CaribbeanTales Media Group, led by renowned Filmmaker Frances-Anne Solomon, has an exciting lineup of film festival events for 2023 that aim to foster transformative conversations and bring communities together. One of their prominent events is the Windrush Caribbean Film Festival (WCFF), supported by the BFI, which celebrates 75 Years of Black Cinema and beyond. Taking place from June 6th to 30th, the festival features events in Southampton, Bristol, Birmingham, Newport, and London, UK. Windrush pays tribute to the Windrush generation and their descendants, highlighting their significant contributions to Britain’s recovery from World War II and their ongoing impact today. Canadian viewers can also enjoy WCFF programming online starting June 21st.

Then from September 6th to 22^nd, the action moves to Toronto. CTFF will focuses on the impact of climate change on vulnerable Small Island States and Canada, renewing the spotlight on these urgent issues. The festival offers both online and in-person presentations to reach a broad audience and ensure the availability and relevance of these vital visual stories.

“The Big Pitch” is a highly anticipated industry event held in partnership with TIFF 2023. It provides an opportunity for participants from the CTMG Incubator to pitch their projects to industry leaders. Mid-career BIPOC filmmakers selected from the CaribbeanTales Black Incubator and Studio Access Project (CTBISAP) present their projects to Canadian and international broadcasters and distributors, aiming to secure cash, mentorship, and support. “The Big Pitch” will take place on September 10th.

Founded in 2016 by Frances-Anne Solomon, CineFam Film Festival supports bold and original stories by women and non-binary creators of color in Canada. This year’s theme,

“SURVIVE & THRIVE,” explores how women of color connect, create, and thrive in a changing cultural landscape. The festival, held from October 20th to 22nd, serves as a platform to showcase groundbreaking stories.

CineFAM will also present “SHOPTALK,” a discussion series featuring women and non-binary filmmakers of color from across Canada. The series delves into the industry’s diversity, highlighting challenges faced and examining their influence on filmmaking. This reflective video series leads up to the annual CineFam Film Festival.

To round out the year, the eagerly anticipated “BEST OF THE FEST” will showcase some of the finest films from the Windrush Caribbean Film Festival. If you missed any of the films during the WCFF or want to revisit your favorites, make sure to tune in to “BEST OF THE FEST” in October 2023.