The 13th annual Toronto Black Film Festival kicks off on Feb. 12 with a sensational slate of films from distinguished Black film makers. The week-long event includes thought-provoking discussions with expert panelists, a broad selection of screenings and a big-name honouree, all in celebration of Black History Month.
This year, Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) will present Hollywood legend Ernie Hudson with its Career Achievement Award. The American actor is best known for his role as Winston Zeddemore in Ghostbusters, which he reprised in the 2024 film Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.
Hudson’s professional footprint spans across film and television. With shows like “Quantum Leap”, “Law & Order,” “The Family Business,” and “Oz” to his name, as well as movies such as The Crow and Miss Congeniality under his belt, Hudson has forged a profound mark on the industry as an actor and Black storyteller.
“Welcoming and honouring the legendary Ernie Hudson at the 2025 Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) is a monumental privilege and a testament to what this festival represents—not just for Toronto but for the global film industry,” Fabienne Colas, president and founder of the TBFF said in a statement on Tuesday.
“As one of the most iconic figures in cinema, Ernie Hudson has broken barriers, brought unforgettable characters to life, and inspired generations with his immense talent and grace,” Colas continued.
He will be joined by a lineup of extraordinary creators bringing over 60 films from 22 countries including Canada, the U.S., South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, France, Brazil, to festival audiences.
“Our selection this year tackles crucial themes such as racial equality, social justice, personal empowerment, and resilience while exploring and celebrating the diverse and dynamic experiences of the Black community globally,” the organization said in news release.
TBFF’s opening night film is Fight Like a Girl, a captivating true story by executive producer and NBA star Serge Ibaka, about a young Congolese woman who escapes forced labour to join an all-women boxing club.
The real-life boxing coach, portrayed in the film by Hakeem Kai-Kazim, was tragically killed in recent rebel attacks in Goma, Congo and the film’s director, Matt Leutwyler, narrowly evaded being trapped in a hotel during heavy gunfire.
Recent events in Congo underscore the urgency of shedding light on Black voices and bringing global attention to the ongoing crisis in the country.
Its closing night feature is Legacy: The De-Colonized History of South Africa, a riveting documentary that delves into the lasting impacts of apartheid through the eyes of Wilhelm Verwoerd, who is the grandson of the ‘architect of apartheid,’ Hendrik Verwoerd.
The festival’s Black Market panels include free insightful discussions with industry experts on topics such as:
- Cinematic Activism – How Black filmmakers use storytelling for social change.
- Navigating the AI Revolution – AI’s impact on filmmaking.
- Afrofuturism & Black Speculative Fiction – The future of Black storytelling.
- From Big Screens to Small Screens – The rise of content creators in film.
- Live Performances & Community Events: Music, spoken word, and Family Day programming designed to engage and inspire all ages.
The festival will also spotlight Canadian films such as Village Keeper by Karen Chapman and Welcome by Jevon Boreland.
TBFF begins on Feb.12 and runs through Feb.17.
