Black Women Film & Media Canada

What Black Women Film & Media Canada does

Black Women Film & Media Canada (BWF Canada / BWFM) is a Toronto-based not-for-profit organization founded in 2015/2016 by Ella Cooper alongside 40 Black women filmmakers, with institutional support from TIFF, CBC, the Nia Centre for the Arts, and the National Film Board of Canada. It is described as the only organization in Canada exclusively dedicated to Black women-identified people working in film and media, and as of its 10th anniversary in 2025 it reports having supported over 1,000 Black women across a decade of programming.

The organization delivers a portfolio of fully subsidized programs spanning youth through established professionals: the Reel Change Residency (a 17-month national program for Black women producers funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada and touring Montreal, Vancouver, Halifax, and Winnipeg), the Big Up Producers Residency, the Advanced Cinematography Workshop (delivered at William F White studios with Netflix studio space and Hire Higher DP mentors), the M/Othering in the Industry Residency and Symposium for Black women parents, the Black Girls Film Camp, the annual TIFF Cohort (15 filmmakers), the DREAM BIG Writer/Director Retreat at Banff Centre for the Arts, and the Elevate Master Class Series. Newer initiatives include the BIG UP Kids Incubator & International Producer Residency in children's/family content (September 2025 – March 2026) and the Power of Community 10th-anniversary anthology. Participants receive monthly stipends, travel, accommodation, childcare support, equipment access, and subsidized festival and market passes.

BWF Canada does not develop proprietary technology products; its technology stack is limited to standard nonprofit tooling — Google Forms for applications, Eventbrite for registration, Mailchimp for the newsletter, a website-based industry directory, and virtual/hybrid delivery platforms used for VR Film Camp (with Dames Making Games) and online residencies. Revenue is grant-dependent and not publicly disclosed, drawn from federal and provincial government bodies (WAGE, Canada Council for the Arts, Telefilm Canada, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, NFB, Canadian Media Fund), corporate sponsors (Warner Bros Discovery, Netflix, William F White, Inspirit Foundation), crowdfunding campaigns, and individual donations tiered from $250 to $5,000. The organization operates a headquarters in Toronto, a new bilingual hub in Montreal, and runs programs in partnership with venues and cultural institutions across Canada.

Name

Black Women Film & Media Canada

Legal name

Black Women Film! Canada

Website

https://blackwomenfilm.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Black Women Film & Media Canada is a Toronto-based not-for-profit, founded in 2015/2016 by Ella Cooper, that delivers fully subsidized residencies, workshops, film camps, and industry access programs exclusively for Black women-identified filmmakers, producers, cinematographers, and media artists across Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Film & Media Arts Support Services (Nonprofit)

NAICS

Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries (512)

SIC

Services-Allied To Motion Picture Production (7819)

akta.pro primary industry

Media Arts & Film/Photography Nonprofits (BPAGAHAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Photography & Videography Arts Programs (EDAMAAAC)

Keywords

• Filmmaker mentorship programs
• Arts residency programs
• Film industry training
• Media arts education
• Nonprofit film support

Headquarters

HQ city

Toronto

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Public Funding: BWF Canada receives significant operational and program funding from federal and provincial government bodies including the Government of Canada, Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE), Canada Council for the Arts, Telefilm Canada, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, and the National Film Board of Canada. These grants fund specific programs and organizational operations. The organization was founded with support from TIFF, CBC, the Nia Centre for the Arts, and the NFB.
2. Corporate Sponsorships and Donations: BWF Canada receives financial and in-kind support from corporate sponsors including Warner Bros Discovery, Netflix, William F White, Inspirit Foundation, and OYA Black Arts Coalition. The organization runs periodic crowdfunding campaigns (e.g., Indiegogo 'Thrive' campaign) and accepts charitable donations at various giving tiers (Changemaker $1,000-$5,000, Trailblazer $500-$1,000, Black AF $250-$500) in exchange forVIP event access, swag, and screenings.
3. Program Registration Fees: Some public events charge nominal fees. The M/Othering in the Industry Symposium charged $35 per panel or $50 for all three panels, with proceeds supporting BWF Canada operations. Most core programs for Black women-identified participants are fully subsidized, with registration free for participants.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Black Women Film & Media Canada is a Canadian not-for-profit organization that delivers fully subsidized career-development residencies, hands-on film and media workshops, youth film camps, industry-access delegations, and community-support programs for Black women-identified filmmakers, producers, cinematographers, and media artists across Canada. Programs are free or fully subsidized for participants and cover emerging, mid-career, and established career stages from youth through professional practice.

