The Black Women Directors Accelerator Program is an initiative of the Black Screen Office (BSO) that supports the advancement of Black women directors across Canada’s screen industries. It is designed for working directors with a demonstrated track record—through short films, web series, independent features, or other scripted content—who are ready to step into episodic television or long-form film directing.
The program offers real-world, in-production placements on active film and television sets. Each Accelerator Director is embedded into a vetted scripted production—either an episodic series, a feature, or a movie-of-the-week—and takes part in prep, shoot, and post, where possible. These are not job-shadowing roles. Directors are treated as part of the team and are expected to participate fully in the process, from creative meetings and casting sessions to working with department heads and engaging with producers and executives.
In some cases, when the placement is successful and relationships are established, there may be opportunities for the Accelerator Director to be hired to direct an episode or a low-budget MOW as a next step. The inclusion of MOWs has created new pathways for Black women directors, particularly those transitioning from the independent sector to broadcast formats.
This is a program with industry collaboration at its core. Productions selected to host Accelerator Directors are encouraged to build meaningful relationships, not just offer access. The Directors Guild of Canada National and DGC BC support the program by facilitating connections to producers and productions and by opening access to key training initiatives, including the DGC’s Episodic Director Intensive.
Accelerator Directors must be eligible for DGC membership and able to commit to the full placement schedule. Each receives a stipend to offset time away from other work, as well as travel and accommodation support where required. BSO manages the overall coordination and provides ongoing support to both the directors and the production partners.
By focusing on relationships, readiness, and real opportunity, the BSO Black Women Directors Accelerator is helping to reshape who gets to direct in Canada—and creating a system that supports Black women to build long-term, sustainable directing careers.
For more information or to express your interest in participating, please contact Hoda Ali, Manager, Programming and Operations, at programming@bso-ben.ca.
