Almothana Mohamedahmed Named Latest Recipient of BMO BIPOC Creative Achievement Award

Toronto Film School has named aspiring director, screenwriter and father Almothana Mohamedahmed as the latest recipient of the BIPOC Creative Achievement Award.

Presented in partnership with BMO, the quarterly bursary – which recognizes full-time BIPOC students with $1,250 awards towards their tuition – is aimed at contributing to the diversity of the workforce in Canada’s creative industry by helping students who identify as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Colour complete their programs.

For Almothana, a sixth-term Film Production student and immigrant from Sudan, storytelling is always something he thought of as the “best way to engage people, solve issues, and give a voice to the silenced.”

And his skill in doing so has not gone unnoticed.

Film Production Program Director Bruno Lyra, a member of the BIPOC Creative Achievement Award’s selection committee, said Almothana’s belief in the power of narrative to inspire impactful societal transformation is what made his application for the award stand out from the rest.

“Almothana’s passion for storytelling as a tool to promote effective social change — particularly through the retelling of historical events — impressed me thoroughly,” Lyra said.

“He’s an incredibly talented filmmaker, who undoubtedly has an incredible career ahead of him.”

Receiving the BMO BIPOC Creative Achievement Award, Almothana said, will allow him to better develop those directing and screenwriting skills, enabling him to use his abilities to create “significant” stories depicting historical events and experiences.

The bursary will also help Almothana complete his thesis short film, Basement Game – a psychological horror film that delves into the fears of humans and the human spirit.

“I would be able to attend film festivals and meet industry professionals to enhance my career prospects through this award,” he added, noting that he aspires to become a feature film director with a unique filmmaking style all his own.

Almothana’s kids, he added, are a major driving force in his life and creativity.

“Being a father has strengthened my determination to succeed, not only for myself but for my children. I want to set an example for them, showing that passion and hard work can turn dreams into reality,” he said.

“This award is not just financial support, it is also an opportunity for me to take a step closer to my goals and contribute to the film industry in a meaningful way.”

Applications for this term’s BMO BIPOC Creative Achievement Award are now open! Apply today at https://mytfs.ca/my-tfs-on-campus/bipoc-creative-achievement-award/