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DIVERSE CINEMA: TBFF Celebrates Five Years of Diverse Film Screenings

Published

7 years ago

March 7, 2017

BY ALYSSA MAHADEO

Cinematography, the art and creation of making motion pictures began in the late 1800’s. The concept of creating moving pictures to visually represent any story, has allowed for an outlet by which directors and filmmakers across the world can engage audiences by capturing real life instances, encouraging viewers to see the world in new ways by experiencing unique perspectives, gaining knowledge and insight into new material that reflect the realities of the human condition.

For the 5th year in a row the Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) rolled out its red carpet to welcome filmmakers and film critics from around the world to celebrate the very best in cinematic work dealing with the varied experiences of black people from diverse communities. Since their inception, they have been dedicated to sharing the unique voices of cinema. Their mandate is to bring audiences a fresh new perspective of the world and connect them with an illustration of major cultural, social and socio-economic issues faced by the Black communities across the world. Every film presented at this year’s festival offered something that spoke to the diversity of the city. These independent masterpieces were only here for the week, making them extraordinary examples of the very best as these films are the most deserving of the privilege of being viewed by the masses. The stories, timelines, inspirations and process behind putting together some of these films depicts many issues that people have yet to address, or haven’t yet been educated on. They bring up concerns that some might have not ever known about if they hadn’t seen a film or discussed its beginnings aloud.

Founded by the Fabienne Coles Foundation, TBFF has made it their mission to provide an opportunity for filmmakers to bring authentic stories to the center stage that reflects the realities of black experiences. Along with its sister festival, the Montreal International Black Film Festival (now in its thirteenth year), TBFF showcases new voices in cinema and encourages audiences to see the world in new ways. In connecting black films with viewers of all ethnic origins, they recognize the differences that make the communities they serve unique while celebrating the shared values that bring people together.

On February 15th at the Isabel Bader Theatre in Toronto, TBFF kicked off the festival in collaboration with Global News and TD Bank, as part of their Black History Month celebration events that honor the legacy of Black Canadians throughout the country.

As guests arrived for the night’s opening festivities they were invited to walk the TBFF red carpet networks and speak with other film fanatics, as well as mix and mingle with an elite crowd of filmgoers who shared in their interest of brilliant and inspiring filmmaking. Each year the films presented at the festival take audiences to places that are politically incorrect, they ask and prompt temporary questions and they make them feel feelings that they don’t normally feel empowering visions to continue influencing positive conversation.

To commence the night the woman whose passion and energy brings the film festival to Toronto every year, Haitian actress, director, and producer Fabienne Colas took to the stage to share with the massive audience her initial vision for the TBFF, and the importance of screening the films that are chosen each year.

“A little over thirteen years ago I came from Haiti as an actress to America thinking that I was going to conquer America, that I would be acting and basically for me, the sky was the limit.” Colas shared.

“I brought with me a VHS copy of one film that I had completed and had just won an award for; something that could be compared to the Haitian Titanic. As a popular actress in my country, I promised them that I would come to Canada and this film would be playing everywhere, however when I arrived, no festival would screen the film, it wasn’t accepted by anyone. I felt powerless and humiliated as though I didn’t deserve my voice to be heard, that I didn’t even deserve a platform to make that possible.” she explained her story, shedding light on the difficulty of making your voice heard when no one would hear it.

“In my frustration, I decided that Montreal could accommodate another film festival, they needed it. I recreated the Fabienne Colas Foundation dedicated to promoting education in the arts and started the Montreal Haitian Film Festival, which then expanded to the Montreal International Black Film Festival and has since accommodated films produced and directed by many big names from the Black communities across the globe.” For years Colas has worked tirelessly and passionately to support and promote independent cinema around the globe, keeping her roots intact she wants to offer a platform where people from her community feel their voices can be heard, and their powerful films can be viewed by the masses.

“At our festivals, we don’t care about the director’s skin color, we only care about the content being displayed on the screen.” Colas explains as an encounter with Caucasian director Sandra Whiteley five years ago is what sparked the idea of bringing her film festival to Toronto. “She listed out all of the reasons why our film festival was needed in Toronto, and although I was skeptical at first that conversation is what started this movement in Toronto because that woman gave me the push I needed to bring this project here.” Fabienne is a charismatic leader with an unwavering persistence and perseverance who makes things happen. Once she gets started, nothing can stop her, and she is very thankful to her staff working behind the scenes who are as equally dedicated to her cause a true reflection of the diversity of the festival.

