Tribute to Award-Winning Actor ERNIE HUDSON at the 13th Annual Toronto Black Film Festival’s Opening Evening + 60 Films from 22 Countries!
The 13th annual Toronto Black Film Festival – #TBFF25 – marks Black History Month with bold, diverse, innovative and meaningful programming from
February 12 – 17, 2025.
Films starring Edwin Moses, Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee, Ama Qamata, Kyla Alexander, Michael Johnson, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Caleb "CJ" Williams, Kathleen Stephens, Samba Badjii, Ouma Katrina, Siphokazi Jonas, Tyler Young, Noxolo Dlamini, Irshaad Ally, and more.
Full Program, All Access Passes & Individual Tickets at TorontoBlackFilm.com
TORONTO, January 28, 2025 – The Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF), presented by TD Bank Group (TD) in collaboration with Global News, announces the official program and events lineup running February 12 – 17, 2025. Founded by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, the Toronto Black Film Festival will offer, as usual, a diversified, powerful and exciting program to Toronto audiences.
TBFF is Canada’s largest cultural celebration of Black History Month, attracting hundreds of thousands of festivalgoers of all ages and ethnicities in person and online. Year after year, through its bold and diverse programming, the Toronto Black Film Festival has been a catalyst and necessary platform for Black artists who would otherwise remain invisible. Toronto Black Film Festival is a movement that allows members of the Global Majority and other communities to come together to learn about and better understand one another.
#TBFF25 will present 3 World Premieres, 3 International Premieres, 1 North American premiere, 17 Canadian Premieres, 9 Ontario Premieres and 2 Toronto Premieres. #TBFF25, Canada’s largest celebration of Black History Month through films and other engaging public programming, showcases over 60 films from 22 countries, including Canada, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Netherlands, Nigeria, South Africa, Germany, Colombia, Mexico, the United States, Brazil, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Kenya, Senegal, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Switzerland, Australia, Ireland, and France.
OPENING NIGHT GALA: FILM & TRIBUTE
Isabel Bader Theatre – February 12 at 7:30 pm
The Festival’s opening night will take place on Wednesday, February 12, at 7:30 pm at the Isabel Bader Theatrewith the Toronto premiere of Fight Like a Girl, executive produced by Serge Ibaka, directed by Matthew Leutwyler, and produced by Anton Laines with whom there will be an engaging Q&A following the film.
Starring Ama Qamata, this powerful film tells the true story of a young Congolese woman forced to work in an illegal mineral mine who escapes captivity and starts a new life by joining a renowned all-women boxing club in the border city of Goma. Based on a true story, Fight Like a Girl highlights resilience, strength, and the fight for freedom.
The opening film will be preceded by a tribute to Ernie Hudson.
TRIBUTE TO ERNIE HUDSON
Preceding the opening film screening – powered by TD Bank Group – the Festival is honored to present one of this generation’s most well-versed actors, Ernie Hudson, with the Toronto Black Film Festival’s 2025 Career Achievement Award.
The highly versatile and acclaimed actor is returning to the big screen. This spring, he’ll reprise his iconic role in the latest chapter of the legendary “Ghostbusters” franchise, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.” Ernie Hudson currently stars alongside Raymond Lee and Caitlin Bassett in the reboot of Quantum Leap, which recently completed its second season on NBC and streaming on Peacock. He also stars and executive produces The Family Business, which is now in its fifth season on BET Plus and streaming on Netflix. Previously, he appeared in Grace and Frankie with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda and earned a Satellite Award for Best Actor in a Series for his role in HBO’s Oz.
Hudson’s extensive television credits include Modern Family, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, Law & Order, LA’s Finest with Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba, Twin Peaks, Scandal, Blue Bloods, Grey’s Anatomy, and Ballerswith Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. In film, Hudson’s credits span all five Ghostbusters movies, The Crow with Brandon Lee, Miss Congeniality 1 & 2 with Sandra Bullock, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle opposite Julianne Moore and Rebecca DeMornay, and Congo with Laura Linney. His recent film roles include Champions with Woody Harrelson, Retirement Plan with Nicolas Cage, and Prisoner’s Daughter with Brian Cox.
