2026 Being Black In Canada
Events for Dec 12, 2026
PORRIDGE WITH LOVE (CAL) (In-Theatre & Online)
In Ethiopia and Eritrea, women gather to prepare genfo (traditional porridge) to bless expectant mothers. For 40 days after birth, the community cooks, cleans, and cares for mother and baby. Adanech Sahilie continues this tradition in Calgary, supporting pregnant newcomers through her program, Porridge with Love, with nourishment, dignity, and community care.
TAKING UP SPACE (VAN) (In Theatre & Online)
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.
JAPA (TOR) (In Theatre & Online)
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.
THE MODERN TALE OF VANCOUVER ANIMATORS (VAN) (In Theatre & Online)
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.
PARALLAX BODIES (VAN) (In Theatre & Online)
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.
KINGS TO STRANGERS: THE CLIMB BACK (TOR) (In Theatre & Online)
“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 (HLX) (Online Only)
“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 (HLX) (Online Only)
“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.
RHINO: DIARY OF A KRUMPER (TOR) (In Theatre & Online)
“Rhino” traces a Black man’s journey through Krump as he moves between vulnerability and strength in his Toronto hometown.
STREETNAMES (TOR) (In Theatre & Online)
“Streetnames” explores how naming shapes memory and power in Toronto.
STRAIGHT OUT OF AFRICA (TOR) (In Theatre & Online)
When a young African woman lands in Toronto, she expects only to be seen as Black.
MY TRUE LOVE’S SKIN (TOR) (In Theatre & Online)
A documentary connecting diverse experiences of Canadian Black women