For their opening night the TBFF was proud to introduce special guest speaker notable Hollywood actor Isaiah Washington, best known for his role as Dr. Preston Burke on the ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, and currently starring as Chancellor Thelonious Jaha on the CW’s hit series, The 100. In addition to his acting, he is a NAACP Image and SAG award-winner, producer and activist who is successfully carving a definitive niche for himself as a formidable talent.

“Diversity, as defined by Webster, is the condition of having or being composed of different elements; variety especially the inclusion of different types of people and people of different races cultures in groups.” Washington shared. “My thirty-year career has been for you and I thank you, and I love you as an Afro-American. I stand here before you as a black man, but I am just a man and I am proud to be the ambassador for this year’s festival.”

The main event for the night was the Canadian Premier of a film helmed by Emmy-award winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson, called ‘TELL THEM WE ARE RISING: THE STORY OF HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES.’ it was an unapologetic re-telling of the history of black education in the United States showcasing the brutality of ignorance, how slave owners prevented their slaves from becoming educated, and how knowledge became an opportunity for blacks in America to overcome the oppression of slave owners. The film follows the history of slaves, and their pursuit of education in America, taking matters into their own hands to escape the bonds of slavery. If you were educated you could not be enslaved; slave owners felt that because the slaves were their ‘property’ they were permitted to treat them however they pleased, with the exception of teaching them the basic fundamentals of how to read and write. The film follows the early days of black education in the south, filled with quotes by some of the most famous most educated names of the time. The film takes you on a journey of knowledge and empowerment, many unaware of the issues that had been faced during those times, or even the creation of all black colleges and universities to provide a safe haven or ‘paradise as many considered it for those who craved a proper education. They were tired of remaining as subordinates to their owners, and the laws against educating people of color had them erecting contraband schools where they could ‘catch lessons’. The timeline of events takes us through the rise of the black community in America up until present day where black youths heading into college and university enroll in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It was an eye-opening film followed by a skype call in Q&A by two of the producers on the film. Many expressed gratitude for providing the knowledge and research done for the film and praised the thought of inspiring even more young people who are the engine of change and possibility for the future. The PBS-backed documentary is an official selection of the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.

Over the next few days patrons from all over the city visited the festival to enjoy 2017’s selection of visual excellence with special events that included panels at the TBFF Black Market to meet the filmmakers and making web series, a master class with Sudz Sutherland & Jennifer Holness and a tribute to Louis Gossett presented with the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award. Actor, Louis Gossett, Jr. is one of stage, film and television’s most recognized and lauded talents. With over three hundred titles to his credit, Gossett has earned some of the industry’s highest honors; including Emmy’s, Golden Globes, NAACP Image Awards, and an Academy Award for his portrayal of Sgt. Emil Foley in An Officer and a Gentleman, and now adds author, director, and humanitarian to his accomplishments.

The 2017 edition of TBFF included six International Premieres, eleven Canadian Premieres and one World Premiere. One of Canada’s premier festivals for black film showcases they screened forty films from twenty countries in its fifth edition, including Sierra Leone, Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Denmark, Tanzania, Germany, Namibia, Hungary, Grenada, Rwanda, Canada, U.S.A. and more.

The films presented at TBFF are a brilliant display and a testament to the creative talent, of the community as a whole with the stories we have to offer. Most importantly the TBFF allows filmmakers to flex their creativity and tell stories in engaging Hollywood inspired screenplays to promote cultural diversity and educate people so they cannot remain ignorant of the social issues many face around the world today. The TBFF will continue to keep the conversation going, always in hopes of inspiring more change.

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Step into Spring with SheaMoisture’s new collection

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2024

TOCaribNews

BY TRISHA SMITH

In the heart of downtown is the historical charm known as the Distillery District. Nestled within this urban tapestry were the most beautiful Black women and men, dressed in purple and blue glam, coming to celebrate yet another SheaMoisture collection in the sheik Archeo event space.