CLOSING FILM
Carlton Cinema – February 16 at 7 pm
#TBFF25 will close with the Canadian Premiere of Legacy: The De-Colonized History of South Africa. Apartheid was dismantled in 1994, yet three decades later, South Africa remains the most unequal country in the world. This exploration of South Africa reveals the roots of this inequality, exposing why it persists today. It is a perspective-shifting documentary that features, in unprecedented access, the grandson of the “Architect of Apartheid,” who takes a searingly honest look into his ancestry, exposing not only the systemic strings that Apartheid still holds over South Africa but the psychological strings as well.
The TBFF All Access Pass and individual tickets are on sale now on the Festival’s website.
QUOTES
"TBFF has been delivering Impact, amplifying Black voices and fostering inclusion of Black film professionals and artists in our Industry! This is thanks to the massive support of TD Bank Group, our loyal partners and our growing audience! Welcoming the award-winning actor, writer and producer Ernie Hudson to the 2025 Toronto Black Film Festival is a profound honor and a reflection of the very essence of this festival—a beacon for Toronto and the global film industry alike. We invite everyone to explore our extraordinary program and join us in celebrating the many premieres that illuminate Black History Month with stories of resilience, creativity, and triumph." — Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the TBFF.
“Through the TD Ready Commitment, we're proud to support initiatives like the Toronto Black Film Festival and work with organizations that amplify Black voices and help break down barriers in the arts. Together, we're helping foster spaces where Black talent and stories can shine, sharing authentic lived experiences and building meaningful connections through thoughtful community programming.” — Alicia Rose, AVP Social Impact, Sustainability & Corporate Citizenship, TD Bank Group.
“Global News has partnered with the Toronto Black Film Festival since its inception, and we look forward to another year showcasing the remarkable contributions of Black filmmakers and artists. The TBFF is an important part of our community and it’s our pleasure to once again partner with the festival and help our city celebrate its diversity. — Sherri Clark, News Director – Global News
Additional programming includes:
THE TBFF BLACK MARKET
Presented by the Toronto Arts Council
Carlton Cinema – February 15-16
The TBFF Black Market series returns in-person and online with an exciting blend of progressive and innovative thinking FREE panel discussions and workshops with renowned industry professionals who will share real-world experience on today’s most critical filmmaking and social issues.
In-Person Panels
- 11:00 am – CINEMATIC ACTIVISM: How Black Filmmakers and Crews Use Storytelling to Address Societal Issues, Challenge Stereotypes, and Inspire Activism.
- 12:30 pm – NAVIGATING THE AI REVOLUTION: Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in Film Production
- 1:45 pm – SPOTLIGHT STORIES: FILM INDUSTRY Q&A SERIES
- 3:00 pm – AFROFUTURISM AND THE BLACK SPECULATIVE FICTION IN THE CREATIVE WORLD
Online Panels
- FROM BIG SCREENS TO SMALL SCREENS: How Social Media and Content Creators Are Redefining Filmmaking
FABIENNE COLAS FOUNDATION’S BEING BLACK IN CANADA
Presented by NETFLIX, in collaboration with the National Bank, and supported by Telefilm Canada
Carlton Cinema – February 14 from 9 pm & ONLINE
30 emerging Black filmmakers from Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver of the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Being Black in Canada program will present their WORLD PREMIERE short films in person at TBFF on Friday, February 14. Thanks to the support of Netflix, National Bank, Telefilm Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Creates and various local partners.
TBFF FAMILY DAY FESTIVAL
Carlton Cinema – February 17 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
The TBFF Family Day Festival is back this year with new and exciting in-person activities for the whole family! Join us on Family Day an afternoon filled with fun, creativity, and inspiration.
