Affectionately known as Mr. Jane and Finch

BY: SIMONE JENNIFER SMITH 

When people unfamiliar with the area initially hear the streets, Jane and Finch, it instantly brings to mind some negative thoughts: gangs, shootings, poverty; it is no wonder that many citizens in Toronto, and across Ontario have chosen to not associate themselves with this area. What many do not realize is that contrary to popular belief, there is vibrancy in this region that is unmistakable. It is, for this reason, a spry man, who lives in Burlington, travels every day, dressed in his full suit, tie, and checkered cap, to a community that he has embraced as his own.

The man we affectionately know as Mr. Jane and Finch will make its world broadcast and streaming premiere on CBC POV and CBC Gems on February 22, 2019 at 9pm/EST during Black History month on CBC. The world festival premiere is at the 7th annual Toronto Black Film Festival, February 17th at 5pm.  This unique political documentary was composed by a group of talented individuals who recognized the beauty of this story and have creatively collaborated to bring to screen the story of a man who wears the name Mr. Jane and Finch as a badge of honour. To truly have an understanding of what is to be expected with this film, it is meaningful to have an understanding of the creative forces behind it.

Co-writer and producer Alison Duke is a filmmaker and the owner of Goldelox Productions, a Toronto based film company. She strategically aligns herself with some of the best producers, directors, and artists in Toronto, who are able to bring diverse audiences together to affect positive social change. One such person is Ngardy Conteh George, who was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and moved to Canada as a child. She is a gifted video editor and has worked on television shows for Bravo, Space, and CTV. She completed her first feature-length documentary ‘The Flying Stars’ which premiered at the Montreal International Documentary Festival and won Best Documentary at the BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta, Georgia.

Another paramount member of this documentary process is Mark Valino a: Director, Producer, Editor, and Videographer who received his diploma from The Toronto Film Academy. His vision is to show life on the screen as wondrous and magnificent as he sees it. To help pull it all together, editor Sonia Godding Togobo signed on to this project as an editor. Her 15 years of media experience has had her involved in projects for BBC, Channel 4, and ITV in the UK, as well as shows for OWN, CBC, HGTV, SLICE and E in Canada and the United States. She is also the founder of A Black Woman’s Gaze, a networking and master class series that bridges the filmmakers and their audience.

No documentary is complete without a musical flair. This flair is introduced by Juno award-winning Orin Isaacs best known for his work on: Amazing Race Canada, Juno Awards (CTV), Hockey Night in Canada, Battle of the Blades, Canadian Screen Awards, Canada’s Smartest Person (CBC), Big Brother Canada, Canada’s Walk of Fame (Global), Top Chef Canada, Chopped Canada, Undercover Boss Canada, and the list goes on.

This documentary will give an insider perspective on the man we have all grown to love, Mr. Winston LaRose. Born in Guyana in the late 1930s, La Rose grew up in an era when African and Caribbean countries used military and political power to overthrow colonial control. He not only witnessed but was inspired by illustrious political leaders including Patrice Lumumba, Walter Rodney, and Kwame Nkrumah. Having witnessed the journeys of these unforgettable political leaders, and having to deal with a personal family tragedy, LaRose was moved to begin advocacy for his people living in the diaspora. Mr. LaRose became the director of the oldest community organization in the Jane and Finch area, The Jane-Finch Concerned Citizens Organization which is located in Yorkgate Mall, right on the corner of Jane and Finch. This organization has been open to the community for 25 years and assists residents in navigating issues from police brutality to deportation.

At 80 years old, he detected the early signs of gentrification in the Jane and Finch neighbourhood and embarks on a fervent run to become a councillor. The documentary highlights his optimistic run for councillor, and the turmoil he faces when Premier Doug Ford decides to change the political landscape of that region. This is a documentary providing a vivid recollection of his journey and provides an incredible perspective on this great community activist.