The Charles Taylor Theatre and Media Arts Association is a not for profit cultural association that produces The Emerging Lens Cultural Film Festival. The mandate of the Charles Taylor Theatre and Media Arts Association is to educate, empower and inspire by honouring the influence of African Canadian and other cultural filmmakers and to bring recognition to their work. To acknowledge the educational power of video, media arts and theatre that is rich in wonder, honest compassion and wisdom. To present the unique work of our cultural filmmakers and to create a larger appreciation for their cultural stories. To be a training ground for our youth storytellers, filmmakers and performers.

The Emerging Lens Independent Cultural Film Festival runs 4 days in mid April each year. Every night the screenings begin with a cultural performance as it is important for us to culturally locate what we do within our community by shaping our festival within our own culture. This is then followed with the screening of the films, an in-depth question and answer session with the filmmakers with the audience and lastly a networking reception with the filmmakers.

Our theme is "Through Our Eyes". We chose this theme for several reasons as we believe every year we come together for the festival, creates greater opportunities and possibilities for our filmmakers and artisans in this medium to tell their stories through their eyes.

*****Canada Screen Awards Eligible Festival***

Awards & Prizes

Youth Inspiration Award
Inspirational Griot (Story teller in Swahili) Award
Emerging Lens Festival Fav
Best Music Video
Best Short Film
Best Animation
Best Feature Length
Audience Choice Awards

We also conduct a Pitch Session where the winner gets a membership to produce their next digital work through one of our partners, Centre for Art Tapes

Rules & Terms

Films should be submitted on DVD or digital media file. We accept submissions via mail and email

Films must be 1 min to 20 mins in length

Films must reflect the African Canadian / Nova Scotian / Multicultural experience or be created by a African Canadian / Nova Scotian / Multicultural filmmaker

Films being sent should be clearly labeled on the package: "NO COMMERCIAL VALUE - CULTURAL PURPOSES ONLY".

Awards and Official Selections are based on overall merits of the films and are at the sole discretion of the jury and programming committee.

DVDs and entry materials will not be returned, please send copies.

Entries should be clearly labeled with the entrant's contact information and project's running time.

Works in progress are accepted.

More than one entry may be submitted. Each must be submitted separately.

Filmmaker will assume shipping costs of material and print to The Emerging Lens Film Festival.

ELFF reserves the right to make any necessary changes in event scheduling or programming.

The selection committee' and jury's decisions are final.

Please do not send press kits with your entry. We will contact you should we need press materials after your film is selected.

Entrants agree to indemnify and hold us, including our volunteers, our directors, and our sponsors and affiliates harmless against all claims arising out of entry or participation in The Emerging Lens Film Festival.

All responses by ELFF will be made by email.

Official Selections will be contacted approximately one month prior to the festival.

By submitting your film to The Emerging Lens Film Festival you agree that you have read, understood, and agree to all the aforementioned festival rules and guidelines.
57 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ashwin Agrawal

    Thank you for hosting such a wonderful festival. I feel honoured that my film was accepted at Emerging lens. The communication by festival team is very prompt they make you feel valued and respected unlike some festivals where you feel you are talking to a wall which never responds. Thank you again Will submit in future as well.

    April 2025
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  • Sevenskies Distribution

    Dear Emerging Lens Cultural Film Festival Team,

    I just wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for organizing such a meaningful and inspiring festival. The Emerging Lens Cultural Film Festival was a powerful celebration of diverse voices and stories, and it was truly an honor to be part of it.

    Everything—from the thoughtful programming to the warm sense of community—was deeply appreciated. Thank you for creating a space where underrepresented perspectives can shine and connect with audiences.

    Looking forward to supporting and participating in future editions!

    April 2025
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  • Joy Shannon

    I am so proud that my short, Rock Island Prison 1864, made it into this incredible film festival! I've heard about this festival for years and I'm so happy that my film was accepted. They do great work, they care about the filmmakers, and they are extremely professional. Thank you so much for accepting me.

    April 2025
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  • Yogi Devgan

    such a great festival. I couldn't be present at the awards ceremony! but watched it online.

    December 2024
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  • the tweetations

    Although we couldn't attend in person, we found the festival's communication to be excellent. They even shouted out our film and other official selections on local news outlets, elevating the reach of emerging filmmakers. Can't wait to attend next year.

    June 2024
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