Creating Space for
Black Emerging Talent
Unlocking Opportunities, Amplifying Voices, and Driving Equity in Canada’s Media Landscape.
Empowering Black youth in film through mentorship, representation, and community-building.
A Roadmap for Equity and Representation in Film
OYA Black Arts Coalition (OBAC), with the support of the Canada Media Fund and led by researcher Dr. Emmanuel Tabi, conducted a groundbreaking study on the barriers faced by Emerging Black Filmmakers (EBFs) in Canada. This research illuminates the systemic challenges and highlights actionable recommendations to create meaningful change. With insights gathered from focus groups across the country, Creating Space for Black Emerging Talent presents a compelling case for fostering mentorship, storytelling, and community as critical components for advancing Black representation in the film and media industry.
OBAC Panel Members
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Silvana Rose Miller,
Development Executive at OYA Media Group
Facilitator & Moderator
Silvana Rose Miller is a seasoned professional in the Film and TV industry, with expertise ranging from creative development to production management. She holds a BA (Honours) in Cinema and Media Studies from York University, where she developed a deep understanding of global cinema and the business of film. Her career includes key roles at renowned companies like Fresh TV/Elliott Animation, Spin Master Entertainment, and Little Blackstone Studios. As a Development Executive at Fresh TV/Elliott Animation, she championed diversity, equity, and inclusion while managing acclaimed projects like Total Drama Island and Total DramaRama. At Spin Master Entertainment, she contributed to beloved children’s shows like PAW Patrol. Currently, Silvana is a Development Executive at OYA Media Group, where she oversees a slate of scripted and unscripted live-action projects, driving creativity and representation.
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Emmanuel Tabi,
PH.d., Assistant Professor, Black/African Studies in Education Department of Integrated Studies in Education (DISE) Faculty of Education McGill University
Panel Member 1
Dr. Tabi completed his doctoral degree in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning at OISE/University of Toronto. He has also successfully completed a post-doctoral appointment through the Black Child and Youth Studies Network at the University of Windsor. Further, Dr. Tabi holds an M.Ed degree in Human Development and Applied Psychology and has extensive teaching experience in sociology, community education and youth studies. Dr. Tabi’s intersectional Black Studies frameworks, strong arts-based and community-engaged scholarship with/in Black communities, and his wide experience working with school boards to address issues of equity, position him at the cutting-edge of crucial education conversations and school-community-university collaborations in Canada.
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Olly Azeez,
Program Coordinator OYA Emerging Filmmakers, Director/Producer
Panel Member 2
Olly Azeez is an emerging director and award nominee whose work bridges entertainment with meaningful storytelling, exploring life’s complexities through unique relationships and engaging settings. A past participant in OBAC’s Emerging Filmmakers program, Olly now serves as a coordinator for the initiative, mentoring other filmmakers while pursuing his own creative projects. With a distinct voice and passion for the craft, Olly continues to build a career that balances impactful narratives with wide audience appeal.
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Orla Garriques,
Inner City Films, Marketing Director/ OBAC Mentor and Industry Lead
Panel Member 3
Orla Garriques is a seasoned professional at the crossroads of film, television, digital media, and education. As Marketing Director at Inner City Films, she leads marketing, exhibition, and export strategies for film and TV properties. At OBAC, she mentors creators in immersive media and business development. With over 20 years of experience, Orla’s credits span acclaimed productions like Little Mosque on the Prairie (CBC+), Guns (CBC), and Love Jacked (Netflix). She’s produced impactful digital projects such as the NFB’s I Was Here and TIFF’s Planet Africa 25th Anniversary Legacy Site.
A staunch advocate for inclusion, Orla is instrumental in initiatives like OYA’s Scale Up Immersive and CFC Media Lab’s Fifth Wave accelerator. She serves on several boards and is deeply committed to fostering inclusive, forward-thinking approaches in the industry. -
Kamika Bianca Guerra-Walker,
Founder of The Walker Foundation, Film Director, Multidisciplinary Visionary
Panel Member 3
Kamika Bianca Guerra-Walker, of Jamaican and Chilean heritage, is a Calgary-based multidisciplinary artist excelling as a film director, producer, and writer. Recently awarded the 2024 Emerging Artist of the Year by RBC and the City of Calgary, her films have earned international recognition for their powerful storytelling. Kamika’s work spans short films, documentaries, commercials, and music videos, focusing on themes of mental health, addiction, and houselessness. Her films inspire empathy and compassion, encouraging audiences to lead with understanding over judgment.
With her visionary approach, Kamika continues to make an indelible mark in the global film industry.
Key Insights
Challenges Faced by Emerging Black Filmmakers (EBFs)
- Systemic Barriers: EBFs encounter gatekeeping in funding, leadership, and decision-making roles within a predominantly White industry.
- Limited Representation: Black stories remain stereotyped, with limited opportunities to tell authentic narratives of Black joy, family, and resilience.
- Lack of Inclusive Mentorship: Many EBFs lack access to mentors who understand their lived experiences, creating a gap in professional growth and support.
Impact
These results highlight the transformative impact of initiatives like OBAC’s programs and the urgent need for expanded support.
- 92% of OBAC Emerging Filmmakers Program alumni have worked in film since completing the program.
- 83% are currently working within the film industry.
- 100% of respondents found the program “useful” or “extremely useful” for their careers.
Recommendations
Building an Equitable Future for Black Filmmakers
Expand Culturally Relevant Mentorship Programs
Provide ongoing mentorship led by individuals with professional film experience, preferably Black mentors who can relate to the challenges of navigating predominantly White spaces.
Empower Black Stories and Representations
Create opportunities for EBFs to tell diverse, joyful, and authentic stories of Black life, moving away from stereotypical depictions.
Recognize the Diversity Within Blackness
Address the nuanced experiences of Black youth, shaped by intersections of race, gender, class, and culture, to ensure tailored and effective support strategies.
Foster Safe and Inclusive Environments
Develop industry standards and support systems that prioritize the safety, well-being, and creative freedom of EBFs.
Press mentions
Be A Part of The Movement
The time to act is now. Together, we can dismantle barriers and create a thriving, inclusive future for Black filmmakers in Canada.
This research was made possible by the Canada Media Fund, OBAC, and the invaluable contributions of Black filmmakers across Canada. Special thanks to Dr. Emmanuel Tabi, Kourtney Jackson, and Dr. Mama Adobea Nii Owoo for their dedication to this project.
