Emerging Lens Cultural Film Festival marks 15 years of spotlighting Black voices through film

What began as a grassroots effort to uplift diverse voices in filmmaking has grown into one of Nova Scotia’s most impactful cultural events.

The Emerging Lens Cultural Film Festival is celebrating its 15th anniversary this month with a lineup of screenings, performances and panel discussions focused on community storytelling and Black creative excellence.

The four-day festival kicks off April 16 on National Canadian Film Day. Screenings will take place at venues across Halifax and Dartmouth, including the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, the Halifax North Branch Library and the Black Cultural Centre.

“This festival was born out of a need to create space for stories that often go unseen,” said co-founder Shelley Fashan in an interview with CTV Atlantic’s Katie Kelly at the Black Cultural Centre. “We showcase cultural films, independent films, animation, multimedia— you name it.”

The festival opens with a screening of “Welcome,” a suspense film by Jevon Boreland, and will feature appearances from Boreland and actor Shailene Garnett.

Other highlights include three short films created by students who took part in the festival’s “Black Above the Line” training initiative.

That program offered Black students hands-on training in screenwriting, directing, acting and production. Many of the participants have since gone on to join industry unions and continue working in the field.

Among this year’s featured filmmakers is Randon Wright, who began his journey with Emerging Lens three years ago.

“Shelley convinced me to submit something,” Wright said. “I had never shown my work publicly, and I ended up winning Best Music Video that year. It gave me the courage to keep going.”

Wright’s latest short film, “Growing Secrets,” was developed through the Black Above the Line program and will premiere during the festival’s closing night at the Black Cultural Centre.

The festival also incorporates live performances, community conversations and an industry panel titled “The Future of Black Nova Scotia Film Production,” scheduled for Saturday.

“We love to embrace these stories,” said Fashan. “There’s experience, depth, and creativity in everyone — and we’re proud to give them the space they deserve.”

All screenings are free and open to the public, films will also be streaming online for those who can’t make it out.

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