By Joan Jenkinson, BSO CEO

The first week of the 2025 BSO National Tour reminded me exactly why we do this work — why listening, connecting, and showing up across the country matters. We kicked off in Vancouver and Calgary, and both cities left me deeply inspired by the talent, honesty, and determination in their Black creative communities.

Vancouver: Building on Something Real

Our first stop in Vancouver set the tone beautifully. Over 20 filmmakers, writers, producers, and industry reps from Creative BC, the Racial Equity Screen Office, the BC Film Commission, and more joined us at VIFF’s offices. The energy in the room was immediate — laughter, first meetings, and that rare feeling of being understood without needing to explain yourself.

As one participant put it, “For once, it feels like we’re not starting from zero — we’re building on something real.”

That sense of momentum carried through the night. We walked through BSO’s five strategic pillars. We shared updates on the BSO Fund, which will support Black creators with development, production, and training once the streamers’ funding is released.

What stood out was how the group connected the dots between funding and ownership. One participant summed it up perfectly: “Even if it’s small, it’s ours. And that changes everything.”

We spent time unpacking the Canadian funding ecosystem — what it really takes to get a project off the ground and how to avoid creative debt. The conversations were raw and real. “Funding applications are a full-time job,” one filmmaker said. “And most of us already have full-time jobs just trying to survive.”

But there was also hope — and strategy. Through a set of fictional case studies, we explored how to move from breaking in to being established. One filmmaker reflected, “The Netflix Dreamer needs a proof of concept — big dreams are fine, but you need receipts.”

By the end of the night, the biggest takeaway wasn’t about money or access. It was about connection. As someone said on the way out, “After tonight, I actually know the names of people I can call. That alone makes a difference.”

Calgary: Creativity Meets Connection

A few days later in Calgary, that same spirit took on a different shape — one rooted in resilience and realism. Over 25 people joined us, representing a mix of emerging and experienced talent from across Alberta. The conversation opened with an acknowledgment of the regional gap.

“We’ve got talent right here,” one participant said. “We just need infrastructure that believes in us.”

We spent much of the evening exploring the Talent Level Chart, a new BSO tool to help creatives identify where they are in their careers and what kinds of opportunities make sense for them. The exercise sparked reflection and, for many, a mindset shift.

“I’ve been calling myself emerging for years,” said one filmmaker. “Turns out I’ve crossed into mid-career.”

That kind of self-recognition is powerful — it changes how people show up.

The breakout groups took those insights further with case studies on fictional filmmakers at different stages. The discussion quickly turned to practical wisdom: the need for focus, mentorship, and collaboration.

“A lot of us are multidisciplinary, but at some point you’ve got to pick one lane and move,” one participant said. “If you’re a producer, lean into that. Don’t scatter your energy.”

We talked about the structural barriers — the Toronto-centric nature of the industry, the lack of mid-level mentorship, and the need for sustainable spaces in Alberta. But we also talked about solutions. BSO programs are designed to be national in scope, and I reminded the group: “We pay for travel, accommodations, and make sure you have a full experience — wherever you’re based.”

When the conversation turned to mentorship, it got personal. “We need mentors who’ll actually pick up the phone and introduce us,” one person said. And they’re right — mentorship is only meaningful when it leads to real doors opening.

What These Conversations Are Teaching Us

Both roundtables made one thing clear: the issue isn’t a lack of creativity. It’s the lack of infrastructure, consistent support, and visibility — especially for those far from the country’s center.

But what’s also clear is the strength of this community. Black creators in every city are doing the work, often without recognition or resources, and they’re doing it with courage and vision.

As one veteran filmmaker in Calgary said, “When I started, I was the only Black person in the room. To see this now — to see so many faces, so much energy — that’s progress.”

And she’s right. It is progress.

Looking Ahead

This tour isn’t just about gathering feedback — it’s about co-creating the future. Every city adds new voices to the conversation, shaping the BSO’s national strategy and the next phase of the BSO Fund.

We left Vancouver and Calgary with full hearts, long notes, and a deep sense of gratitude. The road ahead is long, but these first two stops proved that the future of Black storytelling in Canada is already here — vibrant, fearless, and unstoppable.

Next up: Edmonton and Winnipeg.