BSO National Tour | November 4, 2024

We gathered in Halifax with actors, writers, directors, producers, and other screen practitioners from across the region. The conversation was direct, grounded, and focused on building real pathways forward.

We began with introductions — not just roles, but what each person wants to be doing at the height of their career. People named producing series, directing features, leading writers’ rooms, acting in roles that reflect their depth, and building companies. Naming those ambitions out loud, in community, was powerful and set the tone for the night.

We then talked honestly about the current reality in Nova Scotia. There is talent, training, discipline, and commitment. What’s needed now are pathways that allow people to move from training into consistent work and from working into leadership.

The room highlighted local initiatives that are already building strong creative and technical foundations:

• AFCOOP FILM 5 (Erica Meus-Saunders): A multi-month program that guides emerging filmmakers from concept through to completing a short film, with mentorship and production support.

   

• Black Above the Line (Tara Taylor): Technical and production training specifically designed to equip Black creatives to work confidently and sustainably on set.

   

• iMOVe (Sobaz Benjamin): A community-rooted approach to film and storytelling that builds skill, agency, and authorship for those often excluded from traditional pathways.

   

• Amplified Voices (Screen Nova Scotia): A story development process that supports storytellers in shaping lived experience into viable screen projects with voice and ownership.

   

These programs are nurturing skill, confidence, and voice. The next chapter requires a strategy — clear steps to move from ready to working, from working to leading, and from individual advancement to a stronger ecosystem that supports African Nova Scotian screen storytellers on their own terms.

Funding is a part of this, but not the whole answer. What’s also needed is:

• A plan of action for progression

   

• Mentorship that is specific, not general

   

• Intentional pathways to credits and leadership

   

• Opportunities that don’t require leaving the province

   

We shared that the BSO Fund remains frozen while streamers pursue a court appeal to avoid contributing required funds. We remain optimistic about its potential impact once resolved — especially if directed strategically to support regional talent development and project creation.

The BSO Symposium on April 7, 2026 in Toronto will be a significant national gathering — and a key moment for Halifax creators to be seen and connected to industry decision-makers.

Near the end, someone asked: “Did you get what you came for?”

The answer is yes.

We gained a clearer understanding of who is here, where people are in their journeys, and what will make the most difference next. And it was clear that the African Nova Scotian screen community is not waiting to be “developed” — it is already building. The role of BSO is to support and accelerate that work, not redirect it.

Our first shared action:
Each attendee will contribute 10 names of Black screen practitioners in Nova Scotia to build a regional directory that strengthens collaboration, hiring access, and visibility.

This was not a one-time meeting.
This is the beginning of an ongoing, practical partnership.

Halifax has talent and direction.
Now we work together to build the pathway that sustains it.