REGENT PARK FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF ITS ANNUAL FILM FESTIVAL CHAMPIONING BIPOC VOICES 

NOVEMBER 1, 2023 – TORONTO, ON – Regent Park Film Festival (RPFF) is thrilled to announce the return of its 21st Annual Regent Park Film Festival this November. As Toronto’s longest-running free film festival, this extraordinary and community-driven initiative is dedicated to amplifying the stories of local and international BIPOC filmmakers, all while opening up access to the film and television industry through free programming to aspiring artists. The 21st Annual Regent Park Film Festival will run at Daniels Spectrum November 23 – 26, 2023, welcoming Torontonians and visitors alike to enjoy films by luminaries and up-and-coming talents like Kelly Fyffe-Marshall, Meredith Hama-Brown, and Chrisann Hessing.

This year’s festival boasts an impressive selection of 48 feature and short films exploring the experiences and stories of BIPOC communities. These cinematic works delve into an array of themes encompassing sexuality, resilience, and activism, offering a unique perspective on these narratives. Included in this year’s festival are must-see gems like In Flames, a Pakistan-set horror film and debut feature written and directed by Zarrar Kahn; We Will Be Brave, a documentary about a Toronto-based arts collective exploring healthy masculinity by Chrisann Hessing; and When Morning Comes, a drama coming of age film that follows a young Jamaican boy immigrating to Canada by award-winning filmmaker Kelly Fyffe-Marshall, and much more. 

Zarrar Khan (Photo Credit: Christopher Katsarov))

Chrisann HessingKelly Fyffe-Marshall (Photo Credit: IMBd)

“Film is a powerful art form, and community access and bridging cultures through this medium has been at the core of RPFF’s mission since the very beginning. Showcasing the stories of Black, Indigenous and racialized filmmakers creates space for important conversations and understanding, but can also strengthen community belonging when individuals see themselves represented on screen,” says Kalpana Srinarayanadas, Executive Director of Regent Park Film Festival. “RPFF is committed to ensuring that these experiences and stories are accessible to all, regardless of financial status. We strive to remove barriers because we understand the impact and significance it has on individuals and their communities, and how it can open the door to a world of inspiration and possibility for everyone.”

RPFF has been living out its mission to uplift the experiences of Black, Indigenous and racialized groups since its inception in 2003 through its free, accessible year-round programming, including the 21st Annual Regent Park Festival. 

“Through a range of accessible free films, panels, and workshops, everyone will have the opportunity to engage with the powerful work of BIPOC creators that aren’t celebrated enough,” says Alice Wang, Manager of Programming at RPFF. “We hope that our programming provides audiences with fresh perspectives that encourage meaningful dialogue, and connect different communities through a shared love of the arts.” Wang speaks from experience, as a previous winner of the Emerging Directors' Pitch Competition, an annual competition that invites up-and-coming filmmakers to submit a proposal for a new project.

Free public programs will accompany the festival, including film panels, a pitch competition and a fireside chat and performance by Canadian Artist, Vivek Shraya. To further accessibility, RPFF will also be providing free childcare throughout the festival, all films will be closed captioned, and ASL translation will be available. All programming takes place in Daniels Spectrum which is a fully accessible building. 

Regent Park Film Festival would like to thank all the sponsors, partners and funders who share their vision and values; in particular, Premiere Sponsor RBC, as well as government supporters, Canada Council for the Arts, Canadian Heritage, Telefilm Canada, Ontario Arts Council, and Toronto Arts Council.

For free tickets, more information, and full scheduling, please visit rpff.ca/2023.

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