CaribbeanTales Film Festival’s Opening Night Film Canadian Premiere: Toronto Caribbean Carnival - Fun and Free
Documentary delves into the history of North America’s largest outdoor street festival
For Immediate Release
September 6, 2022 (Toronto, ON) - Get ready to jump up one more time with the feature film documenting Toronto’s world famous Caribbean carnival! The 17th CaribbeanTales International Film Festival Opens on Wednesday September 7th with the Canadian Premiere of Toronto Caribbean Carnival: Fun and Free, directed by Irina Volkova at the Carlton Cinema, 20 Carlton Street, Toronto at 7:30pm EST.
The night features a special talkback with Canadian filmmaker Irina Volkova and Dr. Rita Cox - who was there at the very beginning of what was then known as Caribana, sealing envelopes for the festival after school! “We are very excited to have this amazing insight from the legendary Dr. Rita Cox, who contributed immensely to this documentary,” says Festival Director Diana Webley. “This film will bring to light the artistry and roots of this vibrant festival that has a 55 year history in this country.”
In honour of the 50th anniversary in 2020, Volkova captured the meaning of carnival and highlights the importance of diversity and unity. From the history to the traditions that encompass it to the riveting music and rich Caribbean culture, Volkova takes the audience on a journey that showcases the authentic essence of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival.
To open up the night, two short films will be screened:
Bomba Ancestral, directed by Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi (Puerto Rico)
The first Bomba Ancestral returning to the ocean at sunset where the river meets the sea, honouring all of our ancestors from whom we inherited this beautiful dance of Bomba.
Mas Prep directed by Shri Petti (Trinidad and Tobago)
A docu-web series which features the behind the scenes of traditional mas makers, showing what it takes for them to get ready for the Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.
The CaribbeanTales Film Festival takes place September 7th- 23rd with a programme of films from the African and Caribbean diaspora, talkbacks with actors and directors as well as the popular Big Pitch in partnership with TIFF and Red Hot Mixer networking event.
CTFF Full Programme available HERE
CTFF Tickets and Passes are available HERE
Media Contact: Fennella Bruce | 647.290.7610 | fennella@fkbmedia.com
Natalie White | media@fkbmedia.com
About CaribbeanTales International Film Festival
CaribbeanTales Film Festival (CTFF) celebrates the talents of established and emerging filmmakers of Caribbean heritage who practise their art across the Caribbean Diaspora and worldwide. CTFF presents a multi-ethnic mix of exciting and dynamic films that showcase diverse and shared stories and cultures.
CTFF is produced by Caribbean Tales Inc., a registered Canadian charity. The company’s mandate is to foster and encourage intercultural understanding and racial equality, through the creation, marketing and distribution of film, programs, events, and projects that reflect the diversity and creativity of Caribbean heritage and culture.
About CaribbeanTales Media Group
CaribbeanTales Media Group ( CTMG) is a multifaceted group of media companies that produces, market, and sells culturally diverse film and television content from the Caribbean and its wide Diaspora.
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