Acting Student Alia Ettienne Named Latest Winner of BMO BIPOC Creative Achievement Award

Acting for Film, TV & the Theatre student Alia Ettienne has been selected as this term’s recipient of the BMO BIPOC Creative Achievement Award – a quarterly $1,250 bursary that celebrates the creativity and promise of full-time students who identify as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Colour.

Created to help foster greater diversity and representation in Canada’s creative industries, the award aims to support Toronto Film School students in overcoming financial barriers so they can successfully complete their programs and pursue their artistic dreams.

Ettienne called her selection as this term’s recipient of the bursary a “massive deal” to her – and one of the main reasons she’ll be able to continue pursuing her acting diploma while also juggling parenthood.

“When I began attending the Toronto Film School my son was 18 months old, and the separation anxiety was horrid. I would always tell myself, ‘You drop your kid off at daycare four days a week just to come to these classes. Don’t miss out on that time with your son just to be mediocre,’” she recalled.

“Some would say I was putting too much pressure on myself. To me, it’s a reminder that he always comes first. Winning this award solidifies the idea that I can do both. Be a mom and a student. Successfully.”

A Creative Journey Rooted in Theatre and Community

Before enrolling at Toronto Film School, Ettienne had already made a name for herself in the theatre world.

In 2016, the graduate of Sheridan College’s Performance Program premiered her first solo show, YellowZoned – a candid day-in-the-life of a young woman in her early twenties navigating anxiety, adulthood, and the pressures of a sanist world – at the Toronto Fringe Festival, later remounting the piece twice in Hamilton.

Around the same time, Etienne – who has also taken courses in Creative Writing and Arts and Entertainment Marketing to expand her creative toolkit – founded Chill N Do Art, a creative wellness workshop series designed for Black and Indigenous women that blends self-care with hands-on DIY activities.

But despite her early successes, Ettienne found her artistic momentum slowing after becoming a new mother. With community art opportunities dwindling, she began exploring new avenues, from Afro fusion dance and Zumba to on-camera acting, eventually discovering Toronto Film School.

“Leaving my toddler at daycare for the first time was difficult, but the support I’ve received from both my instructors and classmates has been transformative,” Ettienne said of her time at TFS. “I’m now in my sixth term, more confident than ever.”

Looking Ahead

As she nears graduation, Ettienne has her sights set on building a sustainable and meaningful career. Her first goal is to secure an agent – someone who can help open doors to more exclusive opportunities, including her dream of working in children’s television, where she hopes to combine her passions for storytelling, movement, and education.

She also plans to expand Chill N Do Art into the digital space by creating short-form video content for social media – making her creative coping workshops more accessible to wider audiences.

The Impact of the Award

It was the depth of Ettienne’s vision and the passion she pours into both her art and community that set her bursary application apart from the rest, said Jessica Lorette, a member of the selection committee for the BMO BIPOC Creative Achievement Award.

“Alia’s thoughtful vision, innovative workshop ideas, and commitment to building community really stood out for me,” said Lorette, Director of Student Experience at TFS.

“Her drive as a performer, community artist, and mother reflects her creativity and dedication. I’m looking forward to seeing her continued impact.”

For Ettienne, the BMO BIPOC Creative Achievement Award represents more than financial relief – it’s an investment in her future as a performer, mother, and community artist.

She plans to put the tuition savings the bursary allows her towards ongoing dance and vocal training, childcare support, and lastly, driving school – all of which she says are vital to maintaining momentum after graduation.

“This support will directly fuel my growth as a performer, mother, and community artist,” she said.

“It will help me continue to build on the foundation I’ve established at Toronto Film School and ensure that I can keep telling stories that reflect the world I live in and the experiences of those who may be considered ‘other.’”

Follow Ettienne on Instagram, and Chill N Do Art on Instagram and TikTok.