The atmosphere was giving luxe with a welcoming and social vibe. As soon as I arrived, I was given a cute flower crown that brought yet another layer of cohesiveness in everyone’s matching attire.

The place was buzzing with Toronto influencers: women in business, creatives and journalists like me, eager to connect, while enjoying a tasteful selection of finger food and signature cocktails. DJ Martina was spinning the latest Afrobeats and R&B, keeping the energy high. There was a visual artist vendor customizing complimentary plants, and hairstyling stations, where women were upping their hair game with SheaMoisture’s new product collection.

Speaking of new collections, SheaMoisture is launching a whopping eight new products this summer! The Scalp Moisture collection consists of 4 new products: shampoo, conditioner, pre-wash masque and scalp cream. The original Coconut & Hibiscus Frizz Free Curl Mousse has two new sisters: a multi-styling mousse from the Manuka Honey & Yogurt line, and the Wrap and Set Mousse, from the Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil line. This one is for roller sets and twist outs while the multi-styling mousse was formulated for the ladies with braids, locks and up-dos. There was also a new whipped curl cream, and last, but certainly not least, a Coconut and Hibiscus +Flaxseed edge gel. We all know a Black girl’s edge is the icing on any hairstyle and this edge gel offers a semi-firm hold without the flaking and unnatural stiffness.

I’ve had the opportunity to smell and try them all and as always, the scents never decline, and the consistency is on point. One thing I personally love about this brand is their dedication in providing Black women clean organic ingredients, free of parabens, petroleum and mineral oil which is a big plus in my book as a registered nutritionist. It’s important to note that whatever we put in our scalp and on our bodies, goes directly into our bloodstream. Harmful ingredients can cause toxic build-up and hormone disruption while SheaMoisture’s organic ingredient profile does what it’s supposed to do, minus the hidden harm.

My personal favourite from the line is the scalp cream. It’s used just like hair oil but what I love about it is the cream application. I don’t have to worry about an overly shiny scalp with oil dripping down my forehead on a hot summer day. I also don’t have to be weary of the oil messing up my clothes during application (which happens every so often). The application tip t is perfect, the cream goes directly on my scalp, and it disappears as soon as you massage it in. No white film or build up and I’ve been using it every day! It’s obvious that our hair concerns are always at the forefront and SheaMoisture always has its way of delivering exactly what we need.

Their dedication to fair trade and ethical sourcing has brought forth fair wages and a better quality of life for families in Ghana and Burkina Faso. SheaMoisture has not only made their mark globally with remarkable products, but they have changed the lives of thousands through partnerships and most importantly, giving back.

SheaMoisture was also proud to announce their second year of the Dream Fund! This fund is a continuation of the grant program to offer financial support to the community. The Dream Fund grant program offers $10,000 each to five Black owned businesses in the beauty and wellness space. If you are a Black business with a product, or service that serves the community, you are encouraged to apply for your chance to win! Applications open April 15^th, 2024, and close May 31^st, 2024. Winners will be announced July 15^th, 2024! Keep in mind, you do not need to be a hairstylist, or specifically in the beauty industry to apply.

Last year, a book publishing company, a fitness organization, a chef and a hair accessory company took home the gold. No matter how big, or small your company is, think about the greater impact you can make with an extra $10,000! The Dream Fund serves all Black businesses across Canada and is just one of the many grants, scholarships and funding accessible to the Black community on a global scale.

SheaMoisture is out here making big moves and standing with the underdogs so we can all rise in power and service to our community, and for that I will always support this product line and their initiatives.

Community News

Amplifying authentic African narratives; the stars came out at the BSO Symposium

Published

1 week ago

April 19, 2024

Simone Smith

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

I tell you, the team at Humanity Ova Vanity is solidifying their place in Toronto’s creative scene. It is incredible to see an organization embrace the essence of human creativity, curating experiences that transcend superficiality and celebrating the authentic expressions of people.

With every event that the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper is invited to, I am exposed, and have a deeper innerstanding about their commitment to showcasing the richness of human ingenuity. Through their curated experiences, they invite the world to witness the beauty that arises when humanity comes together in genuine expression, fostering connections and inspiring others to embrace their own creativity.

