On Saturday, August 9th, 2025, the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto hosted the premiere screening of The Blackprint: A Journey of Thought, Growth, and Thriving in Black Manhood. Written and produced by Dr. Mojola Omole, President of the Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario (BPAO), the film drew a packed and engaged audience.
Promotional material described it as “A powerful documentary centered on Black men in Ontario—exploring identity, mental health, fatherhood, and resilience over an intimate dinner table.” The BPAO’s press release went further, calling the film “A cinematic experience and a community healing space.”
Dr. Omole, a surgical oncologist, writer, and single mother, created this project to spark an overdue dialogue. “Black men are often discussed, mythologized, even praised, but rarely truly heard,” she reflected. “This documentary reclaims that narrative.”
Before the screening, Dr. Omole explained to CBC Toronto her motivation. “We’re creating a space for something long overdue; Black men speaking openly about the struggles they face.” She pointed to research showing high rates of moderate to severe depression and anxiety among Black men, yet only half receive treatment compared to their white counterparts.
As a mother raising a four-year-old son, Omole admitted her own fears. “I’m trying to understand what the world is like for him,” she said. “We need to dismantle the negative associations attached to Black men and help them build their own Blackprint to grow and thrive.”
The film creates both cinematic impact and a safe healing space. Omole highlights the silent suffering many men endured as children. “Conversations like these show men it’s okay to speak about their feelings. Thriving in this society means talking about your experiences and seeking help when needed.”
At the center of the film was a roundtable dinner led by Dr. Semir Bulle, a psychiatric senior resident who works closely with Black youth. Several Black men of different generations took part. They shared their: fears, insecurities, and reflections with raw honesty.
Key themes emerged:
- Parenting and fatherhood
- The role of upbringing
- Challenges of becoming professional Black men
- The importance of community
- Healing from generational trauma
After the screening, a live Q&A deepened the discussion. Audience members asked direct questions, and panelists responded with candor. The dialogue highlighted how Black manhood and masculinity are shifting, and why exploring their complexity matters now more than ever.
Afrotoronto.com praised the roundtable format for its intimacy and vulnerability. The outlet noted that each voice contributed to “A larger chorus of resilience, introspection, and hope, creating a Blackprint for what thriving can look like.”
The article emphasized the urgency: “The need for spaces that affirm Black men’s wellness has never been greater.” It pointed to systemic issues including stigma, barriers to therapy, lack of representation, and the long reach of racism and generational trauma.
The Blackprint aligns with BPAO’s mission of promoting holistic health that includes mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. As Afrotoronto concluded, the film is “An invitation to listen more closely, love more openly, and lead more boldly.”
The premiere was a collective call for healing, dialogue, and reimagining Black manhood. For those present, it was an event to remember.
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