We may be a little biased, but one of the things we’re buzzing about is the Toronto Black Film Festival.
This morning TBFF announced their complete lineup, which includes 38 films, free panel discussions, special events, and a three-part Blaxploitation series. Safe to say, we know what we’re doing February 10-15.
Image: http://torontoblackfilm.com
Here are some of our top picks for #TBFF15:
MANOS SUCIAS (DIRTY HANDS)
Isabel Bader Hall – Tuesday, February 10 – 7:30 PM – $25
The opening film has a lot of buzz around it, and not just because it’s Executive Produced by Spike Lee. Follow the tale of Jacobo, a desperate fisherman and Delio, a naive kid, as they embark on a journey trafficking millions of dollars of cocaine up the Pacific coast of Colombia. While Jacobo is a seasoned trafficker, young Delio is unprepared for the grim reality.
THROUGH A LENS DARKLY: BLACK PHOTOGRAPHERS AND THE EMERGENCE OF A PEOPLE
Carlton Cinema – Wednesday, February 11 – 5:00 PM – $10
Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of People is a documentary about how African American communities have used the camera as a tool for social change from the invention of photography to the present. A perfect fit with the TBFF mandate.
TERRIBLE LOVE
Carlton Cinema – Sunday, February 15 – 3:00 PM – $10
Highlighting similar themes as Oscar-nominated American Sniper, Terrible Love tells the story of Rufus, a wounded veteran returning home from Iraq with post-traumatic stress disorder, and his devoted wife Amy. They promised never to leave each other, but that promise is put to the ultimate test when Rufus’ PTSD becomes violent.
BLACK ACTORS IN HOLLYWOOD, THEN AND NOW
Jackman Hall, AGO – Sunday, February 15 – 5 PM – $20
Rosey Edeh (Global News’ “News at Noon” “The Morning Show”) hosts a panel discussion about Black actors in modern Hollywood from the 1970’s to today. The panel addresses whether films like The Butler, 12 Years a Slave, and Selma have created opportunities for black actors or if it’s a temporary trend. Panelists include: Fred Williamson, Actor, Director, Producer, Writer; Bill Cobbs, Actor; Lanette Ware, Actress.
TBFF BLAXPLOITATION PARTY – CLOSING NIGHT
Revival – Sunday, February 15 – 9 PM – $30 ($40 @ the door).
Get your groove on with a 70s-inspired dance party at Revival. The closing party for TBFF celebrates the deeply influential “Blaxploitation” genre that redefined film in the 1970’s and beyond. Partygoers are encouraged to wear ‘70s inspired wigs, heels, accessories, and colourful outfits to boogie the night away.
Image: http://torontoblackfilm.com/2015-festival/#/event/119
