TIFF 2013 Black Films RecapBy Wilson Morales
September 12, 2013
In what is considered to be the greatest year for Black cinema, the Toronto Film Festival recently showcased not just one, but several films that will discussed come Oscar time in 2014. While there have been other films in the past that come to Canada as potential Oscar favorites such as 2009’s ‘Precious,’ which went on to get a nomination and a win for Best Adapted Screenplay, this year we have films that are coming with a lot of anxiety and we’re happy to say that some of these films were met with critical acclaim.
12 Years a Slave – directed by Steve McQueen with a cast that includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Garret Dillahunt, Paul Giamatti, Scoot McNairy, Lupita Nyong’o, Adepero Oduye, Sarah Paulson, Brad Pitt, Michael Kenneth Williams, Alfre Woodard, Chris Chalk, Taran Killam, and Bill Camp
Here’s a film where all the cylinders are working to perfection. Based on a story of a freed Black man taken from his New York and turned into a slave for 12 Years, McQueen has presented a story we haven’t seen since Roots aired on television nearly 40 years ago. No disrespect to Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Django Unchained,’ which received a Best Picture nomination, but that film is apples and oranges when compared to McQueen’s film. There is no comedy here. Nothing is tongue and cheek. With captivating performances given by Ejiofor and Fassbender and a mesmerizing performance by newcomer Nyong’o, this is a film that will leave you haunted by the past as well as educated.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom – directed by Justin Chadwick and starring Idris Elba and Naomie Harris
Over the years, there have been several documentaries and films on the former South African president; with Morgan Freeman’s ‘Invictus’ being the most recent one. What Chadwick has done is present a film where, although Elba doesn’t physically resemble Nelson Mandela, his spirit is embodied throughout the film. Most people are aware of Mandela the politician post-prison, but Chadwick’s film shows us the man, the husband, and father we seldom hear or read out. Aided by Harris’ portrayal of Winnie Mandela, the film, while nearly 3 hours, still gives one an insight to the legend we have read about.
Belle – directed by Amma Asante with a cast that includes Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Miranda Richardson, Tom Wilkinson, Sarah Gadon, Tom Felton, and Matthew Goode.
Asante has put together a charming and tale mixed with politics and romance in Belle. Mbatha-Raw plays the title character in a film where she’s the biracial daughter of a wealthy British soldier and raised by his parents. Hiding the fact that she’s family, Belle must overcome racism and politics while trying to find love in the 18th century.
Half of a Yellow Sun – directed by Biyi Bandele with a cast that includes Thandie Newton, John Boyega, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anika Noni Rose, Joseph Mawle and Genevieve Nnaji.
Based on author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie‘s Orange Prize-winning novel of the same name, Biyi Bandele’s latest film centers on two sisters, Olanna and Kainene, during the Biafran War aka Nigerian Civil War. While the performances are strong from the ensemble cast, there’s a lot of storylines packed in this film and it becomes confusing as to who’s the protagonist in the film and which theme should take lead. Nevertheless, Ejiofor, who’s also in 12 Years a Slave, proves again that he can slip into any role and take command of the scene.
1982 – directed by Tommy Oliver with a cast that includes Hill Harper, Sharon Leal, Ruby Dee, Wayne Brady, Elise Neal, Bokeem Woodbine, Lala Anthony, Quinton Aaron, Omar Miller & Troi Zee.
Tommy Oliver’s debut film packs a lot of emotional punch. Set in Philadelphia during the early 80s, Hill Harper plays a father (Hill Harper), whose wife (Sharon Leal) succumbs to a crack cocaine addiction and him trying to wean his wife off it while shielding their 10 year old daughter (Troi Zee). While we’ve seen this plot in other films such as Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever with Samuel L. Jackson, Sharon Leal’s performance here is just earth shattering. As for Hill Harper, one wonders why he hasn’t been given more lead roles.
All Is By My Side – written and directed by John Ridley with a cast that includes Andre Benjamin, Hayley Atwell, Imogen Poots, Andrew Buckley, and Ruth Negga
Having spent years writing stories and adapting films such as Three Kings, Undercover Brother, Red Tails and 12 Years a Slave, Ridley is finally trying something new and directing his own project. With Outkast’s singer and actor Andre Benjamin as the lead, Ridley attempts to tell the early beginnings of Rock and Roll legend Jimi Hendrix’s career. Although the film plays at a slow pace, it doesn’t help out that Ridley couldn’t secure the rights to use Hendrix’s music. Why watch a movie about a famous musician if you can’t hear or listen to any of the music that made him famous. Unless the producers can secure the music somehow and re-do some scenes, it will be a battle seeking distribution.
