HISTORY
Founded in 1974, the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative (AFCOOP) is a non-profit, community organization dedicated to supporting the production and presentation of independent film and moving-image based work in a collaborative, learning environment. AFCOOP is located in Kjipuktuk in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. AFCOOP is committed to creating a welcoming space and affordable activities and opportunities for all people, and to breaking down barriers to access for under-represented and equity-seeking groups.
MANDATE
The Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative (AFCOOP) is a non-profit, community organization dedicated to supporting the production and presentation of independent films and moving image based work in a collaborative, learning environment.
MISSION
AFCOOP’s mission is to support the production, promotion and presentation of original, high-quality independent films and media art. Individual artists are at the heart of every program that AFCOOP designs and every piece of equipment that we invest in. Our programs and policies are designed to ensure that filmmakers retain full creative control and ownership of their work.
Funding and award decisions are made through a peer jury process to allow the staff to remain impartial and supportive. Juries evaluate projects based on innovation and creative potential, ensuring that AFCOOP’s resources are invested in artists who create high-caliber work.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
AFCOOP recognizes that there are systemic inequalities which create barriers for people in accessing filmmaking. We are committed to increasing representation of women, non-binary, Indigenous, Black and African Nova Scotian, people of colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ and disabled people and we have created policies and targets to address this goal in our programs and opportunities.
AFCOOP Board of Directors 2024
Sobaz Benjamin (Chairperson)
Anna Maclean (Vice Chair)
Britney Canzi (Treasurer)
Melānie Mendez Munden (Secretary)
Sandrella Mohanna
Sam Horak (she/they)
Israel Ekanem (he/they)
Seán Maheux Galway(she/they)
Terri Smith-Fraser (she/her)
Nicole Cecile Holland
EX-OFFICIO
Herb Theriault
Robert Tough
Bill Niven (Ex-Officio)
Jennifer Comeau
Dominic Fegan
FUNDERS
AFCOOP is funded by Canada Council of the Arts, Canadian Heritage, Province of Nova Scotia, Telefilm, Halifax Municipality.
