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DIVERSE CINEMA: TBFF Celebrates Five Years of Diverse Film Screenings

Published

8 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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Urban Alliance on Race Relations celebrates and highlights Racial Justice Award recipients

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Paul Junor

BY PAUL JUNOR

It has been almost 40 years since the Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) has been at the forefront of: promoting tolerance, social justice, racial equity and fairness. Since it was formed in 1975, they have celebrated and recognized changemakers in the fight for racial justice in diverse sectors such as: health, labour, government, education, arts, media, environment, and justice.

On Saturday, December 7^th, 2024, there was a great turnout at the 2024 Racial Justice Awards Night held at The Estate Banquet & Event Centre in Scarborough. In attendance were many community supporters, civic officials, long-time racial justice warriors, and individuals from diverse ethnic groups.

UARR is grateful for all the sponsors of the Racial Justice Awards Night Celebration. It notes in its email to its supporters on Tuesday, December 3^rd, 2024, the importance of its sponsors including:

United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) of Canada, UFCW, Local 175
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353
Unite Here! Local 75
Toronto & York Region Labour Council
Canadian Labour Congress
The Coalitions of Black Trade Union (CBTUL)

“Your sponsorship plays a vital role in shining a light on individuals and organizations driving equity, justice, and change in our communities. This celebration is more than an event, it’s a movement. Thanks to your support, we’re: honoring changemakers, amplifying unheard voices, and funding initiatives that break down systemic barriers.”

The categories and names of the awards and recipients were:

Racial Justice in Arts: Hannia Cheng

She is an artist and cultural worker who co-founded Unit 270, a DIY gallery and multi-purpose grassroots community hub in Chinatown Centre.

Racial Justice in Labour: Vanessa Story

She is the founder of the Black Youth York Region and co-founder of the York Communities for Public Education coalition.

Racial Justice in Education: Shannon Simpson

She is Senior Director of Indigenous Initiatives at the University of Toronto.

Racial Justice in Environment: Dr. Ingrid Waldron

She is a Professor and HOPE Chair in Peace and Health in the Global and Peace and Social Justice Program in the Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University.

Urban Alliance of Race Relations Agent of Change Award: Kirk Mark

He is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Consultant at KIRK Mark & Associates.

Racial Justice in Media: Amanda Parris

She is an award-winning writer, tv host and producer, and former host of CBC Arts Exhibitionist.

Racial Justice in Health: Camille Orridge

She is former CEO of the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TCLHIN).

Racial Justice in Government: Amira Elghawaby

She is a journalist and human rights advocate who was appointed in January 2023 as Canada’s Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia.

Racial Justice in Justice: South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALC0)

This legal clinic supports low-income South Asian people in Canada.

The funds raised from the Awards night will be going toward the work of the Diversity Youth Fellowship Program. This innovative and creative program is directly involved in enabling racialized youth to get paid experience working in municipal governments and at various public policy making organizations across Canada.

The performers at the event included: Katheen Zaragosa (a Filipino music performer), Rithika Jeristus & Maya Jeristus (Bharatanatyam dancers) and Yasmin Said (spoken word artist)

UARR is looking forward to its 50^thanniversary celebrations in 2025 and shared five of its strategic priorities for the next 10 years including:

Employment and economic opportunity: The goal is to foster inclusive workspaces and economic opportunities.
Education: The goal is to promote racial equity in education and research.
Communication: The goal is to expand public awareness and reach to amplify our stories.
Community engagement and outreach: The goal is building community capacity and convening towards change.
Truth and reconciliation-relationship building and supporting calls to action. The goal is to strengthen our solidarity and action towards truth and reconciliation.

Community News

What is it about those short videos that keep us captivated? Oh! Yes! Our short attention span

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

TOCaribNews

BY KAHA GEDI

As our attention spans decrease, short form videos are becoming more popular. From TikTok, to YouTube Shorts, to Instagram Reels, these “snack sized” videos have positive qualities alongside the bad. Mainly we want to know what makes them so effective, and why are they becoming the go-to choice for both viewers and marketers? In this article, I will be discussing how these videos have received such popularity worldwide.

First, we need to understand what counts as and what is short-form content. According to blog.hubspot.com, “Short-form videos are videos that are less than 60 seconds long.” However, some marketers and content creators agree that short-form videos can be up to 3 minutes. “They are videos that deliver information in a ‘digestible’ format so that viewers can quickly watch and save content if they’re in a hurry or enjoy it.” Now, I’ll talk about the main reasons why these videos are so popular.

First, our attention spans have gone down exponentially. Dr Gloria Mark has written a book called “Attention Span,” and she says her research indicates people’s attention spans have been shrinking over the last 20 years. According to the same article Dr. Mark said that “Back in 2004, we found the average attention span on any screen to be two and a half minutes on average. Throughout the years, it became shorter. So, around 2012, we found it to be 75 seconds. Then in the last five, six years, we found it to average about 47 seconds.” So, it’s notable that our attention spans started out longer but then decreased over time.

Secondly, these videos have become cheaper and easier to make. Unlike long-form videos, which require extensive: planning, editing, and storytelling, short-form videos are simpler. To the point where they can even be shot on a smartphone. For example, DuoLingo, the app that helps learn new languages, went viral on TikTok a long time ago by posting funny, low-budget videos that resonate with millions. Like a video of a DuoLingo plus being: tossed down the stairs, sitting outside on a rainy day, or being soaked by the shower with the title “When you ignore my notifications.”

Lastly, they provide valuable information in a short amount of time, and they are easily accessible. According to a recent Adobe Survey, two in five Americans use TikTok as a search engine, and nearly one in 10 Gen Zeers are more likely to rely on TikTok than Google as a search engine. This isn’t always reliable for real news because anyone can claim to be an expert, and you wouldn’t know if they’re telling the truth. So, even though they give valuable information in a short time, they can also give misinformation or mislead you.

