Emerging Black filmmakers unveil latest docs on Absolutely Canadian series

Being Black in Toronto features films from emerging directors that came out of the Fabienne Colas Foundation's Being Black in Canada mentorship program entirely dedicated to Black filmmakers. 

Watch the films on the Absolutely Canadian documentary series free on CBC Gem.

Documentaries from Being Black in Halifax and Being Black in Montreal are also available for free on CBC Gem.

Watch these six compelling films from emerging filmmakers in Being Black in Toronto:

GENERATIONS OF HOME
Directed by: Chelsea Nyomi
Generations of Home is a quest into Toronto's Jamaican community, specifically the Little Jamaica neighborhood on Eglinton West and its evolution over time. This heartfelt story highlights Jamaican people's significant contributions to Toronto's culture and celebrates the preservation of Jamaican culture after migrants recreate areas of Canada to resemble 'back home'.

I AM BECAUSE YOU WERE
Directed by: Gabriel Rogers
Gen X Black Canadians and their immigrant parents reflect on the noticeable parental absence at their childhood sporting and arts events, and the cycles of racism and poverty that perpetuate the stereotype as a lack of support instead of a deep devotion.

INTRODUCTION TO PERFORMANCE
Directed by: Ahlam Hassan
Welcome to theatre school. Lessons include: how to speak, move and be human onstage. Explore the transformation Black students undergo when they struggle in Eurocentric institutions that weren't designed for them to thrive. What does it mean to graduate from a drama school at the cost of your own voice?

LAST SON OF PANAMA
Directed by: Jadiel Dowlin Lewis
Last Son of Panama follows the origin story of Jadiel Dowlin Lewis, an Emmy-nominated actor turned filmmaker, who shares his experience being from one of Canada's smallest group of immigrants: Panamanians. Since with great culture comes great responsibility, Jadiel goes on a quest to find like-minded Panamanian Canadian creatives who are championing superheroic Black representation. But with the odds stacked against Jadiel, will he find any…?

REMEMBERING ME
Directed by: Abigail Whitney
Watch unseen family footage while a mother and daughter trace their forgotten memories. 

BECOMING MANSA
Directed by: Ivan David Ossa
A young African Canadian faces the repercussions of choosing his desire of creativity, art, and freedom over his parents' ideology.

Absolutely Canadian is a national one-hour series showcasing documentaries and unscriprted programs that tell unique stories from communities across Canada. All programs are produced locally and highlight the works of independent filmmakers in each region. CBC works closely with independent filmmakers throughout the region to produce this series.

You can see all previous seasons of the Absolutely Canadian series here.

For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.