Toronto-based program for Black filmmakers nurtures young creatives
![Michelle Berry Michelle Berry is a program coordinator for the Emerging Filmmakers program and says that while the program can be “a huge learning curve” for its participants, the filmmakers always “do a great job.”](/content/dam/cp24/en/images/2023/12/29/michelle-berry-1-6704789-1703874991386.png)
A genie coming out of a jar of cocoa butter?
Well, with the support of Toronto’s OYA Black Film Arts Coalition’s Emerging Filmmakers program, it can happen.
The film, titled “Cocoa Butter Wishes,” was recently filmed in North York and is expected to be released in 2024.
Michelle Berry is a program coordinator for the Emerging Filmmakers program and says that while the program can be “a huge learning curve” for its participants, the filmmakers always “do a great job.”
“It’s an intensive program to set them up for a career in film and television,” she told CP24.com.
“This year, we’re doing one film, ‘Cocoa Butter Wishes,’ and the filmmakers are having workshops that correlate to the production…we also try to do networking events, and professional development events as well, so that they have the tools and the resources they need to succeed in the industry after eight months.”
Berry says the program fills an important gap in the film industry, one she pointed out is “very, very white.”
“There aren’t a lot of Black people behind the scenes in the industry,” Berry said.
“And there’s not been a lot of opportunities presented to Black filmmakers and creatives. Our goal is to give them opportunities to work, and to help them build a career and have the same advantages as other people.
“Our purpose is to give Black creators a space to grow, learn and then have opportunities after they leave our program,” she continued.
When it comes to “Cocoa Butter Wishes,” Berry says she and the panel “just loved the idea.”
“It jumped out at us,” she said.” “It was a great pitch, and the original writer was very open to collaborating with the rest of the cohort on writing, producing and directing the project.”
“Cocoa Butter Wishes” will be finished in 2024, and is set to premier at the Emerging Filmmakers graduation later in the year.
“After that, it will be submitted to festivals and go on a festival run,” Berry said.
“We’re here to give these creatives a leg up when they go out into the real world.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6943621.1719510587!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Watch Live Now: Canadian analysis ahead of the CNN Presidential Debate
U.S. President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump are set to go head-to-head tonight in the first of two planned presidential debates. Here's how to watch the CNN Presidential Debate, Power Play's pre- and post-debate specials, and follow along in our real-time CTVNews.ca live expert analysis and commentary by debate and body-language experts.
'Hanging on for her life': Sask. family desperate to bring home sick niece from Philippines
For half a decade, a Saskatoon family has been trying to bring their orphaned niece to Canada, they say now it’s a matter of life or death.
'No additional flights will be cancelled': WestJet avoids strike as feds order binding arbitration
A potential strike by WestJet airplane mechanics would upend travel plans for 250,000 customers over the Canada Day long weekend, the airline says — and cost it millions of dollars.
BREAKING Nunavut judge sentences Toronto woman to 3 years prison for Inuit identity fraud
A Nunavut judge has sentenced a Toronto woman to three years in prison in a case of Inuit identity fraud.
Canada's top court rejects appeal from Sask. man who murdered wife
The Supreme Court of Canada has rejected an application from a Saskatoon man who murdered his wife.
Where do new Canadians come from? India and Philippines take top spots
Canada has welcomed more than 3.9 million new citizens since 2005, with nearly one third coming from India, the Philippines or China, according to a CTVNews.ca analysis.
Marilyn Monroe's former Los Angeles home declared a historic monument to save it from demolition
Fans of Marilyn Monroe have won a battle to preserve her mark on Los Angeles and are a step closer to seeing a towering statue of the silver screen icon remain in Palm Springs.
Man charged with threatening to kill presidential candidates found dead as jury was deciding verdict
A New Hampshire man charged with threatening the lives of presidential candidates last year has been found dead while a jury was deciding his verdict, according to court filings Thursday.
AI regulation 'a start,' needs to 'have teeth': Hinton, godfather of AI, says
So-called godfather of AI Geoffrey Hinton says he's 'pleased' governments are starting to take artificial intelligence, and the possible regulations of it, seriously.