The 12th annual Caribbean Tales Film Festival kicked off this week in Toronto. The opening night gala featured the Canadian premiere of the documentary ‘Machel Montano: Journey Of A Soca King.” In addition to a preview of the animated tv series BattleDream Chronicles. Here’s a look inside opening night.
There was a VIP reception before the screening at Capitol Trattoria Pizzeria near to The Royal Cinema. Lots of Caribbean food, sounds of the Caribbean. That corner of College and Clinton was buzzing with activity…dignitaries, leaders in the Canadian Caribbean community and of course the specially invited Caribbean celebs. After the reception… it was time for the films.
First up was BattleDream Chronicles with characters voiced by the likes of Alison Hinds, Joseph Marcell etc. It was the world premiere of the pilot for an original TV series based on the award winning animated film Battledream Chronicles. Produced by Caribbean Tales for Flow. It was so awesome to see animated characters with Caribbean accents! I was also excited by the fact that this a female led sci-fi series. I can’t wait to see more from BattleDream Chronicles.
BattleDream was then followed by Journey Of A Soca King. I tweeted about the fact that I couldn’t sleep after watching Machel’s documentary. It had me thinking so much about what I’m doing to achieve my dreams and how much harder I could be working. I’ve been a fan of Machel Montano for a long time. (I even used his music as our wedding song!) This documentary confirmed everything I’ve always admired about Machel. His tenacity, grit, resiliency and positivity, even in grim times. As some one who spends a lot of time thinking about purpose and passion, it was awe-inspiring to witness Machel’s strength and surety of purpose. He’s been on a lifelong mission to put soca music on the international map. If you think you work hard…think again!! You gotta watch this documentary!
The Caribbean Tales Film Festival is still on, there are still so many remarkable works to see. Check out my previous post on my faves at the festival. Enjoy the pics below.
Photography by: Samantha Mireanu
Opening Night
Pan Players During CTFF VIP reception
With My Bestie Samantha Mireanu
L-R: Nickolai Salcedo, Joseph Marcell, Frances-Anne Solomon, John Reid
It’s Jeffrey!!
It’s Alison Hinds!
Queen Of Soca Alison Hinds
King Of Soca Machel Montano Flanked By Costumed Beauties
Machel!
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