TIFF Black Excellence Brunch Returns for 3rd Annual Celebration of Legacy, Leadership, and Black Brilliance

As TIFF marks its 50th year, the annual Black Excellence Brunch honours cinematic trailblazers and rising stars who shape the future of Black storytelling.

Toronto, ON – As the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) marks its milestone 50th edition, the spotlight on Black excellence in film shines brighter than ever with the return of the 3rd Annual TIFF Black Excellence Brunch. Presented by RBC and supported by the Jamaica Tourist Board, this invite-only event will take place on Monday, September 8, 2025, at RBC House (Petros82 Restaurant), and promises to be a powerful gathering of changemakers, artists, and cultural leaders.

This year’s brunch will honour four influential figures and institutions with “Spotlight Honouree” recognition, reinforcing the brunch’s mission to elevate Black brilliance, leadership, and innovation in cinema. The honourees are:

• Planet Africa, in celebration of its 30th anniversary

• Zahara Bentham, acclaimed actor and rising star

• Karen Chapman, visionary filmmaker

• The Black Screen Office, a key advocate for equity in Canada’s screen industries

The event will also feature a special Fireside Chat with Clement Virgo, award-winning director of Brother, who returns to TIFF with his latest feature, Steal Away, premiering during the festival.

Celebrating 30 Years of Planet Africa

Founded by TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey in 1995, Planet Africa was a trailblazing TIFF program that centered Black cinema from Africa and the diaspora. Its impact helped shift the global conversation around Black stories on screen. The brunch will pay tribute to the lasting legacy of Planet Africa, with attendance and recognition extended to maxine bailey, Julie Crooks, and other programmers and contributors who shaped the program’s remarkable journey.

Spotlight on Rising Stars and Visionary Creators

Zahara Bentham, one of Canada’s most compelling young talents, will be celebrated for her growing body of work that includes Village Keepers (CSA nomination), Star Trek: Discovery, and Self Made. Known for her range and authenticity, Bentham represents a new generation of storytellers unafraid to push boundaries.

Award-winning director Karen Chapman will be honoured for her work behind the camera exploring identity, belonging, and social justice. Her films have earned critical acclaim, including a Canadian Screen Award nomination, and her debut feature Village Keepers continues to resonate across diverse audiences.

The Black Screen Office (BSO), under the leadership of Joan Jenkinson, has been a vital force in advocating for authentic representation and institutional reform in Canadian media. The BSO’s data-driven research and strategic collaborations have reshaped how networks and funders approach equity and inclusion in storytelling.

A Gathering Rooted in Celebration and Community

Launched in 2022, the TIFF Black Excellence Brunch has quickly become one of the most anticipated events of the festival, offering a unique space where Black creatives, executives, and cultural leaders come together. Opening remarks will be delivered by Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, co-founders of The Black Academy, whose work continues to elevate Black talent across Canada.

“The TIFF Black Excellence Brunch is more than a gathering—it’s a movement rooted in the celebration of culture, legacy, and leadership,” said event organizers. “This year’s event honours the past while embracing the brilliance shaping the future of film.”

From red-carpet veterans to emerging voices, the event will unite those reshaping the narrative landscape and creating space for underrepresented stories in Canadian and global cinema.

Event Details:
Date: Monday, September 8, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: RBC House – Petros82 Restaurant, 299 Adelaide Street West, Toronto

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