Hamilton’s first BIPOC film festival premièring in May at The Westdale theatre
Hamilton's first film festival created by and for Black, Indigenous, and other people of colour (BIPOC) is officially debuting this May.
The Hamilton Black Film Festival's inaugural series is scheduled to take place from May 28-30 at The Westdale theatre. The festival's roster will be composed entirely of films created by or starring BIPOC people.
The festival first came about when Paize Usiosefe, a Nigerian-born and Hamilton-based film producer, finished attending the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival. I was brainstorming what I would do next," said Usiosefe. And then it hit me: Why not do my own festival?"
Usiosefe got to work planning a new film festival - one that would be inclusive of all and centre the voices of racialized filmmakers. After nearly two years of planning, the result is the Hamilton Black Film Festival.
Usiosefe knows movies better than most. He came to Hamilton in 1994 and made a living as a poet and novelist. A prolific writer, Usiosefe decided to step into a new art form in 2005 when he got his first acting gig. He was inspired to get into filmmaking by actor Jack Nicholson. I just like his body language," said Usiosefe.
Usiosefe began to write scripts, and eventually started to direct and produce. He now has a number of projects under his belt, including the 2013 film, Yakubu" and the 2019 series, Family & Friends."
Although he's been prolific, Usiosefe says being an artist in Hamilton comes with its own challenges. He cites a lack of financial support and a dearth of opportunities as examples of the obstacles Hamilton artists face. With the Hamilton Black Film Festival, Usiosefe hopes to create a place where BIPOC filmmakers can shine.
Everything we do with this festival is to bring everyone in the city together," said Usiosefe. We are trying to unite everyone."
Submissions for the festival are closed, and although Usiosefe would not say how many there were, he said he hopes to screen 30 films at the festival and that the number of submissions exceeded that threshold. Usiosefe said the primary concern is now finding sponsors. Donations can be made to the festival through their website, and Usiosefe's team is actively seeking out corporate sponsors. He says he wants to give racialized people something that comes around every year, once a year," and securing financial support is the best way to guarantee that.
It's not about me," said Usiosefe. It's about moving these things forward for generations to come."