REFLECTION & REASON

Imagine being in a room, on one of the most memorable nights of Muhammed Ali's boxing career, and engaging in conversation and celebration with the champ, with Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown. In 1964--when these powerful Black men were breaking barriers and pushing boundaries--being able to hear their thoughts and personal declarations about life, race, and purpose. Last week at the Venice Film Festival, and this week at the Toronto International Film Festival, the play "One Night in Miami" was brought to the big screen in Regina King's feature film directorial debut. We can trust Regina King to authentically tell Black stories. We can trust her, because she has been doing it effortlessly for decades now. In the 80's as Brenda Jenkins on 227, in the 90's in all of our favourite Black films from "Boyz in The Hood" to "Friday," "Higher Learning," and "Poetic Justice," and in so many other influential movies ("Jer...

It's TIFF season in Toronto, and although the regular red carpet affairs and crowds of photographers and film lovers won't be a common sight on King Street this year, it is refreshing to see and hear the usual buzz about upcoming events, movies, and features. Friday evening's " Conversation With... Halle Berry " was an engaging virtual discussion between Toronto journalist Amanda Parris and the beloved Academy Award-winning actress, as Halle spoke about her directorial debut film " Bruised " premiering Saturday night at the Festival, and how special moments throughout her 30-year career have prepared her for this monumental step. The conversation was one of many in TIFF's interview series, presented online at  tiff.net . Through their " Share Her Journey " initiative, TIFF has also committed to five years of "increased participation, skills, and opportunities" for woman in all areas of film production. This year, 45% of the festiv...

God bless Masai Ujiri. I knew that I had to see the documentary based on the Toronto Raptors' president's organization " Giants of Africa " as soon as I heard it would be featured at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) this year.  As a fan of the Toronto Raptors , one can't help but be proud to see how in just a few years the team has transformed into a powerhouse within the NBA. The fan base has expanded exponentially, media coverage, merchandise, awareness, and overall excitement for the Toronto home team has been electrifying to say the least. Basketball lovers around the world have witnessed the phenomenon that is "Jurassic Park," and viewers outside of our country have taken notice of the Raps in a real way. Masai is a huge part of this change , and this energy, and his influential hand has touched more than just the world of professional sports. Giants of Africa--the organization--is exactly what people in positions of ...

It ain't Shottas . It ain't Dancehall Queen , and it ain't The Harder They Come . Slightly closer to Belly , and very far from Cool Runnings . That being said, writer/director/producer Nick Cannon went hard with his movie King of the Dancehall , released on September 11 at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). No: he doesn't speak with a Jamaican accent (phew!), and yes: the movie is thoroughly entertaining. This film was definitely electric and definitely gave viewers an inside look at Jamaica and the world of dancehall music and movement. I will give Nick Cannon credit where credit is due: this is a good movie. And it's funny! In fact, just minutes into the movie I was wide-eyed and excited to hear dancehall music through the speakers of the Scotiabank Theatres in downtown Toronto. I was pleased to see images of Jamaica, beautifully arranged, and I was thankful that the 35-year-old American superstar took the time to visit, study, and communicate the...