Regent Park Film Festival is Returning for its 22nd Year and it’s FREE!
TORONTO, November 21, 2024 – Regent Park Film Festival (RPFF) returns with its 22nd Annual Regent Park Film Festival from November 28 – December 1, 2024. 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.
With a mission to make art and film accessible to all, the 22nd Annual Regent Park Film Festival will run at Daniels Spectrum, welcoming Torontonians and visitors alike to enjoy films by up-and-coming talents and cinema veterans.
This year’s feature film selection includes work from outstanding Toronto-based directors Reza Dahya and Karen Chapman; Turner Prize-winning Jordanian artist Lawrence Abu Hamdan; Indian-American filmmaker (and Sundance Film Festival favourite) Shuchi Talati; and the Cannes Film Festival-awarded Chinese auteur Guan Hu.
47 feature and short films
The festival will feature an impressive selection of 47 feature and short films exploring the experiences and stories of BIPOC communities. These cinematic works delve into an array of themes encompassing community, growth, joy, and resilience and offer a unique and authentic perspective into the kaleidoscopic spectrum of Indigenous and racialized subjectivities.
Must-see Gems
Included at RPFF this year are must-see gems like Boxcutter, a Toronto-set drama following an artist’s quest to retrieve what’s rightfully his by Reza Dahya; Karen Chapman’s Village Keeper, a warm and spirited drama about a woman and head of the family who learns to speak her truth and finally put herself first; and Girls Will Be Girls, Shuchi Talati’s coming of age story that highlights the challenges of self-discovery amidst strained family relationships.
“Through a diverse array of free films, panels, and workshops, we invite everyone to engage with the impactful work of this year’s platformed BIPOC creators,” says Sarah-Tai Black, Manager of Programming at Regent Park Film Festival. “Our programming aims to offer fresh perspectives that inspire meaningful dialogue as well as forge new and sustained connections within the Regent Park community.”
Free and accessible year-round programming
With its free and accessible year-round programming, including the 22nd Annual Regent Park Festival, RPFF has been living out its mission to uplift the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and racialized groups since its inception in 2003.
“Film is an extraordinary art form that has the power to connect people and spark crucial conversations that deepen understanding. By showcasing the narratives of Black, Indigenous, and racialized filmmakers, RPFF aims to cultivate a sense of belonging for individuals who see their stories reflected on screen,” says Kalpana Srinarayanadas, Executive Director at Regent Park Film Festival. “RPFF actively works to reduce barriers to access art and culture for creatives and audiences alike, so everyone can participate in enriching their communities through storytelling.”
Free Public Programs
Free public programs will accompany the festival, including film talkbacks, panels, and the Emerging Directors’ Pitch Competition. Key programming also includes an In Conversation with the talented Toronto filmmaker Alicia K. Harris as well as a selection of practice-based workshops that allow community members to learn and hone their creative skills. 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 its vision and values, particularly public funders Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, Canadian Heritage, and Telefilm Canada, as well as its Official Design Partner, CONTINUE. For free tickets, more information, and full scheduling, please visit rpff.ca/2024.
SOURCE RPFF submitted post
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