What began as a local community film festival 17 years ago is now an annual event that delivers stunning performances, harmonizing film, music, and dance while drawing its audience into provocative discussions presented by local and international artists over food and drink. Among them are Jay Douglas, a 3 times Juno nominee, a music producer, and the band Kollage featuring Alexis Baro.
Jay has worked with international reggae stars such as Beres Hammond, Freddie Mcgregor, Jesse “Dubmatix” King, Ziggy Marley, Lyn Tait and the great Ernest Ranglin.
Alexis Baro was born into a musical family in Havana, Cuba. Classically trained, he took up the trumpet at the age of age 8 and completed his musical education, receiving a teaching certification at the prestigious Amadeo Roldán Music Conservatory in Havana.
The opening night Friday, September 16th, 6:20 pm is dedicated to the community with a feature and a short film shot in the St Lawrence Market neighborhood portraying community life. It Segue’s to local musicians/performers starring Jazz singer Tracey Gallant and members of the Performing Arts Lodge.
Saturday September 17th, 12.00 pm: Canadian film “Love in the Time of Fentanyl” Set in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside is an intimate, observational look beyond the stigma of injection drug users.
Saturday September 17th, 3:30 pm: Showcasing short films from The Island of Antigua & Barbuda. There’s Christal Clashing O’Reilly ‘Yemoja’s Anansi,’ a filmed dance interpretation short story about an Afro-Caribbean water goddess with elements of 3D motion capture effects with an opportunity for audience participation.Â
Saturday Sept 17th, 8:00 pm: “A Tribute to Blues and Jazz“, a musical storytelling of the evolution of jazz heralding from the US, the Caribbean, and Canada featuring Jay Douglas with his all-star Band.
COMMFFEST honors filmmakers, artists, and community leaders with the prestigious MADA (Making A Difference Award).
Tickets $20.00 or $38.00 (pass) St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts 27 Front St. East Toronto Sept 16-17. Available online at TO Live.
September 18 Imagine Cinema. Combined features and shorts that inspire, bringing awareness to global community social and cultural issues. 80 Front St. E. From 5-10pm. Tickets are $15.00. Our online films run Sept 18-22 for $5.00.
Follow Commffest on Facebook for additional information and upcoming events.
SOURCE: COMMFFEST
