The Toronto Black Film Festival adds culture and diversity to Black History Month

BY: LEANNE BENN 

The city transforms under the lights and stars of the Toronto International Film Festival during the month of September but this February, Toronto welcomes back for the 7th time, the Toronto Black Film Festival. With over 70 films from 26 different countries from around the world, this film festival is meant to inject discovery and diversity in a politically incorrect and eye-opening manner.

February is also celebrated as Black History Month and the film festival adds depth and greater understanding. TBFF is a chance to celebrate diversity not just only in black communities in Toronto but for everyone. The multicultural backdrop of Toronto is highlighted by these films, which entertain, and adds experience from different perspectives, Ethnicity and cultures are celebrated and embraced through this powerful art form.

The founder of TBFF, Fabienne Colas started her journey of recognizing black and cultural film back in Montreal, almost 15 years ago. Recognizing the need to see more representation of Haitian or other Caribbean actors and actresses in film, Colas, along with her co-founder Emile Castonguay started their journey of promoting black and other ethnic filmmakers and visionaries.

“2019 also marks 215 years since the Haitian Independence, when my home country became the first black independent nation on earth,” Colas noted

This years film festival is set to be the best one yet as the genre of films has expanded even more to include fiction, documentaries and even animation, which departs into the whole other subcategory of the TBFfFKids Film Festival.

At an exclusive media launch, Colas introduced this year’s kid’s ambassadors to the festival, actresses, Allison Augustin, and Ava Augustin. This year will mark the 2^nd edition of the TBFF Kids Festival and will be celebrated on February 18^th from 11 am-9pm at Carlton cinema, conveniently enough this will fall on Ontario’s Family Day celebration.

Through the help of the festival’s main sponsors, TD Bank, and Global News, the TBFF continues to gain exposure and to provide an overall experience, in fact, this year, the festival is delighted to announce special guest Tarana Burke, the founder of the transformative #MeToo movement. Burke will be presented with the 2019 TBFF Social Impact Award on February 16^th at the Isabel Bader Theatre, followed with an intimate one on one discussion, which the audience will be sure to enjoy

Another highlight of the festival will be the opening night on February 13^th from 8 pm where the festival opens with the Canadian premiere of Ellen: The Ellen Pakkies Story directed by Daryne Joshua of South Africa. This film is based on a true story and reflects the struggles of a family destroyed by drugs in a dangerous South African Community. Films like this and many more are expected to make an impact in the Toronto community and leave many reflecting.

Overall TBFF will present 4 world premieres, 9 International premieres, 1 North American premiere, 30 Canadian premieres and 23 Ontario premieres. There are films from Jamaica, Germany, Puerto Rico, Brazil, Dominican Republic, South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana, Portugal, Colombia, Nigeria, Burkinoa Faso, Cape Verde, USA, Canada and more.

The festival will also have a special movie-talk night with former American politician Bakari Sellers as his feature-length documentary will be shown. The documentary entitled, While I Breathe, I Hope by Emily Harrold of the USA reflects on the struggles of a young black Democrat in South Carolina.

Other special events of the festival include the TBFF Black Market on February 16^th and 17^thand will include panel discussions and a masterclass with filmmakers. With all these events happening, guests will be sure to work up an appetite for international food and the festival will cater to just that, On February 14^th-18^th guests can enjoy the first-ever TBFF Food Experience to showcase different international cuisines. African and Caribbean dishes will be present for all to enjoy at the Carlton Cinema. Also, during this time frame, guests can check out the TBFF Live Performance series at the Art Square Café and Gallery. There will be live performances reflective of different cultural genres of music, including Afro-Cuban music, Soul Jazz, and spoken word.

With a long list of exciting movies and entertaining events, the TBFF warms up the cold despair of February and adds some warmth and culture for your entertainment. For a full list of programming and events, visit the TBFF online at TorontoBlack Film.com and remember to share your support and experiences #TBFf19.