CaribbeanTales International Film Festival Opens in Toronto with Star Power and Diaspora Pride

Resilience in Motion: CTFF Celebrates 20 Years of Caribbean Cinema, Honours Jean Augustine, and Debuts 49 Films Across 15+ Countries

TORONTO — The CaribbeanTales International Film Festival (CTFF) is officially underway in Toronto, marking its 20th anniversary with a vibrant lineup of 49 films that spotlight Caribbean creativity, identity, and resilience. Running from September 3–13 in person, and streaming globally until October 3, this year’s festival promises powerful premieres, retrospectives, and live events under the unifying theme “Resilience in Motion.”

Founded in 2006 by award-winning filmmaker Frances-Anne Solomon, CTFF has grown into North America’s leading festival for Caribbean and diaspora cinema, having screened over 1,000 films in two decades.

“The fact that we are celebrating our 20th anniversary reflects how far we’ve come as a people and how powerful our stories are,” said Solomon, Executive Director of CaribbeanTales Media Group (CTMG). “It is a tribute to the voices that continue to shape and inspire the Caribbean diaspora.”

Festival Highlights

Opening Night Film:
The festival kicked off with the Canadian premiere of Bankie Banx: King of the Dune (2024), a documentary by Nara Garber spotlighting Anguillan reggae icon Bankie Banx — often dubbed the “Bob Dylan of Anguilla.” The film features appearances by Jimmy Buffett, Kevin Bacon, and Stephen “Cat” Coore of Third World. Garber was present for an in-person talkback after the screening.

Closing Night Feature:
The Last Meal (2024) by Maryse Legagneur will close the in-person program on September 13. The film explores profound themes of life, justice, and identity across Canadian and Dominican landscapes.

September 6 — Honouring Our Legends:
A major highlight this year will be the 88th birthday celebration of The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine, Canada’s first Black female MP. The event at Harbourfront Centre will feature special screenings and the presentation of the Jean Augustine Excellence Award to Wendy Jones, Steelpan Ambassador and leader of Pan Fantasy Steelband.

September 7 — Canadian Premiere:
Nomad in No Man’s Land (2024) by Hester Jonkhout will have its Canadian debut, profiling the life and impact of Caribbean visionary filmmaker Felix de Rooy, a trailblazer in queer Caribbean cinema.

Global Virtual Festival:
For audiences worldwide, CTFF continues online with a full month of access to films and curated content from September 3 to October 3, 2025, via www.caribbeantalesfestival.com.

A Bridge Between the Caribbean and the World

With submissions representing more than 15 countries and a programming slate emphasizing both legacy and innovation, CTFF remains a vital space for emerging and established Caribbean voices.

Festival Director Diana Webley emphasized the importance of community and cultural preservation in this year’s selections. “We are not just showcasing films. We are honouring the storytellers who have endured, innovated, and inspired across generations,” she said in advance of the festival launch.

From discussions about diaspora identity, to explorations of climate resilience, queer Caribbean stories, and musical legacies, this year’s edition underscores the many dimensions of Caribbean life and culture.

How to Watch and Get Involved

• Full lineup, tickets, and accreditation: caribbeantalesfestival.com

• Watch globally via CTFF’s digital platform until October 3

• In-person screenings at CTFF Hub – 837 Dundas Street West, Toronto

• Festival Dates: September 3–13 (in person), September 3–October 3 (online)

Connect with CaribbeanTales

• Instagram: @caribbeantales

• Facebook: CaribbeanTalesInternationalFilmFestival

• X/Twitter: @caribbeantales_

• TikTok: @caribbeantalesmediagroup

• LinkedIn: CaribbeanTales Media Group

Follow Vision Newspaper for more stories celebrating Caribbean excellence in film, culture, and innovation. #VisionCaribbeanTV #CaribbeanCinema #CTFF20

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