
OYA Black Arts (OBAC) have released the findings of their latest research project Creating Space for Black Emerging Talent.

January 30, 2025, Ottawa – OYA Black Arts Coalition (OBAC) is proud to announce the release of their latest research project. Titled Creating Space for Black Emerging Talent it gaps in the Canadian media landscape. When it comes to uplifting, centering and opening the floor to Emerging Black Filmmakers (EBF). Supported by the Canadian Media Fund (CMF), the preview of this report was released today at the Canadian Media Producers Prime Time conference in Ottawa. The report preview is available now at https://oyablackarts.org/research.
At a time when representation is a growing concern in the industry. And divisiveness is growing around the world, the Creating Space for Black Emerging Talent paper aims to address Anti-Black racism and dismantle racial disparities within the industry. Fostering lasting change for Black creatives both behind and in front of the camera.

Erasing Communities
“Historically, the Black experience is often left out of public discourse,” said head researcher Dr. Emmanuel Tabi. “Finding and addressing the barriers, creating accessible support systems and encouraging EBFs to take up space and tell their stories is how we bridge the gap.”
Conducted in 2024, this research covers five provinces from coast to coast across Canada including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario (Toronto), Quebec (Montreal) and Nova Scotia. Commissioned by the CMF and OBAC, it was conducted by Dr. Emmanuel Tabi, Kourtney Jackson, and Dr. Mama Adobea Nii Owoo along with a Postdoctoral Fellow at McGill University.

Looking internally, a survey of the OBAC Emerging Filmmakers Program alumni reported that 92% have worked in film since completing the program. 83% are still working in the industry currently and 92% of alumni have had new opportunities within the film industry since completing the program. With that in mind, the organization supported by the CMF decided to look into the experiences of EBFs in the industry and initiatives that work to support Black youth in film to ensure that emerging Black filmmakers enter into safe spaces that give them the opportunity to thrive.
Stereotypes
“We’re so proud of the work we’ve been able to accomplish in Toronto with OBAC and our talented alumni,” said co-founder of OBAC Ngardy Conteh George. “Knowing that so many emerging Black filmmakers are now equipped to work in the industry, we posed the question, is the industry ready for them. That’s what this research aims to find out.”
One of the key takeaways from the research was the importance of recognizing the intersectionality of Blackness in Canada and the unique experiences that are born from that. Race, class, gender, religion, sexuality and other social realities create a diversified truth for Black Canadians and EBFs.
This informs the urgency to move away from stereotypical depictions of Blackness and pigeonholing EBFs into only Black issues. This includes not only allowing for more robust and varied stories on the writing and acting side but also giving space to Black talent to hold opinions and provide insight on things that aren’t just about the Black experience (i.e. aspects of the set, opinion on non-Black characters, etc.).
To present the findings, Dr. Emmanuel Tabi was joined by OYA Emerging Filmmakers program coordinator Olly Azeez, OBAC mentor and industry lead Orla Garriques, and filmmaker and founder of The Walker Foundation Kamika Bianca Guerra at a panel at Prime Time moderated by development executive at OYA Media Group Silvana Rose Miller.
The research shows EBFs are working to create and share a counter-story to how Black families are often depicted in the hegemonic Canadian discourse. As artists, they are using the film space to heal from the historical ramifications of the immense oppression Black individuals and families have faced in Canada.
Mentors
To help in this journey, a clear opportunity arose from the study concerning the importance of mentorship. EBFs consistently flag the need to be seen, safe, understood and supported. To be mentored by people who have similar experiences is key to their success. While organizations such as BIPOC TV and Film, Black Film Makers, BSO, Reelworld Institute, OYA, and The Black Academy exist, there is room for more opportunities in this sector.
“Looking at the talent coming out of our programs at OBAC, you can see the aspiration to do so much but the lack of direction because Emerging Black Filmmakers often don’t see themselves represented in the industry,” said OBAC Emerging Filmmakers program coordinator Olly Azeez. “Through our programs, we aim to support Black talent to succeed beyond the confines of our projects and work, but for that to be successful the industry needs to be receptive to a shift in representation as well.”
Creating Space for Black Emerging Talent dives into all aspects of Black representation on and behind the camera and the on-set experience of EBFs in the Canadian media landscape. Entertainment professionals can read the research in its entirety when OBAC publishes the full paper at a later date.

About OYA Black Arts Coalition
OYA Black Arts Coalition (OBAC) is a non-profit charitable organization. OBAC exists to support Black artists, creators and entrepreneurs within Canada’s entertainment sector. This is achievable by equipping and empowering Black creatives with the skills, support and resources necessary to succeed. OBAC addresses systemic inequalities by providing sustainable solutions. This includes mentorship, networking, programs, unique initiatives. As well as industry training by providing a safe space for experimentation