedia #Representation RTA TMU Storytelling MediaStudents

Changer la structure, c’est d’abord nommer les réalités qui freinent encore l’industrie. Joignez-vous à nous pour le lancement officiel du rapport « Être vu·e·s : Québec », une étude portée par le Bureau de l’Écran des Noir·e·s, la Coalition M.É.D.I.A. et Black on Black Films. À travers témoignages, analyses et recommandations concrètes, cette discussion mettra en lumière les obstacles systémiques encore présents dans les industries québécoises de l’écran et les pistes pour bâtir un milieu plus équitable et représentatif. 🎤 Intervenant·e·s : Richard Jean-Baptiste Marina Mathieu Stefan Verna 📅 29 avril | 13h à 14h30 📍 Salle Alanis-OBomsawin – ONF, 1500 rue Balmoral - Montréal 🔗 Lien dans la bio En collaboration avec @blackonblackfilms et @blackscreenoffice , cet événement est rendu possible grâce au soutien de nos partenaires : @cmf.fmc , @la.sodec et @inspiritfdn #CoalitionMEDIA #Fusée #IndustrieAudiovisuelleFranco #Équité #Inclusion

Congratulations to Shana McCalla, one of our Rogers-BSO Script Development participants, on her wins at the DOC Institute Breakthrough 2.0 Awards Competition! Shana takes home the Rogers Group of Funds $20,000 Cash Award, BedTracks $5,000 Audio Library Licensing, Ontario Camera $2,500 Rentals, and mentorship hours with filmmaker Min Sook Lee and CSA Award-winning Re-recording Mixer Michelle Irving. So incredibly well deserved. We also want to extend congratulations to fellow winner Yiqian Zhang on her awards — what a night for documentary storytelling! Thank you to the jury — Robin Mirsky (Rogers Group of Funds), Alexandra Roberts (TVO), and Brishkay Ahmed (Digital Warriors Productions) — for championing emerging voices in Canadian documentary.

#WHILEBLACK Digital Witnesses | Canadian Premiere D: Sidney Fussell, Jennifer Holness | USA, Canada | 80 min How are acts of witnessing transformed in the digital age when memory, justice and spectacle collide? Centred on Darnella Frazier, who filmed George Floyd’s murder, and many others, this urgent examination exposes the cost of going viral while Black. Saturday, April 25 | 1:45 PM Hot Docs Cinema Sunday, April 26 | 5:15 PM TLB 1 Community Partner: Black Screen Office @blackscreenoffice

There’s something powerful about being in a room where creativity meets opportunity. The BSO Symposium’s Business Exchange, in partnership with Bell Media, created exactly that space, bringing together creatives and decision-making executives for real conversations, meaningful connections, and insight you can’t get anywhere else. From sharing ideas to hearing firsthand what industry leaders are looking for, every moment felt intentional and inspiring. It wasn’t just about networking, it was about understanding the pathways, the possibilities, and the people shaping them. Grateful to have been part of an experience that continues to push the culture forward and open doors for the next wave of talent. Swipe through to feel the energy! If you spot yourself, colleagues or friends, tag them in the comments below! #BSOSymposium2026 #BusinessExchange #CreativeIndustries #Networking #BellMedia Photo credit: Neriah McBain, 2026 (@neriahmc ).

The 2026 BSO Symposium opened with a clear message. The industry is shifting, and how we move within it must evolve. “The pathways into this industry are changing. How we get seen is changing. How we build leverage is changing.” — Joan Jenkinson, Co-Founder & CEO, Black Screen Office The conversation emphasized that access alone is not enough. Being in the room matters, but shaping what happens within it is where real impact happens. For many attendees, the day began with a strong sense of purpose, grounded in both the realities of the industry and the opportunities ahead. Spaces like this continue to be essential for connection, learning, and building sustainable careers. Discover more about the conversations, insights, and momentum coming out of this year’s Symposium. Read more on our blog at www.bso-ben.ca (link in bio). Speakers: Joan Jenkinson (Co-Founder & CEO, Black Screen Office), Richard Jean-Baptiste (BSO Board Co-Chair, Montréal), and Haydn Wazelle (BSO Board Co-Chair, Vancouver). Hosted by Lanette Ware-Bushfield (Producer, Actress, CEO). Photo Credit: Henji Milius, iOptixStudio Inc., 2026 (@ioptixstudio ).

Celebrate National Canadian Film Day on April 15 by diving into the incredible stories, voices, and talent that make Canadian cinema shine. From powerful dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, there’s a film for everyone to enjoy! Grab some popcorn, support local creators, and discover (or rediscover) the magic of Canadian film. Here is where you can catch these Canadian gems this month: 40 Acres: You can catch a special free screening on April 15 at 7:30 PM at the Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto, presented by the Canadian Film Fest. It includes a Q&A with director R.T. Thorne. It Comes in Waves: Directed by Fitch Jean, is officially set to premiere on Crave on April 15! Black Zombie: You can catch the premiere by director Maya Annik Bedward at Hot Docs Cinema on April 24 at 9:15 PM or on April 25 at 11:00 AM at TIFF Lightbox 1. This film is also part of CUFF. It screens on April 25 at 6:30 PM at the Globe Cinema. #WhileBlack: Directed by Sidney Fussell and Jennifer Holness premieres Apr 25, 1:45 PM and on Apr 26, 5:15 PM at the Hoc Docs Cinema. Sway: Directed by Charlie Hamilton and Zachary Ramelan, is available to stream on Tubi and the Roku Channel and available for rent or purchase on Prime video and Apple TV. A Tribe Called Love: This film is slated to arrive at the Cineplex Queensway, Cineplex Empress Walk and the Fox Theatre on April 17th. It will also premiere in Montreal (April 24), Ottawa (April 26), and Saskatoon (April 29). Directed by Mohamed Ahmed and produced by Andy Marshall. Youngblood (2026): Check your local Cineplex and Landmark Cinemas for listings. The new hockey drama directed by Hubert Davis is also available for rent or purchase on Prime Video Canada. Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story: This comedic documentary series is currently streaming on Paramount+ Canada and Game TV. Creator/Showrunner, Anthony Q. Farrell. Directed by Cory Bowles and R.T. Thorne. Seahorse: Aisha Evelyna’s debut feature is currently making its way through the 2026 festival circuit (including SXSW). Or Forever Hold Your Peace: This short film directed by Tope Babalola is currently available on YouTube. Which one are you adding to your watchlist first?