The B.E.S.T. Film Festival is bringing emerging Black filmmaking talent to the Winnipeg Art Gallery Oct. 3–4, with screenings, industry discussions and an awards gala.
In this episode of Community Hour, host Graham McDonald interviews Rogers Ofime, the festival’s executive director, and Sammah Ori, its director of marketing and communications, about the event and the opportunities it hopes to create.
For Ofime, the festival’s mission stems from his own experience trying to enter the Canadian film industry after immigrating from Nigeria.
Despite having more than 20 years of experience and working as a producer and executive producer, Ofime said he was told to start again as a production assistant. He said other Black filmmakers face similar barriers, with their education and overseas experience going unrecognized.
“The next generation of filmmakers cannot go through what we went through,” Ofime said.
The festival aims to give emerging filmmakers a platform to share their work, connect with industry professionals and find support for future projects.
Ori said Winnipeg was a natural place to hold the event because it is the organizers’ home. While the competition welcomes submissions from across Canada, they also want to build a filmmaking community locally.
Organizers said they received more than 100 entries, narrowing the selection to 12 films. Five finalists will be screened during the awards gala, with a four-member jury assessing elements including storytelling, sound and cinematography.
Audience voting will also contribute to the results. Ofime said including viewers in the selection process is central to the festival’s approach.
“Whatever film we make, the audience is the final consumer,” he said.
The festival’s first day will feature discussions with filmmakers about their experiences in the industry, alongside sessions addressing technology and the business of filmmaking. Topics will include finding investors, managing production funds and distributing films.
Ofime said the aim is to give emerging filmmakers practical advice from people who have navigated similar challenges.
The festival is advertising a grand prize of up to $20,000 in production support. Ofime clarified that the prize is support for making a film, rather than an unrestricted cash award.
He said the organizers also want governments and industry organizations to give emerging filmmakers greater attention and access to resources.
Their ambitions extend beyond the competition winner. Ofime said Best Film Studios wants to help emerging and marginalized filmmakers develop ideas and connect with the people and resources needed to bring them to life.
Ori said screening a short film can create opportunities beyond the festival itself, including the possibility of developing a story into a feature-length production.
For audiences, Ofime hopes the festival offers both entertainment and an opportunity to support filmmakers early in their careers.
“Why wait until they become big before we celebrate them?” he said.
Admission is free, but organizers encourage advance registration because space is limited. Event information and registration details are available through the festival’s website and social media.
Graham McDonald, U Multicultural Journalism and Media Arts Centre