Product overview

Black Women Film & Media Canada is a not-for-profit organization offering a holistic suite of programs for Black women filmmakers, media artists, and content creators across Canada. The portfolio includes career development residencies (Reel Change Residency, Big Up Producers Residency), hands-on skill-building workshops (Advanced Cinematography Workshop, Elevate Master Class Series), youth programming (Black Girls Film Camp), industry access initiatives (TIFF Cohort, Writer/Director Retreat), community support programs (M/Othering in the Industry Residency), an industry directory, and a 10th anniversary anthology project. All programs are fully subsidized and designed to support Black women at all stages of their careers from emerging youth filmmakers to established professionals.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Reel Change: A 17-month systematic change program for Black women producers focusing on supporting their success in the film and TV industry and creating inclusive working environments.
• BIG UP Producers Residency
• Advanced Cinematography Workshop
• M/Othering in the Industry
• Black Girls Film Camp
• BWF x TIFF Cohort
• DREAM BIG: Writer/Director Retreat
• ELEVATE Master Class Series

Products and services

• Reel Change Producer Residency
• Big Up Producers Residency
• BIG UP KIDS Incubator & International Producer Residency
• Advanced Cinematography Workshop
• M/Othering in the Industry Residency & Symposium
• Black Girls Film Camp
• BWF x TIFF Cohort
• DREAM BIG: Writer/Director Retreat
• Elevate Master Class Series
• Black Women Film Industry Directory
• The Power of Community Anthology

