The Caribbean Tales International Film Festival (CTFF) is celebrating its 20th anniversary in Toronto from September third to 13th. For two decades, the festival has brought together full length films, short films and documentaries from the Caribbean and African diaspora in a celebration of talent and culture.
The CTFF was originally founded in 2005 by award-winning filmmaker and Academy member Frances-Anne Solomon. Solomon has studied and worked in the film and television industry for decades and has built a resume worthy of applause. With several directorial credits to her name and numerous awards won, she has expanded her media empire into the Caribbean Tales Media Group (CTMG). The CTMG is a group of media companies that come together to produce and distribute Black media on a global scale. As a registered Canadian charity with artist incubation programs, streaming services and more, the CTMG is only continuing to expand and is remaining dedicated to uplifting talent from new and established artists.
For their 20th anniversary, the CTFF’s theme is “Resilience in Motion.” This theme is a testament to the work that Caribbean creatives have put in through the years into honing their craft, and a hopeful look forward to the years to come. At its core, the CTFF believes that Caribbean art is a means to express not only where the people of the Caribbean have come from, but a testament to a progressive future. Storytelling after all is an essential part of Caribbean culture, and this festival is another way to showcase these cultural stories.
This year, the festival opener was an example of such resilience in Caribbean artistry through a collaboration between singer Bankie Banx and the CTFF with the Canadian premiere of his documentary “Bankie Banx: King of the Dune.” Chronicling decades of his musical career across several countries and creative projects, this documentary gives viewers insight into the Anguillan musician’s life, and the political history of Anguilla that impacted his story. “Bankie Banx: King of the Dune,” is an informative and engaging watch that leaves viewers excited for Banx’s future projects. At the September 3rd premier at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre, Banx treated the audience to a passionate live performance after an audience talkback with director Nara Garber.
A notable event in this year’s programming is a celebration of the Honorable Dr. Jean Augustine’s 88th birthday. After immigrating to Canada from Grenada, she went on to pursue higher education and activism for the Black and Caribbean community in Canada. She was the first Black woman elected to Canada’s House of Commons in 1993 and was an integral part of establishing Black History Month in Canada and founding the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, to name only a few of her accomplishments. The celebration will feature film screenings, performances and the bestowing of the Jean Augustine Excellence Award to one honoree.
Photo courtesy of Brian Medina
This year’s 20th anniversary festival highlights a diverse selection of films over several curated showcases. Arthouse Night is an exciting event where three films are having their Canadian premieres in an evening dedicated to the stylistic choices of ‘arthouse’ cinema. Standout Shorts is a showcase dedicated to highlighting the art of the short film. The LGBTQ+ Spotlight features five short films from LGBTQ+ artists, one of which was produced in collaboration with Caribbean Equality Project, a community-led organisation that works to advocate for LGBTQ+ Caribbean immigrants in New York City. The wide breadth of this year’s programming mimics the wide breadth of the Caribbean experience; Caribbeans are not a monolith and neither is the art they create.
Festival attendees can join in on the festivities in person and online, with events in Toronto at the Harbourfront Centre and The Hub on Dundas West from September third to 13th. By purchasing online festival passes, festival goers can view this year’s programming online from anywhere until September 30th.
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