FRANCOPHONE COHORT

Battre Le Fer (Pull Up)

Bruno Jocelyn – Canada – 2024 / 10`34“ – FRENCH 

After immersing himself in the street life, Racci finds redemption through his passion for sports, which he shares with his community to forge a better future, breaking the metaphorical bars that surround his world.

Double Combat

Jonathan St-Armand – Canada – 2024 / 10`54“ – FRENCH

This short documentary delves into the last week of training camp for Jean Pascal, ex-light heavyweight world champion at 41, who aspires to become the best in his category again.

Mikelande; l’exil, la mémoire et le Griot  

Ronaldo Myrthil – Canada – 2024 / 9`47“ – FRENCH

Exiled following the political struggles of the 90s in Haiti, Mikerlande, activist and entrepreneur, revives her memory of commitment and resistance. Around the griot, she tells a story of struggle, transmission and resilience, linking past and present to preserve her heritage.

Black In School (Noir A L’Ecole)

Habiba Diallo – Canada – 2024 / 9`34“ – ENGLISH

A young Black girl navigates high school while dealing with the death of her father, moving to a new city, and adolescent pressures.

Relentless Hurdles, Resilient Hearts (Obstacles Incessants, Cœurs Résilients)

Temitayo Sodunke – Canada – 2024 / 8`36“ – ENGLISH

A compassionate Black immigrant physician shares his personal experience of systemic barriers and resilience required to overcome racial disparities and address critical gaps. The documentary highlights the intersectional challenges of race, immigration, and inequities in Canada’s healthcare landscape and how this impacts his mental wellbeing.

Under Pressure (Sous Pression)

Andre Anderson – Canada – 2024 / 7`48“ – ENGLISH

Dennis Adams Jr. confronts the everyday struggles of being a Black man in Canada, revealing how counselling has helped him navigate the weight of expectations and emerge stronger.

Fertilizer

Kanin Gosbee – Canada – 2024 / ENGLISH

A father reflects upon the cycles of life and parenthood, upon the birth of his son. Memories and reflections of his own father come to mind as he dissects the meaning of growth and acceptance. Will history repeat? Or may he will the seasons to change?

Self-Actualization

Marion Jacobs – Canada – 2024 / 9`44“ – ENGLISH

Being mixed-race can be challenging as navigating the world often feels complicated…

Aesha shares her journey, from childhood to adulthood, as she encountered toxic environments.

But finding strength in the right people and embracing who you are is the key to making it easier.

What We Talk About When We Talk About Blackness

Mickey Semera – Canada – 2024 / 10`40“ – ENGLISH

Beneath the soft glow of a theater stage, a conversation unfolds — an unraveling of stories tethered to history, shaped by places, and refracted through memory. Words echo silence as the stage becomes a mirror, reflecting what is seen, what is unseen, and what is felt. A contemplation of the liminal.

Away From Home

Toffy Olowo – Canada – 2024 / 8`07 – ENGLISH

Determined to protect international students from escalating vulnerabilities in Canada—a country that once “embraced” them—an award-winning global leader, formerly an international student, teams up with community leaders and academics to speak out on the value of these students and uncover how the system isn’t broken but rather designed this way.

Dreaming In The West

Blessing O. Nwodo – Canada – 2024 / 8`16 – ENGLISH

Dreaming in the West” explores the Canadian dream for Black immigrant artists in our socioeconomically imbalanced world. Following a Nigerian Storyteller, and a Sudanese Musician who rejects smartphone technology to highlight the human cost of cobalt mining in Congo, the film unpacks the struggle to sustain art in a society that often devalues it.

West Lodge Redemption

Tasha Gray – Canada – 2024 / 8`03“ – ENGLISH

Nestled in Parkdale, Toronto, West Lodge Apartments stands as a testament to endurance and hardship. This film delves into the lives within these walls, from the battles of disrepair and crime to the inspiring solidarity in the face of adversity. Built in 1964, follows the journey of West Lodge’s transformation from a symbol of struggle to a beacon of hope, as residents and new investments reshape their shared future.

Black and Blue

Kehinde Akanbi – Canada – 2024 / 8`04“ – ENGLISH

Garnetta Cromwell, a blues and soul musician of african descent has a lifelong dream of becoming a professional blues singer. Even though she had temporary deafness atthe ripe age of 5 from lying on the floor and putting her ear to the speaker so she could listen toAretha Franklin’s voice, she didn’t see it as an obstacle but instead as a revelation that singing is her calling. Garnetta wants the world to hear her voice. She wants to promote and inspire the younger generation of blues artists regardless of their race or gender. But as we all know, the world always has something different planned for us.

My Neighbour Taybah

Libin Ahmed – Canada – 2024 / 7`46“ – ENGLISH

Upon discovering that her lifelong next-door neighbour of over twenty years, Taybah, has never explored what the 6ix has to offer, our director launches a two-day adventure with her to show her what she’s been missing.

Traces of Home – A Story from Congo

Dorcas Tabitha Kanane – Canada – 2024 / 7`39“ – ENGLISH

This short film tells the deeply personal and emotional journey of a father who made the life-altering decision to immigrate to Canada from Congo with his family. Narrated from his perspective, it dives into the challenges and obstacles he faced while fleeing his home country. The story balances emotional depth with a touch of humor, ensuring the audience is moved without being overwhelmed by the harsh realities of life in Congo.As the producer, I am immensely proud of this work, which sheds light on the truth about a country that claims to be democratic but operates far from it. The film offers a clear and accessible perspective on the challenges faced by countless individuals in similar situations, fostering awareness and empathy. Through its careful storytelling, the film brings attention to these issues without losing sight of the humanity at its core.What sets this film apart is its brevity and impact. In an age where attention spans are shorter than ever, this short yet powerful piece respects the viewer’s time while delivering a meaningful message. It is a work of heart, designed to inspire, inform, and provoke thought, leaving the audience with a deeper understanding of the struggles and resilience of those who seek a better life.

LemonLime

Muram Idris – Canada – 2024 / 7`35“ – ENGLISH

Two long-time friends, Makahi and Yannick, reflect on their respective journeys as artists in different disciplines—visual arts and music production. The two delve into their experiences as young Black artists in Ottawa, sharing insights into their paths and creative growth.