Students present successful Black History Month Film Festival

Tec Voc High School students planned and hosted a two-day film festival celebrating Black voices in Canadian cinema through carefully selected films.

The student team handled every detail of the festival. They created schedules, assigned roles, and even designed programs with help from the school’s graphics department. 

They wrote scripts to introduce each film and its director and created review sheets for attendees to share their thoughts.  

"This project helped me get back on my feet again for school," said Blair, one of the student organizers. "Alongside my classmates, we pulled this off, and I'm so proud. If there is a will, there is definitely a way." 
The student team watched many films before making their final choices. They selected four Canadian short films that showed different Black experiences. These included Pick by Alicia K. Harris, Ice Breakers by Sandi Rankaduwa, Silvia in the Waves by Gio Olmos and Lessons Injustice by Karen Chapman.  

Jaden, another student organizer, explained why the event was important. "Bringing attention to those left unrecognized is important for teaching people about the past," he said. "It helps create a better future." 

Educational Impact 

The students created resources to help everyone engage with the films. They made vocabulary lists and discussion questions for teachers to use in class. They also built a presentation that explained key concepts. These included microaggressions, racial profiling, intersectionality and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  

"What I've learned is how to speak more about Black History Month," said Keith, who helped organize the festival. "I also gained skills based on socializing." 

Rebeca Marr,  Tec Voc’s STEP Program teacher that supervised the project, praised the students' efforts. "These young people took complete ownership of this event," Marr said. "They showed incredible leadership and sensitivity in presenting these important stories." 

Community Celebration 

The festival went beyond watching films. Students also created a playlist of Black Canadian musicians to play outside the theater. The school's culinary program offered a special Black History Menu in the cafeteria. 

The organizers also connected with local Black-owned apparel businesses. Zueike and Tèmini donated prizes for a raffle held during the event. 

"This was a huge experience in running a big event," said Gabe, another one of the student hosts. "It was fun to bring everyone together to celebrate years of history."  

The students' work impressed Garth McAlpine, Principal at Tec Voc High School. "They're not just learning about film—they're learning how to amplify voices that need to be heard," he said.

The Black History Month Film Festival has become a model for student-led events in the division. It showed how young people can create meaningful learning experiences for their peers. 

"This festival didn't just teach about Black history—it built community and inspired everyone involved," said Tracy Darbyshire, Vice Principal, Tec Voc High School.