Connect with us

Community News

Diversity Wins – TBFF ’18 Delivers Family Fun And Meaningful Discussion

Published

on

BY: JELANI GRANT

Based on the continuous flow of new talent highlighted each year of the Toronto Black Film Festival, the growth and development of the festival has become undeniable. Despite tackling difficult issues that are regularly discussed across every social network, such as rape, culture, the festival certainly offered films for everyone. No blanket statement can properly describe each film or day. Add in live performances by poets and musicians four of the six days, and if you didn’t take the time to find and watch a movie you might like, you’ve simply missed out.

This year’s opening of Toronto’s Black Film Festival assessed the trend of speaking on sexual assault with an illustration, directed by Nancy Buirski, called The Rape of Recy Taylor. The Canadian premiere presented to a full house at the Isabel Bader Theatre is the documentary-style film that tells the story of Taylor starting when she was twenty-four years old, abducted as she made her way home from church. She was raped and then left for dead by six armed white men in Jim Crow era Alabama. Taylor identified her attackers, despite the many threats of violence or death she received before and after she spoke about what happened to her. The NAACP sent their chief rape investigator, Rosa Parks, and what followed sparked a movement towards justice. Her story has significant similarities to the many women who have told their stories through #metoo.

During the opening, Colas spoke about her introduction to the film industry, initially trying as an actress in Haiti. It wasn’t until after moving to Canada that she realized there were key differences that made it difficult for her acting career to excel. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t find work as an actress. I discovered I was only a young immigrant black woman with an accent…so here I was a young black woman with an accent and no platform. This is when I felt disappointed, sad, hopeless, and frustrated. With that frustration, I decided that Montreal deserved another festival.”

The Fabienne Colas Foundation was already established in Haiti, promoting and supporting diversity through cinema, and after it’s recreation, Colas created the Montreal-Haitian Film Festival. Since expanding into the Montreal International Black Film Festival it has become the largest black film fest in Canada.

The TBFF Black Market returned at both the Carlton Cinema and with workshops from established filmmakers from Canada and abroad who spoke on their experience with filmmaking from creation, to distribution. Names at the Meet the Filmmakers workshop included Aaron Greer, Peter Wangugi Gitau, and Jennia Fredique Aponte. One workshop was called Movie-Talk with Lamman Rucker, Morgan Auld & Aaron Greer + Film: Service to Man involved a screening of the film followed by a Q&A. Rucker spoke on his experience filming saying, “What really spoke to me was the young people. The youthful spirit of these people trying to find themselves.”

Another workshop, Tribute with Robi Reed, focused on an aspect of background work through the lens of two experienced producers. Producer Diane L. Johnstone and Reed, the first African-American to win an Emmy for casting, spoke in depth about the process of successful casting at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Day four of the festival ended at the Kiza Lounge for an After Party. The Meet the Producers workshop was held on Feb 18th, at the Carlton Cinema. On the line-up for discussion were producers from Canada and overseas, with Randy Thomas as moderator.

For the first time, a Kids Film Festival was held, in collaboration with TD Bank and Global News. This portion of the festival was located at Carlton Cinemas on Family Day, demonstrating examples of kids in films to encourage youth to pursue any cinema dreams they have. A sell-out film during both of its screenings, Bilal, A New Breed Of Hero is an animated tale based 1,000 years ago when a boy with a dream of becoming a great warrior is abducted with his sister and taken to a land far away from home. “It’s important for those children to have role models on screen and see themselves on screen,” Colas said.

Canadian award-nominated actresses Allison Austin and Ava Augustin, are two sisters that have been attending TBFF since year one and were selected to be the TBFF Kids Film Festival Ambassadors.

Boost was another feature film based in Montreal that movie columnist Eric Cohen recommended last year calling it a film with “local talent, done really well”.  Written and directed by Darren Curtis, the film focuses on two teenage best friends who become entangled with the mob after a car they stole is involved in a fatal accident. The teen-thriller had its Ontario premiere on day two of the festival.

The closing screening for the festival was a narrative feature film directed by Mandla Dube and filmed in South Africa. It is a true story about a nineteen-year-old hawker, Solomon Mahlangu from the streets of Mamelodi a ghetto township outside Pretoria in South Africa. Following the 1976 Soweto uprisings and being brutally beaten by police, Kalushi goes into exile to join the liberation movement. He returns from military training in Angola en route to their mission, his friend and comrade, Mondy, loses control and shoots two innocent people on Goch Street in Johannesburg.

Due to its distinct and challenging content, Toronto’s Black Film Festival continues to grow, standing as a testament to the talent diversity can produce. The Fabienne Colas Foundation has already created Haiti en Folie in Montreal, Halifax Black Film Festival, Fade to Black Festival, Dansomania, and the Quebecois Film Festival in Haiti. Fans can only wait to see where Colas will expand to next.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Community News

How does the domino effect play out in your life?

Published

on

BY YAHYA KARIM

Have you ever seen a line of dominoes fall, one after the other? It starts with just one push, and suddenly, every domino in the line topples. This simple action is called the domino effect, and it doesn’t just happen in games, it happens in real life too. Throughout history, small effects have caused huge events to arise, showing the power of the domino effect.

One example of the domino effect in history is the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914. This small event triggered a chain reaction that led to World War I. After the assassination, countries began taking sides and forming alliances. Tensions grew, and soon, one event after another pulled nations into a global conflict. This war changed the world forever, showing how one event can lead to something much bigger.

Another example is the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. One action, like Rosa Parks refusing to give up her bus seat, inspired others to take a stand. Her bravery sparked: protests, marches, and speeches, such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream.” These events built on each other, leading to new laws and greater rights for many people. It started small but grew into a movement that changed the nation.

