The Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF), created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and presented by Global Toronto returns for its 3rd edition beginning tonight, February 10, and running until Sunday, February 15.
As TBFF is about discovery and celebrating the diversity within the black community, this year the festival is bringing us some of the most outstanding black films. Keeping this in mind, I have picked my Top 5 films to see at this year’s festival.
Opening Night, Tuesday, February 10
Manos Sucias
Isabel Bader Theatre, 7:30PM
Synopsis: Towing a submerged torpedo in the wake of their battered fishing boat, ‘Jacobo,’ a desperate fisherman and Delio, a naive kid, 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. Shot entirely on location, in areas that bear the indelible scars of drug trafficking and guerrilla warfare.
My thoughts: Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival last year, and having Spike Lee as executive producer, is helping this film float ahead in the festival circuit. It has received a set of mix reviews. But I say, judge for yourself. The film highlights a snippet of life for this young Afro-Colombian youths, which we rarely get to see on the big screen, especially on this side of the coast.
Wednesday, February 11th
Through A Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People
Carlton Cinema, 5:00PM
Synopsis: Black photographers and the emergence of a 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. This epic tale poetically moves between the present and the past, through contemporary photographers and artists whose images and stories seek to reconcile legacies of pride and shame while giving voice to images long suppressed, forgotten, and hidden from sight.
My thoughts: I saw this documentary last year at Inside Out Film Festival, and it is certainly outstanding. The span of time it covers is extensive, and although it could be a daunting, long film, this is not the case here. It is a very interesting look at the historical context of photography within the African American community, as well as, a great spotlight on some of its photographers. Definitely recommend it.
Thursday, February 12th
Des Etoiles / Under The Starry Sky
Alliance Française, 7:00PM
Synopsis: Between Turin, Dakar, and New York, Sophie, Abdoulaye and Thierno’s three destinies cross paths and echo one another, delineating a constellation of exile. Sophie, 24 years old, leaves Dakar to join her husband, Abdoulaye, in Turin. Meanwhile, Abdoulaye has already left for New York through a smuggler’s network. 19-year-old Thierno is traveling in Africa for the first time. Recounting these three characters’ destinies, the film takes us on a journey through the diversity of the cities the characters travel to, confronting us with the realities, hopes, and dreams of contemporary emigration.
My thoughts: This film sounds interesting in the nature of its story, or three stories, rather. I am also curious about how the various locations will play out in the narrative.
Saturday, February 14th
La Belle Vie / The Good Life
Carlton Cinema, 7:00PM
Synopsis: A story about Rachelle Salnave, a Haitian American filmmaker, and her journey to discover her Haitian roots by examining the complexities of the Haitian society as it pertains to the overall political and economic dichotomy in Haiti. Using her own personal family stories interconnected with capturing the voices of Haitians and experts overall, the film chronologically uncovers the rational behind its social class system but also how it has affected the Haitian American migration experience as well.
My thoughts: Documentaries most often take us to places we are unable to visit, for a myriad of reasons. When they include a personal story and analysis within a community / country, I find they can be enlightening, moving, and thought-provoking. I am hoping this is the case with this one, too.
Sunday, February 15th
Terrible Love
Carlton Cinema, 3:00PM
Synopsis: A bittersweet autopsy of mental illness and lost love, 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.
My thoughts: Stories of mental health and its impact on everyday life, not just for the individual, are not only relevant but much needed. Regardless of culture, age, or socioeconomic background, mental illness affects many, and if a film adds to the dialogue and can help de-stigmatize it, I am all for it.
TBFF also offers concerts, panel discussions, exhibits, workshops, and opportunities to meet filmmakers and artists from Canada and around the world.
The films and events listed here are but a few for you to choose from. For a full list of films, parties, ticketing info, and more, visit torontoblackfilm.com.
