O Canada, This Is Where We Stand On Diversity And Inclusion On Screen
As one of the Co-Chairs of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee with ACTRA, Dorly Jean-Louis was invited to attend the inaugural Black Screen Office (BSO) Symposium; a platform that focuses on creating new pathways to bring authentic Black stories to life.
The sold-out networking event, held on April 2, 2024 at the Toronto Board of Trade, attracted decision-makers, broadcasters, streamers, filmmakers, funders, distributors, producers, and creatives in the screen industry. The mission of the BSO is to elevate Black stories to their rightful place in global narratives. It advocates for equitable policies and practices and also conducts a variety of practical hands-on workshops that focus on career development. Dorly attended the festivities and brings you this report.
That afternoon, The (BSO) and the Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) also announced the launch of an exciting new Black Producer Accelerator Program that aims to increase representation and support the career growth of Black producers in Canada. Participants will receive on-the-job training during this 20-week program across various aspects of production, including research, development, on-set production, business affairs, marketing and promotion. This program announcement was a welcomed surprise. It also suggests advancement is being made to elevate Black stories to their rightful place in global narratives.