Even in nature the domino effect has caused changes. A small environmental change like cutting down some trees in an area can lead to soil erosion. This erosion can cause floods that might destroy the environment, heavily impacting both the animals and the communities that reside there.

The domino effect teaches us that small actions can lead to big results, both good and bad. This is why it’s important to think about the choices we make and all of their possible outcomes. In our own lives, a small decision, like studying a little every day, can lead to success. In history, small events have shaped the world as we know it.

Next time you see a row of dominoes, remember that every action counts. No matter how small it may be, or what it is caused by. Whether in history, nature, or your own life, the domino effect reminds us that one small push can make a big difference.

Continue Reading

Community News

Schools should be places where all students feel safe and supported, but for many Muslim youth, this is not the reality

Published

on

Photo credit - Kraken Images.com

BY KHADIJA KARIM

Imagine walking into a room, all eyes on you. It happens to everyone at some point, right? Now imagine those eyes aren’t just curious—they’re filled with judgment. This is a reality many Muslims face simply because of the diversity represented by a piece of cloth. Islamophobia is a problem in Canada, harming many people. Despite Canada’s reputation for being diverse and inclusive, Muslims often face discrimination simply because of their religion.

Islamophobia shows up in hateful actions and words. Some Muslims face verbal abuse, online hate, or even physical attacks. For example, women wearing hijabs might be yelled at, or have their scarves pulled. This creates fear and anxiety, making people feel unsafe in their own neighbourhoods.

Unfair treatment is another issue. Some Muslims face discrimination at work or when renting a home. Others are unfairly judged as dangerous because of stereotypes about terrorism. These false ideas prevent Muslims from feeling fully accepted in society. The effects go beyond individuals and harm communities. When Muslims feel excluded, it weakens the harmony between people and creates divisions. Families may hide their faith to avoid judgment, which breaks trust and prevents that vital connection between diverse groups.

Muslim youth are especially affected. In schools, they face bullying, name-calling, or feel left out because of their faith. Some students feel pressured to hide their identity to fit in, which can harm their self-esteem and confidence. Others struggle with teachers, or classmates who misunderstand, or stereotype their religion. These experiences can negatively impact their mental health and make it harder for them to feel comfortable in educational settings. Schools should be places where all students feel safe and supported, but for many Muslim youth, this is not the reality.

What can we do? First, we need awareness. People should recognize that Islamophobia exists and understand its harm. Schools and workplaces can teach about diversity and promote respect. Governments must ensure laws protect everyone and speak out against hate. Individuals can also help by standing up against Islamophobia. If you see someone being mistreated, support them, or speak out. Being an ally shows that hate is unacceptable.

In conclusion, Islamophobia is a serious issue in Canada. By working together, we can create a society where everyone feels safe and included. Change begins with understanding, and together, we can make Canada a truly welcoming place.

Continue Reading

Community News

The art of remaking and expanding classics: Why Hollywood can’t let go of its originals

Published

on

BY AMARI SUKHDEO

Hollywood has long had a love affair with remakes, reboots, and sequels, but in recent years, the trend has exploded in popularity. From Superman to Ghostbusters, studios seem obsessed with revisiting their most iconic franchises. This ongoing cycle of recreating, or expanding beloved films raises a question: Why does Hollywood keep going back to the past instead of creating something entirely new?

One of the driving forces behind this trend is nostalgia. Movies like: Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) and Superman: Legacy (2025) tap into audiences’ emotional connections to the original films. For many, these iconic movies represent a simpler time, evoking childhood memories, or cultural milestones. In a world where sequels and franchises dominate, it’s no surprise that both new generations and original fans are drawn to these revisited universes. Take Ghostbusters: Afterlife for example. While the 2021 film introduces a new generation of characters, it doesn’t forget its roots. It weaves in references and cameos from the original Ghostbusters films, giving longtime fans a sense of continuity while appealing to younger viewers unfamiliar with the original.

In addition to remaking films, many franchises are opting for a different strategy: adding to the original universe. The idea of a shared cinematic universe (or “multiverse”) has become a popular approach for reviving classic properties. Marvel’s success with the MCU has influenced studios like Warner Bros. and Sony to follow suit with their own expanded universes, such as: The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and Spider-Man’s multiverse. For example, Superman is getting a reboot in 2025 with Superman: Legacy under the direction of James Gunn, who is known for his work in shaping the: Guardians of the Galaxy and The Suicide Squad franchises. While the film is technically a new beginning for the character, it is set against the backdrop of a larger interconnected universe of DC films. By expanding the universe, studios can create a cohesive narrative that engages fans across multiple films and platforms, from movies to TV series.

For studios, remaking films, or adding sequels to successful franchises is often a safer financial bet. Original films are a risk, while a remake, or sequel can build on an established brand with a built-in fan base. This is especially true for high-budget films where studios want a guaranteed return on investment. Take Top Gun: Maverick (2022) as an example. The movie’s success wasn’t just due to its action-packed plot, but also because it capitalized on the original film’s popularity, appealing to both nostalgic adults and younger moviegoers discovering the franchise for the first time.

Furthermore, the global box office plays a role in this remake boom. Big-budget action films, like: Fast & Furious, or the Jurassic World series, are increasingly geared toward international audiences. Franchises with built-in recognition are much more likely to succeed in diverse markets, making them a more attractive investment for studios.

Remakes and sequels have become a core part of modern cinema, driven by nostalgia, financial incentives, and the appeal of shared cinematic universes. Whether it’s revisiting Superman or expanding on Ghostbusters, Hollywood’s fascination with reimagining and adding to original films shows no sign of slowing down. The challenge remains to balance honoring the past with creating something fresh for future generations. As long as studios find ways to connect with audiences, both new and old, the trend of remakes will continue to shape the film industry for years to come.

Continue Reading

Trending