A simple and elegant name that directly highlights Fabienne Colas and her commitment to culture and the arts. Using Fabienne Colas’ name honors her influence and commitment to diversity and inclusion in the arts. It represents a lasting legacy, while celebrating her accomplishments as a festival creator and cultural activist for 20 years now.
The Colas Theater is also:
- A tribute to a pioneer of diversity in the arts
Fabienne Colas has dedicated her career to promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts and film industry, both in Canada and internationally. Naming it “The Colas Theater” honors her pioneering work and her lasting impact on the cultural industry.
- Recognition of her commitment to inclusion
By naming the theater after Fabienne Colas, the Fabienne Colas Foundation highlights her exceptional dedication to providing a platform for Black and diverse artists who are often underrepresented. This name embodies the foundation’s core mission: creating a space where all voices can be heard.
- A symbol of inspiration for future generations of artists
Fabienne Colas has broken many barriers as an actress, producer, and entrepreneur. The Colas Theater becomes a symbol of inspiration for emerging artists, particularly those from marginalized communities, showing them that success is possible despite obstacles.
- Celebration of outstanding cultural leadership
The name The Colas Theater would emphasize Fabienne Colas’ unique cultural leadership, having created a global movement with her Black Film Festivals. Associating this theater with her name celebrates her influence in the international cultural sphere.
- A name that carries credibility and international recognition
Fabienne Colas is a well-respected and recognized figure, both in Canada and internationally. The Colas Theater carries that credibility and prestige, drawing attention to the productions hosted there and boosting the foundation’s visibility and its global mission.
- A leadership model for women and racialized minorities
The name “Théâtre Colas” will send a strong message about the leadership role of women and racialized minorities in the arts. It will serve as a model for these communities, illustrating that their contribution to culture and the artistic industry is not only recognized but also valued through concrete initiatives.
About Fabienne Colas
Fabienne Colas, MBA, is an award-winning actress, filmmaker, producer, entrepreneur, and advocate for massive inclusion in film and the arts. In 2024, she received an Honorary Doctorate from Concordia University’s Faculty of Fine Arts for her work promoting cultural diversity; as well as the Coronation Medal of King Charles III, from the Senate of Canada, in recognition of his services and his exceptional contribution to the community, to Quebec and to Canada.
For over 20 years, Colas has been a visionary change-maker and fearless advocate for diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism, helping to transform the Canadian film industry by challenging the status quo and amplifying Black voices in Canada and abroad.
Beginning her career as a model and crowned Miss Haiti in 2000, Colas quickly gained fame, winning the Ticket d’Or (Haiti) for best actress in 2001 for the film Barikad. After moving to Quebec in 2003, she starred in various films and TV series, including her directorial debut Minuit (2008). Facing industry barriers, Colas created opportunities by founding the global Black Film Festival movement, providing a platform for thousands of Black artists.
Dubbed the ‘Queen of Festivals,’ Colas has launched 12 festivals across Canada and beyond. Through the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Festwave Institute, she offers free training and incubator programs to emerging Black artists, addressing the lack of inclusion in the film sector. Her executive-produced documentary series, Being Black in Toronto and Being Black in Halifax, broadcast on CBC, has earned numerous Canadian Screen Awards for Black filmmakers.
Colas’s advocacy extends beyond the arts. After Haiti’s earthquake, she successfully lobbied both the Canadian and Quebec governments to make immigration easier for Haitians, reuniting thousands of families in Canada. She also secured free phone calls to Haiti for a month from Videotron.
Her leadership has earned her several prestigious awards, including a Medal from Quebec’s National Assembly for fighting racism and discrimination (2015). She was named one of Canada’s Top 40 under 40 in 2018, and Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2019. In 2022, she received the Visionaire Award at the Black Academy’s Legacy Awards broadcast on the CBC.
Colas has been using her voice and platform to champion equity, diversity & inclusion, community building, and socio-economic empowerment for racialized communities for two decades. She continues to leverage the power of the arts for positive social change and strong economic impact for a more cohesive society.
