Response from BIPOC TV & Film on the Canada Media Fund's 2024-2027 EDIA Strategy
Toronto, ON | September 13, 2024 – BIPOC TV & Film commends the Canada Media Fund (CMF) on releasing its 2024-2027 Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Strategy. As an organization dedicated to advancing the careers and opportunities of Black and racialized individuals—and an advocate of reconciliation and Indigenous sovereignty—in Canada’s screen industry, we are heartened to see a commitment to structural change, inclusivity, and accessibility embedded throughout CMF’s future programs.
The emphasis on supporting Equity-Deserving Communities aligns with our mission to address systemic barriers faced by underrepresented creators. We are particularly encouraged by the expansion of accessibility support, the enhanced capacity-building initiatives, and the continued focus on workforce training and development. CMF’s commitment to collaboration and partnership resonates deeply with us, as we believe these elements are crucial to creating long-lasting opportunities for Black and racialized creators, crew and performers within the Canadian audiovisual landscape.
Moreover, CMF’s plans to increase market access for French content from racialized creators in international markets, including West Africa and the Caribbean, reflect an understanding of the global potential of Canadian talent. This is critical in ensuring the stories from our communities reach broader audiences while promoting sustainable growth for our creators and production companies.
As CMF moves forward with this strategy, we want to reiterate our commitment to working together to foster an industry that is genuinely reflective of Canada’s diversity and accessible to all. We are especially eager to support efforts to improve data collection and research, expand mentorship and training opportunities, and build inclusive environments where emerging and mid-career professionals from diverse backgrounds can thrive.
We would welcome further dialogue with CMF on how BIPOC TV & Film can continue to contribute to the success of initiatives like the Program for Racialized Communities. We are hopeful and excited about the potential for us to play an active role in the co-development of projects, mentorship initiatives, and strategies that prioritize Black and racialized communities in the audiovisual sector.
Thank you for your continued leadership in embedding EDIA in the fabric of Canada’s screen industries. We deeply appreciate your efforts and look forward to seeing these goals come to life over the next three years.
Read the full report at cmf-fmc.ca/edia-strategy/