The emerging lens Cultural Film Festival has been a beacon of hope for Black communities in Nova Scotia, providing a platform for people to share their stories and showcase their talents. 15 years ago, the festival was born out of a need for a space where Black individuals could express themselves and tell their stories without fear of judgment or rejection. Since its inception, the festival has grown exponentially, with this year’s edition showcasing over 100 films from around the world.
- The festival’s humble beginnings
- The growth of the festival
- The diverse range of films
In an interview with The Coast, Shelly Fashon, co-founder of Emerging Lens, spoke about the festival’s history and its impact on the community. “This year, about 50 per cent of the films are local, but we do get films from all over the world,” she said. “When we first started, it was films just from the Black community, but we have since opened up to other communities that want to tell their cultural stories, like newcomers and Indigenous folks.”
The 2025 edition of the festival kicks off on Canadian Film Day—April 16, at Pier 21. The first night will feature a Canadian feature film, “Welcome,” a suspense thriller directed by Jevon Boreland. The film follows a young couple who, upon learning they are about to become parents, decide to celebrate with a weekend in the country. When they need assistance with the property, the all-too-helpful landlord arrives to fix the problem, deliberately overstaying his welcome.
| Date | Location | Event |
| April 16 | Pier 21 | Canadian feature film: “Welcome” |
| April 18 | north end public library | Local shorts screening and discussion with filmmakers |
| April 19 | North end public Library | Panel: The Future of Black Production in Nova Scotia |
| April 18 | Black Cultural Centre | Screenings of short films created by students in the “Black Above the Line” training initiative |
On Thursday night, the evening will begin with a performance by a local emerging artist at the North End Public Library, setting the tone for the events that will follow. The night will then feature screenings of a series of shorts created by 10 local filmmakers. A discussion with the filmmakers will follow the screenings. The events for Saturday morning will take place at the North End Public Library, where a panel called “The Future of Black Production in Nova Scotia” will be held. This panel will bring together industry experts and Black filmmakers to discuss the future of Black production in Nova Scotia. On Saturday evening, the events will move to the Black Cultural Centre, where screenings of three short films created by students who took part in the festival’s “Black Above the Line” training initiative will be held. This program, offered in partnership with NSCAD and I Move, provides Black students with hands-on training in screenwriting, editing, directing, acting, and production.
“I some of the students have received credits and are now working in the union, so it’s been a huge success
.” Shelly Fashon, co-founder of Emerging Lens. “The most important thing,” she said, “is that people get the opportunity to tell their stories the way they want in their own voice—and that’s the most important thing.”
The 2025 edition of the Emerging Lens Cultural Film Festival is a celebration of Black culture and the power of storytelling. With its diverse range of films and events, the festival provides a platform for Black individuals to express themselves and showcase their talents.