On Tuesday, April 2^nd, 2024, the Black Screen Office (BSO) hosted a Fireside chat with O-T Fagbenle, an acclaimed: actor, writer, and director known for his roles in: “The Handmaid’s Tale,” (which earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor) “The First Lady,” and his creation “Maxxx.” In 2022, he starred as Cameron Lautner in the Apple TV+ drama “WeCrashed,” a series inspired by the tumultuous story of WeWork, and O-T can next be seen in the upcoming series “Presumed Innocent,” for Apple TV+ opposite Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard.

The exclusive fireside chat in conversation with Donisha Prendergast was held at the Toronto Regional Board of Trade (The Quay) that forms part of the BSO Symposium, a platform dedicated to amplifying authentic African narratives and fostering substantial representation in the arts. The symposium successfully facilitated featured speakers from overseas and connected students with the opportunity to participate in creative discussion. The discussion revolved around bringing authentic African stories to life. It’s evident that African stories have been untold, mistold, and marginalized. While there are efforts to address this, they often seem minimal compared to the potential for true representation and impactful storytelling. The goal is to catalyze change.

The symposium became a starting place of strength, celebrating the global influence of African culture—the “origins of cool.” It featured: decision-makers, broadcasters, streamers, funders, distributors, producers, and creatives in the screen industry, a day for collective ideation on what’s possible, not just locally but globally.

The symposium was hosted by Melanie Nicholls King, and featured keynote interviews (Sean Cohan), and presentations from esteemed guests (Jully Black, Mark Bamuthi Joseph, Rob Maylor), roundtable discussions, networking opportunities, and special presentations. “This enriches our collective endeavor, making it not just a meeting but a milestone event for actionable change,” shares Donisha Prendergast Founder at HOV.

Joan Jenkinson, Executive Director of the BSO, stated, “Our mission at the Black Screen Office extends beyond initiating dialogues; we aim to enact real change. O-T Fagbenle’s participation underscored our dedication to creating an inclusive screen industry that celebrates the richness of Black stories.”

If the success of the symposium was not enough, the rainy evening of April 2^nd, 2024, brought its own treat. I made my way down to Its OK Studios to watch Canada’s #1 weekly podcast (now available on Apple Music), to watch a live episode of Extra Gravy with hosts: That Dude McFly, Alicia ‘Ace’ West and Big Norm. O-T made his second appearance of the day to screen episodes of “Maxxx!”

This will be a reunion of sorts and nothing short of comedic, as Marlon was one of the comedy writers who workshopped the development of Maxxx in Toronto (now showing on Channel 4 and later picked up by Hulu).

The highlight of my night was my sit-down interview (stay tuned for that) with Rob Maylor, a Jamaican-American lawyer, producer, and spearhead at Mental Telepathy Pictures. He is noted for executive producing “Sprinter,” championed by Jada Pinkett-Smith and Will Smith. Collaborations with luminaries like Shaka King and companies such as Hillman Grad showcase his commitment to authentic storytelling.

With a rich background including stints at UTA, Mark Burnett Productions, and Magnolia Pictures, Rob’s expertise extends to notable projects like: Paramount’s “Bob Marley: One Love,” and HBO’s “Get Millie Black.”

I am excited about what he shared with me, and I know it is going to excite our creatives who are reading this. The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment & Commerce and home of Jamaica’s Film Commission, has announced the opening of the Call for Applications under the Jamaica
Screen Development Initiative (JSDI).

The JSDI is a J$1 billion financing initiative by the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) aimed at bolstering and enriching the local film industry while attracting destination films. Through the JSDI, filmmakers, animators and creatives will be supported in developing eligible, local screen-based projects across various stages of development.

The Call for Applications for grant and loan support for Development, Production and Post-Production (Completion) phases end on April 28^th, 2024. However, applications for Film Festivals and Market Attendance, applications for Marketing and Distribution, as well as Production Rebates will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Applications will be subjected to a validation check to ensure eligibility and assessment by an evaluation panel comprising local and international film industry experts. Assessment factors include: the strength of the application, demonstrated track record and/or ability to progress project development and execution, financial feasibility, market interests and marketing plan, as well as the overall benefit of the project to the Jamaican economy.

Exciting indeed! Application guidelines as well as the application form can be found at: https://dobusinessjamaica.com/jamaica-screen-development-initiative/.

