AFRO-CANADA

Director: Henri Pardo

This documentary series traces the Afro-descendant presence in Canada through more than 400 years of history. A large-scale project that will leave no one indifferent, as much for its content and its historical and social scope as for its form. Documentary, fiction and animation are featured in this series that shows, for the first time, our collective Canadian history.

AKILLA’S ESCAPE

Director: Charles Officer

A hypnotizing powerful film about an urban soldier that is captured in the aftermath of an armed robbery. As a character who has survived some very tough moments and been in terrible places, Akilla Brown is relatable. However, he holds close to his sense of compassion lest he falls victim to the same fate as those who have come before him.

BLACK BODIES

Director: Kelly Fyffe-Marshall

This film is full of thought-provoking themes, such as police brutality, poetry, and the innocent bodies of Black people. Racism is a harsh reality that many Black people face every day. Based on a real-life incident of anti-Black racism, Black Bodies follows a Black man’s journey through his eyes. Exposing areas that most are reluctant to discuss.

‘DA KINK IN MY HAIR

Television show created by: Trey Anthony and Ngozi Paul

Directed for the stage by: Weyni Mengsha

Black women’s conversations, sass, personal stories, the ups and the downs. A timeless classic, ‘da Kink in my Hair perfectly encapsulates Black women’s strengths and why they should be celebrated.

KENBE LA, UNTIL WE WIN

Director: Will Prosper

Through the inspiring journey of late artist and activist Alain Philoctète, this documentary sheds light on a remarkable person who wholeheartedly believed in the power of sharing to help humanity. Kenbe la, Until We Win offers a cinematic adventure that will inspire viewers to reflect on the importance of embracing ideals and passing them on.

LEARN TO SWIM

Director: Thyrone Tommy

Great films are always infused with love and music. Learn to Swim explores love and loss through the magical world of contemporary jazz. Cinematography is so impeccable that it stands the test of time.

LOVE JACKED

Director: Alfons Adetuyi

RomComs for the win, always. There is something for everyone in Love Jacked. This film explores acceptance and ambition in South Africa and Canada. To find inspiration, Maya decides to travel to Africa with her fiancé, Shamier Anderson. Do we need to say more?

MAHALIA MELTS IN THE RAIN

Directors: Carmine Pierre-Dufour, Émilie Mannering

Mahalia has her hair straightened for the first time after being teased by the other girls in her ballet class. A subtle yet impactful exploration of a young Black girl’s experience of belonging told through beautiful photography and Kaiyonni Banton-Renner’s quietly powerful and heartbreaking performance.

THE NIGHT BEFORE SHE PASSED

Director: Chris Strikes

Jesse Ryan’s sprawling jazz wanders and weaves through Trinidad in this MVP Project-supported video. Shot run-and-gun in 3 days with a cast of all family members, the video is a vivid and touching snapshot of an artist reconnecting with his roots.

RACE

Director: Stephen Hopkins

As Black athletes struggled to prove their talent in the mid-1900s, they faced many obstacles. The life story of Jesse Owens, the fastest man of his generation, will always hold a firm place in history. Race is an enthralling film about courage, determination, tolerance, friendship, and one’s fight to become an Olympic legend.