Short-form videos have changed how we watch and learn things. They fit our short attention spans, are easy to make, and share information quickly. Even though they’re fun and helpful, they can also spread false information or leave out important details. Even with these problems, short-form videos are here to stay, so we should use them in proportion, but also enjoy the benefits.

Community News

Dr. Edward McInnis on the Importance of Preventive Care in Family Medicine

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

TOCaribNews

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Preventive care is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, emphasizing the importance of addressing potential health concerns before they escalate into severe conditions. By focusing on proactive measures such as regular screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle counseling, preventive care offers individuals and communities the opportunity to achieve long-term wellness.

Below, Edward McInnis highlights the transformative potential of prevention in reducing healthcare disparities, alleviating systemic challenges, and ensuring that every individual has the tools and access needed to lead a healthier life.

Understanding Preventive Care in Family Medicine

Preventive care in family medicine focuses on proactive measures to maintain health and prevent illness before it occurs. This approach emphasizes regular health evaluations, screenings, and interventions that identify potential issues early, reducing the likelihood of severe complications. Preventive care fosters long-term well-being by addressing risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles while minimizing the burden of chronic diseases.

The philosophy behind preventive care aligns with the idea that staying healthy is more effective and less costly than treating illnesses after they arise. Early detection of conditions such as hypertension or high cholesterol allows patients and physicians to manage these issues effectively, preventing them from escalating into more severe health problems. Beyond individual benefits, this care model contributes to healthier communities by reducing the overall demand for healthcare systems.

Benefits of Preventive Care for Individuals and Communities

Preventive care profoundly impacts individuals and the broader community by addressing potential health concerns before they evolve into severe conditions. Early detection through routine screenings can significantly lower the risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. This improves individual health outcomes and reduces the emotional and financial toll of managing advanced diseases.

Communities prioritizing preventive care experience a ripple effect of healthier populations and reduced strain on healthcare resources. When more people engage in regular check-ups and adopt healthier habits, the prevalence of preventable conditions drops, creating a collective benefit. Individuals who invest in their health through preventive measures often enjoy longer, more active lives, positively influencing families, workplaces, and society.

The economic advantages of preventive care are undeniable, as early intervention typically costs far less than treating advanced illnesses. Vaccination programs, such as those targeting seasonal flu or childhood diseases, can drastically curb outbreaks, saving lives and reducing medical expenses. These benefits demonstrate how preventive care is a cornerstone of sustainable and effective healthcare systems.

Core Preventive Services in Family Medicine

Family medicine emphasizes various preventive services designed to address health needs across all stages of life. Regular health screenings, such as blood pressure and cholesterol checks, are critical in identifying silent health risks. These assessments provide actionable insights that allow individuals to make timely adjustments to their lifestyles or begin treatment when necessary.

Vaccinations are another cornerstone of preventive care, protecting individuals and communities from infectious diseases. From childhood immunizations to seasonal flu shots, these interventions safeguard personal health and prevent the spread of illnesses within larger populations. Counseling services, including guidance on nutrition, exercise, and stress management, empower patients to take an active role in their long-term well-being.

The Role of Family Physicians in Prevention

Family physicians play a pivotal role in fostering preventive care through their ability to build lasting, trust-based relationships with patients. These relationships enable them to understand not just medical histories but also lifestyle factors, family dynamics, and social determinants of health. This comprehensive knowledge allows physicians to craft personalized preventive strategies that resonate with each patient’s unique circumstances, ensuring a more practical approach to maintaining health.

Beyond individual care, family physicians act as educators, equipping patients with the knowledge to make informed health decisions. Whether discussing the significance of regular screenings or addressing misconceptions about vaccines, their guidance helps patients take ownership of their health.

The continuity of care provided by family physicians also ensures that preventive measures are consistently monitored and adjusted as needed, fostering long-term well-being. Their ability to provide holistic and deeply personalized care sets the foundation for healthier patients and communities.

Challenges in Accessing Preventive Care

Despite its proven benefits, accessing preventive care remains challenging for many individuals and communities. Financial barriers, such as lack of insurance coverage or high out-of-pocket costs, often deter people from seeking preventive services. Additionally, limited awareness about the importance of early detection and health promotion means that some individuals may only prioritize preventive care once a health issue becomes severe.

Geographical disparities also play a significant role in limiting access. Rural and underserved areas frequently face shortages of healthcare providers, making it difficult for residents to receive consistent preventive services. In such regions, innovative approaches like mobile health clinics and telemedicine have emerged as solutions to bridge the gap. Expanding these efforts could help overcome logistical obstacles and ensure that preventive care reaches those most in need.

Cultural factors and mistrust of the healthcare system can further complicate access to preventive services. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes community engagement, culturally sensitive care, and efforts to build trust between healthcare providers and patients. Strengthening health literacy and facilitating dialogue between healthcare institutions and the communities they serve are also critical steps in overcoming these barriers.

Promoting and Advancing Preventive Care

Advancing preventive care depends on raising awareness and fostering a culture that values proactive health management. Educational campaigns, workplace wellness programs, and school-based health initiatives encourage people to adopt preventive practices. These efforts create an environment where individuals feel empowered to prioritize their well-being, leading to healthier lifestyles and earlier intervention.

The integration of technology is revolutionizing how preventive care is delivered. Wearable devices that track physical activity, heart rate, and sleep patterns provide individuals with real-time data about their health, prompting timely action when irregularities arise. Similarly, data analytics and predictive tools enable healthcare providers to identify at-risk populations and deliver targeted interventions, improving outcomes on a broader scale.