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...

In the third night of the Toronto International Film Festival, another engaging installment of the TIFF Bell Digital Talks series went live on tiff.net. Musical expert and photographer, Derrick Jones (aka DJ D-Nice) and film and music video director Anthony Mandler were the featured guests " In Conversation " with host Talia Schlanger. The discussion lasted just under an hour, and gave viewers an overview of the artists' careers, connecting their talents and experiences along the way. The conversation started with MTV, for both young men, growing up in New York, drawing impressionable inspiration from the innovative combination of music and visuals that was captivating young folks around the world. For D-Nice, it was Run DMC. For Anthony, Madonna. The integration of genres, fashion, visuals, and sound captured their imaginations and were instrumental in how their personal and professional lives developed in the years to come. "MTV was everything to me," said D-N...

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...

Desmond Cole is boldly unapologetic in action, in presence, and in print; when history reflect on this generation of Black Canadian leaders, freedom fighters, and those who weren't afraid to stand up for what they believe to be true...his name will be amongst those upheld. Depending on who you ask or what you watch...his name might bring forth images of public disturbances and inappropriate appearances in otherwise regulated spaces. The fact is, we have all seen Desmond Cole standing up in protest at Board meetings, and speaking up against a range of issues from immigration, to racial profiling, and police brutality. We know he is someone at the forefront of movements, and someone who doesn't back down. Thanks to his 2015 article " The Skin I'm In " in Toronto Life magazine, we also learned that he had been harassed by the police dozens of times, through no fault of his own. He became the expert in "carding" and someone who was unfortunately, well-versed...

I enjoyed this novel for more than one reason. Ever since meeting the author Mathis Bailey at the Toronto Urban Book Expo , I have looked forward to opening the pages of " Confused Spice ." I follow Mathis on social media , and have seen him make major advances with his book: a placement in Chapters/Indigo (huge) and other signings and promotions. I knew the story would be good, and now I can finally understand what makes it such a gem. Needless to say, I love that the book takes place in Scarborough, Ontario, my hometown. I love the local references, the familiar landmarks, and the contemporary feel to the plot, as though it were happening in real time. I could picture the main characters driving down McCowan, or heading downtown to Toronto to get a bite to eat. As the title implies, the book is heavy on food appreciation! Author Mathis is a trained journalist and food connoisseur, and both talents are evident in the text. I appreciated the lessons in cuisine, culture, and ...

The concept of community has evolved this year. So many conditions have been equally restricted, and hopes for simple freedoms and joys that we "used to" experience are felt collectively. Here in Toronto. Across Canada, and worldwide. Fortunately, on July 30, one of the joys that returned after a four month pandemic-hiatus was the basketball season...and our hometown reigning NBA champion Toronto Raptors are now in the middle of the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the Boston Celtics (who won tonight's game 102-99 and are now leading the series 2-0). As a part of the sports community, we are all engaged in the events taking place within the NBA. It is a part of our daily routine. As members of the global community--and citizens of this city in particular--we all have a role to play in terms of supporting, endorsing, and translating the messages and wishes of our officials. This includes government representatives in some cases, but also of the community leaders and ...