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,000 Black women supported through mentorship, retreats, workshops, and community-building over 10 years (2015–2025)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Urban Shaman CentreminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Urban Shaman Centre in Winnipeg serves as the venue partner for the Reel Change program launch in Winnipeg on March 21, 2025.
• Fireloch Retreat CentreminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Fireloch Retreat Centre in Halifax serves as the venue partner for the Reel Change program launch in Halifax on March 1, 2025.
• Black Screen OfficeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Black Screen Office is listed as a partner organization supporting BWF Canada's programs and initiatives, particularly within the Canadian film and media ecosystem.
• Banff Centre for the ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Banff Centre for the Arts hosts the Dream Big: Writer/Director Retreat for Black women from across Canada in Banff, Alberta. BWF Canada partners with Warner Bros Discovery to deliver the subsidized retreat including accommodation, travel, mentorship, and pitch sessions.
• OYA Black Arts CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024OYA Black Arts Coalition co-sponsors the Big Up Producers Residency and serves as a key partner in providing Black arts community connections and support for BWF programming.
• Bell FundminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Bell Fund provides VIP meeting access for Big Up Producers Residency participants as part of the Toronto Industry Field Trip in May 2024, alongside Bell Fund, NFB, Telefilm Canada, Elevation Pictures, Hire Higher, and Netflix.
• Elevation PicturesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Elevation Pictures participates in the Big Up Producers Residency Toronto Industry Field Trip as an industry meeting partner, providing VIP meetings for program participants alongside Bell Fund, NFB, Telefilm Canada, Hire Higher, and Netflix.
• NetflixcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Netflix partners with BWF Canada through the Advanced Cinematography Workshop, providing studio space and pre-existing set builds so participants can learn advanced lighting techniques on a soundstage. Netflix also participates in the Big Up Residency as an industry meeting partner providing VIP industry field trip access.
• William F Whites (WFW)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022William F Whites provides camera equipment and lighting for the Advanced Cinematography Workshop. Each selected DP participant becomes an official WFW Camera sponsor and receives access to a basic camera package for the rest of the calendar year. WFW also provides training facilities and equipment access for workshop participants.
• Scarborough ArtscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Scarborough Arts partnered with BWF Canada on the Black Girls Film Camp, providing programming support and venue resources for the outdoor Afro-centric youth film camp program.
• East End ArtscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022East End Arts partnered with BWF Canada on the Black Girls Film Camp, providing venue and programming support for the outdoor Afro-centric youth film camp held in Scarborough.
• Workman ArtscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Workman Arts partnered with BWF Canada on the Black Girls Film Camp, contributing to the delivery of the outdoor youth film camp program for young and emerging Black-identifying women filmmakers.
• Clark Centre for the ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Clark Centre for the Arts is listed as a partner organization supporting BWF Canada's programs and initiatives.
• Dames Making Games (DMG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Dames Making Games partnered with BWF Canada to deliver the VR Film Camp as part of the 2020 Elevate Master Class Series. DMG is a not-for-profit videogame arts organization that creates space for marginalized creators. The partnership delivered a multi-weekend VR filmmaking workshop using 360-degree volumetric video at the Toronto Media Arts Centre.
• BIPOC TV & FilmcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020BIPOC TV & Film partnered with BWF Canada on the M/Othering in the Industry program as an association sponsor, supporting the holistic residency and symposium focused on working Black women parents in the film industry.
• WIFT-Coalition (Women in Film & Television)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020WIFT-Coalition partnered with BWF Canada on the M/Othering in the Industry Residency and Symposium as an association sponsor. WIFT mentors and presenters participated in the program, including D'bi Young AntiAfrika, Audrey Hudson, and others.
• Hire HighercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Hire Higher Collective provides professional DP Mentors for the Annual Advanced Cinematography Workshop, helping guide BWF participant cinematographers through the entire production process. Hire Higher staff are also available for ongoing mentorship after workshop wrap-up. Hire Higher also participates in the Big Up Industry Field Trip as an industry meeting partner.
• Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016TIFF partnered with CBC and the Nia Centre for the Arts to co-found Black Women Film! Canada in 2016 alongside 40 Black women filmmakers. TIFF continues to partner with BWF on the annual TIFF Cohort program, providing fully subsidized passes to the TIFF Industry Conference, special industry events, and select screenings for 15 Black women filmmakers per year. Founder Ella Cooper is supported by TIFF in various initiatives.
• CBCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016CBC was a founding partner in establishing BWF Canada in 2016 alongside TIFF, the Nia Centre for the Arts, and the NFB. CBC has collaborated on various programming initiatives and continues to support Black women in media through the organization's network.
• National Film Board of Canada (NFB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016The NFB was a founding partner in establishing BWF Canada in 2016 alongside TIFF, CBC, and the Nia Centre for the Arts. NFB continues to collaborate on programs including M/Othering in the Industry (sponsored by Telefilm Canada, in association with WIFT-Coalition, NFB, and BIPOC TV & Film), and provides VIP meetings for the Big Up Producers Residency.
• Nia Centre for the ArtscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Nia Centre for the Arts was a founding partner in establishing BWF Canada in 2016 alongside TIFF, CBC, and the NFB, supporting the development of Black women in film and media in Canada.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Women in Film & Television Canada (WIFT): Canadian coalition of women in film and television organizations providing mentorship, training, and industry advocacy. Comparable as a women's film industry support network; WIFT-Coalition is a current BWF partner on the M/Othering program.
• Reelworld Screen Institute: Toronto-based nonprofit delivering screen industry training, mentorship, and programs for racialized and Indigenous creators. Comparable mission and program structure (residencies, producer programs), and Reelworld is referenced in BWF board member Margaret Lewis's background.
• BIPOC TV & Film: Canadian nonprofit advancing BIPOC creators in the screen industry through training, mentorship, and industry partnerships. Directly comparable as a peer organization working on systemic change for underrepresented film/media professionals in Canada, and an existing BWF program partner on M/Othering.
• OYA Black Arts Coalition: Canadian coalition supporting Black arts and culture. Comparable as a Black-arts-focused Canadian support organization; OYA is a current BWF partner that co-sponsors the Big Up Producers Residency.
• Nia Centre for the Arts: Toronto-based nonprofit supporting Black arts and creative expression across disciplines. Comparable as a Black-arts-serving Canadian nonprofit; was a co-founding partner of BWF Canada alongside TIFF, CBC, and NFB.
• Dames Making Games: Toronto nonprofit creating space for marginalized creators in videogames and interactive media. Comparable as a Canadian nonprofit serving underrepresented creators with skills training; partnered with BWF on the VR Film Camp.
• Black Screen Office: Canadian nonprofit addressing anti-Black racism and barriers in the screen industry through research, training, and industry accountability. Directly comparable as a Canadian Black-focused screen industry organization and a listed BWF partner.

Broad incumbents

• National Film Board of Canada (NFB): Canada's public film producer and distributor. Comparable as a federally funded Canadian film institution and BWF founding partner, but operates across the full population rather than targeting Black women specifically.
• Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF): Canada's premier film festival and a major cultural institution. Comparable as a Canadian film organization and TIFF is BWF's longest-standing institutional partner, providing cohort access, but TIFF serves the broader industry rather than a specific demographic.
• Telefilm Canada: Federal cultural agency financing Canadian film and television. Comparable as a major Canadian film funder and ongoing BWF program sponsor (M/Othering, Big Up), but operates as a government funder across all Canadian content rather than serving one demographic directly.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/BWFCanada
• Facebookfacebook.com/blackwomenfilm
• Instagraminstagram.com/BWFCanada
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/black-women-film-canada

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Black Women Film & Media Canada