Fabienne Colas Foundation:

Youth and Diversity Program’s Being Black in Canada

(Being Black in Montreal)

The Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Youth and Diversity Program is proud to be back with a call for applications for its 2020 Being Black in Canada program (Being Black in Montreal), presented by Netflix in collaboration with the National Bank.

Thanks to the support of Netflix, the National Bank, and the Canada Media Fund, in addition to the 5 Black French-speaking Montreal participants, the program will also be able to welcome 5 Black English-speaking artists from the Greater Montreal Region. After an initial call for French-speaking candidates earlier this year, this 2nd call for applications targets only Black English-speaking candidates wishing to make their films in English.

Please note the 2020 other calls for applications for the Program in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax for 2020 are closed.

About the Program

This program offers professional mentorship in the audiovisual production of a short film with the theme of “Being Black in Montreal.” 10 young, promising Black filmmakers (5 francophones and 5 anglophones) will be guided through the many steps in audiovisual production (screenwriting, directing, editing, post-production, etc.), and will create a documentary short (from 8 to 10 minutes). This process will be carried out under the professional tutelage of an industry professional with professional equipment from L’Inis (l’Institut national de l’image et du son) and Peak Media (Postproduction).

Their final work will be screened as:

• World Premiere at the Toronto Black Film Festival – February 10 to 15, 2021.
• Atlantic Premiere at the Halifax Black Film Festival – February 26 to 28, 2021.
• Quebec Premiere at the Montreal International Black Film Festival – September 2021.
• Potential screenings to other festivals / events after March 2021 (tbd).

Filmmakers will address the issue of social integration of people from black communities in Montreal through film. The program addresses emerging creators between 18 and 30, who are from black communities and have a passion for cinema. Potential candidates have a dream to work in the audiovisual field but have not yet had the opportunity, due to social, economic, and/or cultural reasons.

 Eligibility criteria:

1. Be between 18 and 30 (included) on the date of application.
2. Be from a black community.
3. Have demonstrated an interest in the audiovisual field and documentary filmmaking.
4. Have concrete career-oriented plans in the audiovisual field.
5. Demonstrate motivation for the program.
6. Be available for activities related to the program, particularly from August & December 2020 for all training, creation, editing, follow-up, discussions etc; AND between February & October 2021 for screenings, festivals, distribution, promotion etc.
7. Be available to attend the Black Film Festivals tour in Montréal, Toronto, and Halifax.
8. Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
9. Live in the Greater Montreal Area.
10. Submit a video or film you made in a non-professional setting (short film, clip, video, etc.).
11. Submit a concrete documentary project that fits the program theme (250 words).
12. Speak and write French fluently (in order to fully participate in class).

People who have already created, completed, or directed professional videos or films are NOT eligible.

Films can be created in English; HOWEVER, each applicant must be fluent in French to fully benefit from the program and easily take part in training, mentorships and more.

Hurry and send in your application before August 31, 2020, by clicking HERE, to have the chance to participate in this program. Only selected candidates will be contacted.