Incredible work is being done here in Toronto, and we are so happy to be at the helm of it.

Community News

Not just a reunion; It’s a powerful catalyst for unity and growth. Welcome to the 10thBiennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference

Published

1 week ago

April 19, 2024

Simone Smith

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Under the theme ‘United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Prosperity and Youth Empowerment,’ this year’s conference promises to be a pivotal platform for collaboration between Jamaicans, the Government and other stakeholders, as we work towards achieving the national development goals.” Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith

There is definitely excitement surrounding the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, and this excitement was evident at the launch that took place on Thursday April 4^th, 2024, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, 2 Port Royal Street, Kingston. The Conference theme is “United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Productivity, and Youth Empowerment,” and the hybrid event will be held June 16^th – 19^th, 2024, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. It will be the first in-person conference since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Jamaica Diaspora Conference is a signature biennial global forum that connects Jamaicans and persons of Jamaican descent living across the globe with the aim to strengthen linkages and build alliances that will fuel Jamaica’s growth and development on the world stage.

Since its inception, participation in the conference has steadily increased and as such this year’s target is 5,000 participants. The conference highlights that the Jamaican Diaspora represents much more than their ability to produce remittances, with its significant untapped economic impact on entrepreneurship development and the transfer of new and emerging skills.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Alando Terrelonge, who carries the day-to-day mandate for Diaspora Affairs, explained that the conference will also celebrate the cultural heritage and achievements of Jamaicans worldwide, while providing a platform for networking and dialogue on critical issues facing the Diaspora and Jamaica. He said marketing Jamaica as ‘Destination Trade and Investment’ and using the conference to provide key linkages for investment opportunities, is to “Get Jamaicans across the diaspora to invest in Jamaica, see investment returns, and see yourselves earning money.”

“Everyone knows Jamaica for its sunshine, but Jamaica is more than our beaches. It’s more than coming down and having a Red Stripe beer, having some jerked chicken or going to Dunn’s River Falls. Jamaica is also one of the best economies in the developing world,” the State Minister said.

Key stakeholders, including Conference Chairman Mr. Courtney Campbell, Legacy Partners VM Group, GraceKennedy Group, and Jamaica National Group Limited, were lauded by both Ministers for their unwavering support and contributions to Diaspora engagement.

The Thursday rising launch also saw the attendance of other Government Ministers such as: the Honourable Delroy Chuck, Honourable Franklyn Witter and the Hon. Marsha Smith, as well as representatives from a slew of Jamaican business conglomerates, who have expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming conference, emphasizing the importance of unity in propelling Jamaica towards unprecedented growth and inclusivity.

Guests attending the Conference this year will have thematic sessions addressing the following:

Educational transformation through digitalization: exchange, exposure and opportunities for self-actualization in Jamaica and the diaspora
Embracing the migration compact: sustaining a thriving diaspora
Breaking barriers and building futures: empowering Jamaican communities with citizen security, entrepreneurship, digital age technologies, and productivity, in partnership with the diaspora
Empowering the youth for the future economy: actions and pathways to success and paying it forward
Tourism and wealth creation

During her keynote address, Foreign Minister the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, highlighted the significance of the diaspora’s contributions to Jamaica’s development including strategic partnerships in various sectors: healthcare, education and other socio-economic sectors. She also shared that the Ministry anticipates the official launch of the Jamaica Diaspora Engagement Model (JAM-DEM), to also explore trade and investment opportunities aimed at furthering Jamaica’s development.

Guests also have the Marketplace to look forward to, as well as the Government at Your Service sections which will facilitate access to a wide range of services from both the business and public sectors. The Diaspora Day of Service will take place on June 20^th, 2024, and will entail a wide range of charitable projects pioneered and supported by the diaspora across the country. In some cases, there is broader coordination from within regions and some initiatives are pursued at the individual or organizational level. Projects are registered on an event platform to facilitate broader support, coordination and reach.

The launch had surprises like a digital dollar giveaway, and other engagement surprises that ensured that as the world gathers in Montego Bay, this in-person conference after five long years will not just be a reunion; it’s a powerful catalyst for unity and growth. Register NOW to be a part of this historic homecoming.