Keeping Our Stories Alive Through Film
Oya Black Arts Coalition (OBAC) is a non-profit organization based in Toronto, that focuses on supporting Black Emerging Filmmakers and Black Entrepreneurs striving to make a difference in the film, entertainment and digital media industry. OBAC is built on four pillars: Employment, Skill Enhancement, Experimentation and Entrepreneurship. These four pillars help to keep our vibrant stories alive by ultimately providing the tools to get our stories on screens, whether it is on television, in the theatre, streaming or in the metaverse. At Oya Black Arts Coalition (OBAC) we encourage Black creatives to write, direct, produce, and reflect upon their life experiences without having to justify, explain, or defend their reality.
We also feel that by providing hands on experience, Black youth can overcome challenges to entering a predominantly white industry due to lack of experience. Black males and females face higher unemployment rates than their non-black counterparts. According to a recent City of Toronto report it states that the unemployment rate for Black youth in Toronto and Ontario is 28%, which is two times higher than the national average of 14.3%. With these statistics, it is inevitable that many Black graduates have difficulty finding jobs within their discipline of study. This leads to a smaller chance of establishing a successful career in an industry/sector that they are passionate about, due to lack of work experience, training, and networking opportunities. Black people are at an even further disadvantage in the media industry where there is inarguably race-based disparities.
Also, by supporting increased representation in the industry, it can potentially allow more Black filmmakers in the corporate environment to voice their concerns on how films are directed and told. Although this can come with a fair share of problems and pressure, this lends a voice to the Black community. In addition, they can eventually gain a seat at the proverbial table to shed light on the black struggles and open doors for other black youth, creating a positive domino effect.
Many Black film producers don’t control the entire narrative of a production due to having a smaller business and lacking the resources such as staff and access to interim financing. With The Scale Up Initiative, we support Black producers by providing access to information and tools to grow their business to control more of the production process. In the program, we share knowledge about federal and provincial tax credits systems, and other major funding and revenue generating sources. We feel that by growing their business, Black producers can make stories to their target audience without fear of being silenced or defunded.
At OBAC, we not only believe in being able to tell Black stories using different genres such as comedy, science fiction, and romance, we encourage cultural expression through the use of various media technologies that they deem appropriate. With our Scale Up Immersive Lab, participants will gain an understanding of the Immersive Media industry landscape as well as knowledge of workflow and integration into storytelling. This program addresses the marked shortage of Black-owned businesses within the Interactive Digital Media (IDM) space by cultivating an ecosystem with already established businesses and experts in the field. While no race-based data exists for this industry, we know that this market is estimated to be about $1.6B in Ontario alone and is led by older white males.
Films that can shape public understanding of historical events often come from mid-career or more established Black artists. That’s why working with mid-career filmmakers and artists is another way OBAC has decided to make a difference. Black filmmakers and storytellers all too often struggle to get funding for long term projects that tell our history more accurately. The industry has a way for opting for emerging talents while ignoring those who have the experience to helm these important projects. Yet industry gatekeepers are allowed to age (and grow more adept with time).
Oya Black Arts Coalition, through our programs, is aiming for an exponential rise in the Black filmmakers, producers and decision-makers within the industry. With increased representation, Black film producers can annihilate the whitewashed history of Canada and tell an accurate account of historical events that may or may not be palatable to non-black audiences. This would continue to keep our stories alive and have audiences unlearn dominant narratives. Film producers are arguably the most influential storytellers, and we believe with support, Black Mid-career film producers can use this influence to educate and inspire.
