M ontreal community-based production house Never Was Average has announced ten participants for the first edition of its professional development program for Black creators in Quebec, Des créateurs pas comme les autres (Creators Like No Others).

The nine-month program, launched in collaboration with Fondation Dynastie with the support of the Canada Media Fund (CMF), provides script development, directing and production support to Black creators working in the Quebec film industry. It culminates with the participants submitting a project to a funding program for production or development support.

The inaugural cohort includes emerging and experienced French- and English-speaking creators. The participants are Abel Habtezion, Ashley Phillips, Darnly Dubois, Frankie Perez, Joys Sekpon, Kim Ninkuru, Myriam Louis, Ossini Oscar, Quintina Lawrence and William Selviz.

Their proposed projects include web series, short fiction films and animation, according to a news release.

The program kicked off with a virtual component on May 1. The in-person sessions commenced on Wednesday (May 15), led by filmmaker Miryam Charles. These sessions include a two-day creative retreat and mentoring opportunities

During the program, participants will also be introduced to IP monetization and complete an online training course featuring nine videos hosted by Charles and other filmmakers, such as Khoa Lê, Jorge Camarotti, Mélanie Brière and Daniela Mujica.

Filmmaker Nadia Louis-Desmarchais, who is a spokesperson and member of the selection committee, said in a statement that “the film industry needs unique voices and stories, and this type of program opens doors to creative people who may not have evolved in the industry yet, but will soon become its new talents and help make it more inclusive and innovative.”

Des créateurs pas comme les autres was created through feedback from Black creators, with data collected both on the field and at the 2022 Sommet Dynastie. Never Was Average launched the program in April.

The online components of Des créateurs pas comme les autres are also available to the public.

Photos courtesy of Never Was Average; pictured (L-R) Abel Habtezion, Ashley Phillips, Darnly Dubois, Frankie Perez, Joys Sekpon (top); Kim Ninkuru, Myriam Louis, Ossini Oscar, Quintina Lawrence, William Selviz (bottom)