OBFF Brings the Best in Black Films from Around the Globe to the Capital

An electrifying celebration of Afro-descendant talent and culture will take centre stage. Founded by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, the Ottawa Black Film Festival (OBFF) is set to captivate audiences from March 22 to 26, 2024, at Library and Archives Canada.

OBFF is a dynamic fusion of film screenings, panels, workshops, and events aimed at promoting diversity in cinema and amplifying the voices of Afro-descendants. It is supported by key institutions like Canadian Heritage, Library and Archives Canada, Telefilm Canada, and Festwave Institute.

With a lineup boasting 40 compelling films from 11 countries, OBFF stands as a beacon of inclusivity. It welcomes audiences of all backgrounds to immerse themselves in authentic Black stories rarely seen on mainstream screens.

Fabienne Colas, the visionary president and founder behind not only OBFF but also Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Calgary, and Vancouver Black Film Festivals, emphasizes the festival’s mission is to showcase “exceptional work and authentic Black stories that don’t always make it to the screen is our raison d’être.” The excitement kicks off on March 22 with a star-studded red carpet event at Library and Archives Canada.

This year’s festival includes standout films such as Christophe Rolin’s Le voyage de Talia (Talia’s Journey), a poignant tale about a young Belgian girl who descends on a transformative journey to her ancestral homeland. As the night unfolds, attendees will be treated to a diverse array of cinematic gems, including Je suis la France, Semret, and Maboungou: Being in the World, alongside the renowned BEING BLACK IN CANADA short film series curated by the Fabienne Colas Foundation.

In addition to in-person screenings, OBFF offers an immersive online experience, ensuring accessibility for viewers far and wide. From thought-provoking documentaries to captivating narrative shorts, the festival’s digital platform promises the same richness and diversity as its physical counterpart.

In addition, an exclusive series of workshops and panel discussions will address social and critical filmmaking issues. Aimed at industry professionals and aspiring filmmakers, the Black Market promises to ignite discourse and inspire action on everything from artificial intelligence in entertainment to securing spaces in Ottawa’s film industry for Black creatives.

One of OBFF’s most anticipated events is the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA showcase, which features thirty emerging Black filmmakers mentored through the foundation’s groundbreaking program.

These talented individuals from Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver have crafted powerful documentary shorts, offering unique perspectives on Black Canadian experiences.

As part of its commitment to community engagement, OBFF introduces the Community Corner—a space dedicated to fostering dialogue, education, and celebration within the Black community. From roundtable discussions to youth-focused initiatives like the OBFF Tour CECCE, the festival strives to create lasting connections and empower the next generation of storytellers.

Join the conversation and experience the vibrancy of Afro-descendant culture at the Ottawa Black Film Festival 2024.

Whether attending in person or virtually, don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative cinematic journey.

Tickets and passes are available at ottawablackfilm.com, so secure your spot and prepare to be inspired.

Follow OBFF on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes moments: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. For the complete OBFF24 programming and events lineup, visit ottawablackfilm.com

About the Ottawa Black Film Festival

#OBFF24 The Ottawa Black Film Festival (OBFF) is a dynamic platform dedicated to amplifying Afro-descendant voices and showcasing the most relevant Black films from around the globe. Founded by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, OBFF strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and dialogue through the power of cinema.

About the Fabienne Colas Foundation

The Fabienne Colas Foundation (FCF) is Canada’s largest Black cultural organization, dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in cinema, art, and culture. Through initiatives like the Montreal Black Film Festival and the BEING BLACK IN CANADA program, FCF continues to empower emerging artists and foster a more inclusive entertainment industry.