Welcome to the OYA Emerging Filmmakers Program, where we empower Black youth to thrive in the dynamic world of digital media, film, and television.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The OYA Emerging Filmmakers Program, now in its 8th year for 2025/26, kickstarts the careers of Black post-graduates in film, TV, and digital media. We offer mentoring, networking, and on-site training with industry professionals to foster their success. With over 100 alumni, our program supports passionate individuals seeking careers in the industry. Applications for the eighth year are open!
Together, we'll open doors, shatter barriers, and foster long-term success. Join us and unleash your potential in the world of digital media, film, and television.
Program Details
Welcome to the OYA Emerging Filmmakers Program, where we empower Black youth to thrive in the dynamic world of digital media, film, and television. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive support system through mentoring, networking, and immersive on-site training with industry powerhouses, including production companies, broadcasters, and film department heads. Passionate participants who are serious about building a career in this sector are encouraged to apply.
Our program focuses on three key areas: Technical skills, Creative Storytelling, and Production Administration. We equip Black youth with the necessary tools to excel at all levels of the industry. But we don't stop there. We go beyond entry-level positions by aligning employment opportunities with their educational background and personal aspirations. Together, we'll open doors, shatter barriers, and foster long-term success. Join us and unleash your potential in the world of digital media, film, and television.
Our Program is Designed Based on
Industry Trends and Research
- Identify the Research Question and Problems
- What are the solutions?
“thought, why not work to fix the perennial unemployment and under-representation of Black youth within the sector by lending our support to new grads of film, television and digital media looking for a way in. I approached Ngardy about the idea and she agreed and that’s how Black Youth! Pathway 2 Industry (BYP2I) was born. We wanted to provide an opportunity for these youth to access all the information and training we wish we had when we first started out in the industry. For the past two years we have been providing mentoring and networking opportunities as well as on-site training with film department heads.“ - Alison Duke
Our Program Partners
Program Supporters
Platinum Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
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Our Sucess Stories
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"I thoroughly enjoyed working on the writing team on Family Feud, it was an excellent learning experience in a safe environment. I was able to use and develop my writing skills in a creative and challenging way. It was rewarding sharing my ideas and thoughts with the team, getting feedback and ultimately seeing the questions I wrote being played and said on the show. I also enjoyed being in the studio and seeing the logistics of the show. It helped me with my ongoing understanding of this industry while getting paid for my work and contribution. I am grateful for this opportunity and hope it continues so other writers can use this experience"
- Valerie Amponsah, Y2 participant
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"Working on The Great Canadian Baking Show was an amazing experience. Before doing the show I was still thinking what department I will thrive in the most. But now after the show I know exactly where I belong, which is the camera department. I have since been pursuing the mission now. The Great Canadian Baking Show was a family, and I am very happy to have been part of it.
- Tony Acheampong, Y2 participant
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"The program introduced me to many people who I never thought I would need or want to meet. This program gave me the hands-on experience I was hoping for in my time at school and other film programs. Going to in person events and talks has been knowledgeable and fun and also having guest speakers that allow us to learn parts of the industry that I never knew."
- Year 5 Participant
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This program did push me as a creative to pursue areas in film that I'm not familiar with, but want to be as a screenwriter/director. I learned screenwriting and camera techniques from the workshops provided by LIFT that really challenged my way of thinking as a writer/director, which then made me continue to build my passion project.
- Year 5 Participant
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"I really enjoyed my time working on my project with the team at SIRT. It was a learning curve, no doubt, but definitely a fun one. My writing and directing took on a new perspective when stepping onto the set and seeing all the new and interesting ways of approaching virtual production. Seeing the camera and actor work transition into Unreal Engine 5 was really something special."
- Olly Azeez, Y5 Participant
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“Overall, it's been a positive experience in terms of learning the theoretical component to producing as well as getting some hands-on practical experience with our short film we had to produce. Couple that with the resources the program has available, and you have THE optimal incubator. I am happy & lucky to be a participant in the OYA Emerging Filmmakers cohort 7.”
- Year 7 Participant
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“I am absolutely elated and feel incredibly privileged to be part of this producer's incubator program. It’s an amazing opportunity to learn and grow among some of the most talented, creative minds in the industry. Being accepted into this program feels like the beginning of an incredible journey, one that will allow me to refine my skills, collaborate with industry experts, and gain invaluable insights into the world of production.”
- Year 7 Participant
After the Program?
Alumni are welcome to workshops that take place after they graduate.
Professional Development:
Resume Development
Headshots
Soft Skills Workshop
Tours of state-of-the-art Film & TV facilities
After graduation, we support graduates in pursuing membership with the union of their choice. Some of the unions they may consider include:
NABET (National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians)
Director's Guild
IATSE
DGC GAP
We also offer membership to media art centers. Graduates can choose from:
Charles Street Video
Trinity Square Video
LIFT (Liaison of Independent Filmmakers Toronto)
TIFF
HOT DOCS
FAQ
How long is the commitment?
Programming takes place from August to March each year. The number of workshops held per month varies from year to year.
When do workshops take place?
Most workshops take place between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, or during the daytime on weekends.
How much does it cost?
The program is free for all participants.
How to apply?
Submissions are now open for Year 8 (August 2025 - March 2026)
