REFLECTION & REASON

This evening was blessed: Toronto International Film Festival Creative Director and Co-Head Cameron Bailey guided the " In Conversation With... " series featuring director Ava DuVernay, and through digital presentation expressed that the year 2020 was heavy with change...as well as purpose. We have to appreciate these moments now more than ever. The conversation series has already been transformative, with creatives across the city and globe tuned in digitally to hear experts speak about their careers, their passions, and their artistic visions. Even without the usual TIFF buzz on the streets of Toronto, the events have still felt very powerful, and the information has been intangible. Ava DuVernay is a name that is already so embedded with the historical documentation and understanding of our generation: provocative messaging, and thought leadership in race relations, equity, and rational, conscious, common sense. Her delivery is always pointed, clear, and personable...her w...

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 ...