In five days the Toronto Black Film Festival (running Feb 10th to 15th) will kick off its third year. Highlighting the diversity and creativity of black cinema from around the world, this year features an exceptionally strong selection of films. Here are five films screening at the festival that we are looking forward to seeing:

Manos Sucias
Executive produced by Spike Lee, the film tells the harrowing tale of a desperate fisherman and a naive kid who attempt to traffic millions of dollars in cocaine up the Pacific coast of Colombia. Considering TBFF’s knack for picking great opening night features, this film is a must-see.

You Belong to Me: Sex, Race and Murder on the Suwannee River
John Cork’s documentary tells the story of Ruby McCollum, an African American woman who killed a prominent white doctor in Live Oak, Florida. The events not only rocked a community, but exposed many dark secrets in the process.

Under the Starry Sky
Three people, each on their own journey, find their paths crossing in this globetrotting character study from director Dyana Gaye. Taking audiences from Turin to Dakar to New York, this film looks at the hopes, dreams and realities that bring people together and tear them apart.

It’s Us
It’s Us tells the story of a Kenyan community coming together in the wake of post-election violence. Tackling issues such as corruption, political bribery and racism, the film explores how rumors and mistrust threaten to destroy bonds.

Sound of Torture
Karen Shayo’s film examines the ramification on Egypt’s Sinai Desert following Europe’s decision to close its borders in 2006. Telling a harrowing tale of refugees trying to flee a military dictatorship, Sound of Torture shines a sobering light on the corruption and violence that has led to over 300,000 Eritreans fleeing their homeland.

The full list of films screening can be found on the Toronto Black Film Festival website.