BEING BLACK IN CANADA VANCOUVER, HALIFAX & TORONTO

When two young Nigerians leave home to settle in Toronto, Canada, hoping to build a better life, they face challenges far harsher than expected and are forced to decide whether to evolve or abandon the dream they travelled so far to pursue.

“Kings to Strangers: The Climb Back” follows immigrants in Canada as they navigate loss of status, identity, and certainty. Through quiet moments of struggle and resilience, the film reveals how dignity, family, and perseverance fuel the long climb toward rebuilding purpose in a new land.

“Crowned” shines a light on Black women rewriting narratives formed in their earlier years. Through raw, intimate reflections, they reveal how shame targeted at Afro-textured hair has transformed into knowledge, pride, and radical self-love – encouraging audiences to unapologetically embrace themselves in their natural state.

“Hyphenated” examines identity among Canadians with hyphenated cultural identities. It explores tensions between heritage and home, language and belonging, pride and pressure. Centring young people’s experiences through interviews, “”Hyphenated”” asks: what does it mean to be Canadian, and what does home mean; capturing the quiet reality of existing in the-between.

Up-and-coming improvisers Alex, Frankie and Felix form a BPOC (Black and People of Colour) comedy group called the “Diversity Hires.” Part of improving their practice comes from participating in improv jams, where they experience the high energy and oftentimes ridiculous nature of making up stories with friends and strangers.

The art of animation is beloved by all but do we know who is behind the moving drawings that makes us dream? “The Modern Tale of Vancouver Animators” drops the veil on the current state of the animation industry, letting us know of the obstacles it can be facing.

Two African immigrants in Canada trace the roots that shape them as artists. By exploring memory and present-day practice, they reveal their rituals and moments of doubt when vision slips, showing how creative output is possibility and perception refracted through time.