My first day at Toronto After Dark Film Festival (TADFF) was mixed with sci-fi and pure action. I had a great time!

I met some friends to catch Franklyn; a sci-fi that incorporates present day London with a futuristic place known as Meanwhile City. The cast includes Ryan Phillippe, Eva Green, Sam Riley and Bernard Hill… all very familiar faces from films such as Cruel Intentions and Casino Royale.

I enjoyed the concept of the film. The look of Meanwhile City is really dark, grimy. One can vividly feel the notion that it’s a place you don’t want to live in… The story itself can feel convoluted at times but with great reason. It needs to feel a bit confusing as it adds to the meaning of Meanwhile City. The film seemed to drag a bit in parts, however… I didn’t need to see Eva Green’s character that much on-screen as I didn’t think she was the most pivotal character. Others may disagree. Overall, I think this film will find a definite fan base and will do well once it gets a North American release.

Right after, some friends and I stayed to see Black. This French film features lots of action, lots of gun fights and even supernatural beings; not to mention a soundtrack up to par… Yes, that is why I look so pleased in this photo. The movie, a first effort by Pierre Laffargue, is another homage to the Blaxploitation films from the 70’s. The story of Black, a small-time robber begins in Paris. After a robbery goes awry, Black is left on his own and is lured to Dakkar in search of diamonds. Most of the film was shot in Senegal; giving us a great backdrop for the chases, fights and transmutations that would ensue. I was impressed by both leads MC Jean Gab’1 as Black and Carole Karemera as Pamela (an Interpol agent). They were both physically strong and their comedic delivery was en pointe. An honourable mention goes to Anton Yakovlev as Victor Ouliakov; a villain hasn’t made laugh so hard in a very long time…

In the Q&A post-film, Laffargue and producer Lauranne Bourrachat talked about how this film was independently made as it did not qualify for the “diversity” funds the French government awards for various film projects. Unfortunately, there isn’t much support for “Black films” in France. Nonetheless, I am glad TADFF brought this film to us. If you missed it at the festival, don’t despair. Black will be released in Toronto on Friday, Aug 21st at Yonge & Dundas AMC. For more on this film and its star, MC Jean Gab’1, I recommend this article from The Montreal Mirror.