This year’s program goes far beyond just films—get ready for a dynamic lineup of workshops and activities designed to engage and delight children aged 4–12 and anyone young at heart. From captivating movie screenings to hands-on sessions, the TBFF Family Day Festival promises an enriching experience that blends entertainment, education, and imagination.
TBFF LIVE PERFORMANCE SERIES
Rooftop on College – February 12-16 from 10 pm
Finally, festivalgoers can cap off their day with the TBFF Live Performance Series, showcasing different genres of music and Spoken Word representing the Afrocentric community. Music artists include Joseph Callender, Kobena Aquaa-Harrison, Gyles and Rudy Ray; Spoken Word artists include Amoya Ree, Sarah G., Jäjé, Shakkoi and more.
This year’s line-up consists of remarkable films, highlighting important topics such as migration/displacement, social issues, women issues/empowerment, identity, family, history/politics/romance, music/dance/art, mystery/murder, racism/discrimination, comedy, community, science, horror, mental health.
A few #TBFF25’s must-see feature films are Fight Like a Girl, Pariah, The Weekend, Village Keeper, Death of a Whistleblower, Moses 13 Steps, Igualada, Othelo, O Grande (Othelo, the Great), Legacy: The De-Colonized History of South Africa, Nay Day, Honest / Fluff, Run Like We, Some Kind of Heavenly Fire, You Can’t Get Lost in Joburg and Things Long Left Unsaid.
#TBFF25 All Access Passes are available on the Festival’s website.
The All Access Pass (for the Online Program) $129.00 (+ tx & fees), gives access to the festival’s entire online program.
The All Access Pass (for the In Person Program) is $149 (+ tx & fees) and gives access to all in-person programming.
VIP + In Person All Access: $249 (+ tx & fees), includes admission for two people to the Opening Gala on February 12, access to the Red Carpet, VIP Cocktail, and Priority Seating, & Film at 7:30 pm and One Access In Person Pass to all festival films.
Individual tickets to the in person opening film are available for $25, closing film for $20, regular films for $12 and film series are available for $12.
The 13th annual Toronto Black Film Festival, founded by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, is presented by TD Bank Group in collaboration with Global News from February 12 to 17, 2025 – IN PERSON & ONLINE.
For full programming and events, visit TorontoBlackFilm.com
Get Social #TBFF25
ABOUT THE TORONTO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL
Founded by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, the Toronto Black Film Festival is Canada’s largest celebration of Black History Month through films and engaging public programming. TBFF is dedicated to celebrating the very best in cinematic work dealing with the experiences of black people from a diversity of communities. Our mandate is to provide an opportunity for filmmakers from all ethnic backgrounds to shine a spotlight on authentic stories that reflect the realities of black experiences. Along with its sister festivals, the Montreal International Black Film Festival, Halifax Black Film Festival, Ottawa Black Film Festival, Calgary Black Film Festival and Vancouver Black Film Festival, TBFF showcases new voices in cinema and encourages audiences to see the world in new ways. In connecting black films with diverse audiences, we recognize the differences that make us unique while celebrating the shared values that bring us together.
ABOUT THE FABIENNE COLAS FOUNDATION
The Fabienne Colas Foundation is Canada’s largest Black cultural organization. Created in 2005, the FCF is a not-for-profit artistic organization dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in Cinema, Art, and Culture in Canada and abroad. Along with Zaza production, the Fabienne Colas Foundation is also the creator of Festwave Institute and 12 Festivals, including the highly successful Montreal Black Film Festival, the hugely popular Toronto Black Film Festival, the Halifax Black Film Festival as well as several other successful Festivals in Canada, the USA, Haiti and Brazil. These initiatives/festivals have showcased and supported over 5,000 artists and attracted over 2 million festivalgoers. The Foundation is also the creator of the FCF’s Being Black in Canada program, Canada’s largest incubator dedicated to Black Filmmakers.