It’s the 10th anniversary of this local film festival, and it arrives on a strange year — what with a pandemic that’s still raging around the world. This is the first film fest to launch in Halifax amidst this social distancing time, and as a result has pivoted to an all-online, all-free model.

The Emerging Lens Film Fest‘s mandate is to “educate, empower and inspire by honouring the influence of African Canadian and other cultural filmmakers and to bring recognition to their work.” Last year it screened the controversial documentary This Is North Preston, and for a decade now has been providing opportunities for first time or developing filmmakers of colour to get their cinematic voices heard.

Screening through to Sunday, the festival highlights short films from around the world, music videos, and short animation, including a new work from Lance Sampson aka Aquakultre. There’ll also be Q&As with filmmakers.

Here’s the full schedule of screenings.