PAM GRIER THE HIT LADY OF THE TORONTO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL

 TWO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL BRING A WRAP TO BLACK HISTORY MONTH

As Black History Month draws to a close, Toronto witnessed two significant Black film events, showcasing the vibrancy and richness of Black culture in the film industry. The Toronto Black Film Festival honoured actress Pam Grier, while the new Directors Black Actors and Film Guild of Canada celebrated their inaugural awards ceremony, acknowledging talents like Black Santa and Ryan Singh

The 12th edition of the Toronto Black Film Festival spanned five days, featuring over 80 films from 20 countries, including Canada, USA, Germany, France, Rwanda, Sudan, South Africa, United Kingdom, Ghana, and Jamaica. The festival concluded earlier this week, leaving a lasting impact on the celebration of Black history through cinema.

A standout moment occurred at the Isabel Bader Theatre during the festival, where a tribute was paid to American actress Pam Grier. Hailed as the Queen of Blaxploitation and the first female action hero, Grier's rock 'em sock 'em movie performances became pivotal moments in the industry, influencing both Black representation and the portrayal of women on screen. The evening included a screening of her iconic 1974 film, "Foxy Brown." Grier received the 2024 Toronto Black Film Festival’s Career Achievement Award, emphasizing her trailblazing career and its profound impact on cinema.

Global Television’s morning show captured the anticipation, with Grier expressing her excitement for the festivities in Toronto. As the segment ended, she enthusiastically declared, “You know we have to party!” The festival also dedicated a tribute night to the late Charles Officer at the Carlton Cinema. Officer, a Toronto-born award-winning filmmaker, producer, and writer, passed away on December 1st. The tribute included a screening of his film "Akilla’s Escape," addressing youth crime in Jamaica.

The Toronto Black Film Festival, self-proclaimed as Canada’s largest celebration of Black History Month through films, has already set the date for next year’s annual event, continuing its commitment to engaging public programming.

On February 17th, the Black Actor & Film Guild Canada (BAF - Guild Canada) hosted its inaugural Canadian Black Screen Awards at the Finch Avenue West York Woods Library. The BAFGC, dedicated to promoting and empowering Black actors and filmmakers in Canada, aspires to make the awards celebration an annual event. Described as a networking convention and award ceremony, the late afternoon event featured live performances, inspiring remarks, and prizes for Black performers, directors, and producers.

While a complete list of winners is yet to be released, two notable winners were highlighted by the Caribbean Camera. Award-winning director Ryan Singh received the Excellence in Media award for his work in telling social justice stories and community mentoring. Singh humbly emphasized the collaborative effort within the community to support such initiatives.

PAM GRIER AT TORONTO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL

Dewitt Lee, known as Kente Claus, the Caribbean Camera’s favourite volunteer Santa, was honoured with the Best Actor in a Commercial award. His portrayal in a Tim Hortons Kindness campaign commercial during the Christmas holidays resonated with the theme of promoting kindness and inclusivity. Dewitt expressed his gratitude, attributing the honor to a higher power and thanking Tim Hortons for utilizing the commercial to showcase the diverse ways kindness can make the world a better place.