About AFCOOP

Helping bring filmmaker's visions to life since 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 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.

In 1973, a group of filmmakers gathered for a drink at The Seahorse Tavern, then on Argyle Street, and changed the history of independent filmmaking in Nova Scotia. In that dark belly of a ship bar, the idea for AFCOOP was born. It was incorporated a year later on June 3rd, 1974.

As Canada's oldest English-language film co-op, it predated a majority of the current infrastructure for filmmaking, including the film programs of NSCC and NSCAD, the major film festivals, and the film and television industry, which at that point focused and funded documentary and educational content, with little interest in narrative work.

AFCOOP was born to be a haven for those who wanted to create experimental and narrative work in the city.

Original members included Chuck Lapp, Don Duchene, Bill MacGillivray, Chuck Clark, Gordon Parsons, Lulu Keating, and Ramona MacDonald.

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. 

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.

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.