first impression
First Impression

The Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) announced today the programming line-up for the 3rd edition of the festival, presented by Global News, running from February 10th – 15th. Coinciding with Black History Month, the TBFF is proud to host another year celebrating diversity within the black communities through powerful films, a community program, and exciting special events.

“TBFF showcases the most outstanding and amazing black films while creating a space to debate major cultural, social, and socio-economic issues,” stated Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the Festival. “Over the course of six days, festival-goers will have the chance to see actors and directors from here and abroad sharing their passions. There’s something for everyone!”

“Global News is thrilled to be partnering with the Toronto Black Film Festival once again, and we congratulate the festival organizers for adding a unique voice to Canada’s diverse and vibrant arts community,” said Ward Smith, Senior Director, News and Station Operations, Eastern Region.

This year, TBFF is proud to offer 38 of the very best films depicting black realities from around the globe and a variety of breathtaking special events. TBFF would also like to congratulate its sister festival, the Montreal International Black Film Festival, presented by Global Montreal for the last five years, as they celebrated their 10th anniversary in September 2014.

Boss
Boss starring Fred Williamson

The festival opens at the Isabel Bader Theatre (93 Charles Street West) with the award-winning film Manos Sucias (Dirty Hands) , by Joseph Wladyka, executive produced by Spike Lee. TBFF pays tribute to Blaxploitation icon Fred “The Hammer” Williamson and Hollywood legend Bill Cobbs this year. They will be the first to receive an honourary award from TBFF. As part of TBFF’s special events programming, the Festival is proud to run a three-part “Blaxploitation” series, featuring a screening the 1975 cult-classic Boss, “An Intimate Night With Fred “The Hammer” Williamson”, and the closing night TBFF Blaxploitation Party.

TBFF will also host a “Black Actors in Hollywood, Then and Now” panel discussion – featuring actors Fred Williamson, Lanette Ware and Bill Cobbs. In addition to the must-see films and the special events, movie-goers will also be able to enjoy FREE panel discussions (TBFF Community program) at the Carlton Cinema.

Co-Founder and Programming Director Emile Castonguay presented the slate for this year’s festival, which includes a wide range of genres and exciting special events.

manos-sucias
Manos Sucias (Dirty Hands)

Some film highlights include: Manos Sucias (Dirty Hands), Una Vida: A Fable of Music and the Mind, Terrible Love, Nina’s Dowry, AIDependence: The Many Ills of the NGO System, The Supreme Price, We Are The Ones, You Belong To Me: Sex, Race and Murder on the Suwannee River, Sewing Hope: The Story of Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, Bound: Africans VS African-Americans, Des Étoiles (Under the Starry Sky), Haleema, Freedom Road, Narvalo and many more! Productions are divided into several categories: Narrative Feature Films, Mid-Length and Feature Documentary Films, and Short Films.

A complete listing of all films, panels, and special events can be found at the Festival’s website.

Published by Courtney Small

The founder of Cinema Axis, Courtney is a Rotten Tomatoes approved critic who can frequently be heard discussing film as co-host of Frameline on Radio Regent. Courtney has contributed to several publications including Leonard Maltin, That Shelf, POV Magazine, In the Seats, Black Girl Nerds, and Comix Asylum. He has appeared on ET Canada and Hollywood Suite's Cinema A to Z. Courtney celebrates diversity in cinema as host of the Changing Reels podcast and is a member of the Toronto Film Critics Association, the Online Film Critics Society, and the African American Film Critics Association. He is also a Golden Globes International Voter.

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