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  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

Don’t be shocked when you get Tim Bits in your stocking this year If you run into Kente Claus at a party or a fundraiser before Christmas and he asks what you want under the tree, tell him a Double-Double and a bag of Tim Bits and you may just get your wish, provided there is a Tims close by. DeWitt Lee, a Toronto businessman and long-time community volunteer and supporter of worthwhile causes here in the city, the Caribbean, and Buffalo, NY, has a not-so-well-kept secret: he is Kente Claus! Kente Claus, thanks to a new Tim Horton’s 30-second TV commercial, is probably becoming the best-known Black Santa Claus in the country. “It's running all month,” he told the Caribbean Camera yesterday. “I'm the 2023 Tim Hortons Christmas Claus!” The spot isn't pushing a product; it is a good news advertisement for Christmas. Kente Claus has a big role in the ad as viewers are asked, “Where do you believe Santa's magic comes from?” Spoiler alert: the answer is, “Maybe Santa magic is