CMF Unveils Actions to Support BIPOC Creators

The Canada Media Fund (CMF) has revealed two key actions it is taking to support creators from Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities.

One of the initiatives is a top-up in COVID-19 Emergency Relief Funds for companies owned by Black people and people of color. This is part of Phase 1 designated by the Government of Canada for cultural, heritage and sports organizations. It is available to companies that are majority-owned by Black people and people of color that received previous support from the “CMF Allocation” of cultural, heritage and sports emergency relief funds. The other components are planned for release in the months ahead, including funding for applicants who did not receive support in previous COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund phases.

The CMF has also engaged three new team members to support and connect with these communities. Tamara Dawit, an Ethiopian-Canadian producer and director, will be the lead for support for underrepresented communities for the English market. Diego Briceño, a Colombian-born media maker, will be the lead for the French market. Both will work with CMF executives to lead the CMF’s consultations with under-represented communities and will contribute to the development of the CMF’s anti-racism and inclusion strategy. They will also contribute to the development of COVID-19 emergency support for under-represented communities and will advise on changes to other CMF programs and policies so they are more equitable and inclusive. Adam Garnet Jones will act as lead for the Indigenous Initiatives on behalf of both the CMF and Telefilm Canada.

Valerie Creighton, president and CEO at the CMF, said: “We cannot thrive as an industry when Black, Indigenous and people of color communities face discrimination and barriers to access financial resources and support. We made a clear commitment this spring to act on this. Together, with our funders, the industry and leaders of racialized communities, we will work to create positive influence and dismantle the many ways Canada’s screen-based sector has reinforced systemic racism. The measures we’re announcing today are a further step in that direction.”