If you think about it, Black filmmakers have made a significant contribution to the film industry. Names like Spike Lee, Ava DuVernay, and Steve McQueen might not seem popular to you, but they are by all means shining as bright as the Hollywood stars who act in their films.
In Canada, few or no black filmmakers have received the same popularity. Have you ever wondered why?
According to the 2021 Being Seen report from the Black Screen Office, which works independently to ensure that Canada’s screen industries are equitable and free of anti-Black racism, Black filmmakers are “severely underrepresented.”
Although Canada is a social and cultural melting pot, Black creatives do not receive the same level of attention as other filmmakers in the industry. A study published by the Black Screen Office revealed that only five shows commissioned by a major network were led by a Black creative.
Why is Canada Failing its Black Filmmakers?
Many Black filmmakers are being turned down when they pitch their ideas. Arnold Pinnock is an example. For many years, the Canadian actor fought to pitch and produce a series rooted in history and culture, but he kept being turned down for lack of interest.
Nevertheless, things have gradually improved. In the past, many would tell him that there was no interest in such narratives. His most recent television drama, The Porter, premiered on CBC; it examines the real-life civil rights struggle of railway porters to create North America’s first Black union labour. While his success is notable, there are still strides left to go.
In 2020, Telefilm Canada pledged to increase representation to abolish systematic racism; nevertheless, their efforts proved futile. A report by the Canadian Media Fund revealed that Canada failed to capitalize on global demand from indigenous communities, Black, or radicalized creators. Pinnock admits that it was a very tough and arduous road to get The Porter developed, but says that the change has been well worth it for Black filmmakers, and it’s important to keep it going.
What the National Film Board Needs to Do
The National Film Board (NFB) is a public broadcaster and distributor of films and digital media. It produces a wide range of content, like documentaries, animated films, and interactive experiences. Being in the industry for over 80 years, thousands of movies, along with some of the country’s finest moviemakers, have passed through its doors.
The NFB has done little to support Black filmmakers throughout the last ten years, according to a report by the Racial Equity Screen Office, a Vancouver-based film equity organization. With hundreds of films and movies produced, researchers who looked at the board’s online database found that there was no upward trend in the number of movies produced by Black producers as opposed to Indigenous filmmakers.
With 676 movies produced between 2012 and 2021, only 23 were directed by Black actors. By contrast, more than 485 films were directed by white actors. The report revealed that racism is often baked into the system. By collecting the data and addressing the issue, movie producers, creatives, and organizations can get a full picture of the racial disparities that impact Black moviemakers and use those insights to correct course.
Organizations like the National Film Board can promote Black movies by increasing representation in the production and distribution of movies by Black producers. They can also provide funding support for Black filmmakers and actively showcase their work through public screenings. In doing so, they will not only provide a wide range of perspectives and film styles, but also raise awareness of Black filmmakers in the industry!
David Messiha | Staff Writer
