18th Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF)

Always innovative, MIBFF is back stronger than ever with new additions to its bold programming, inspiring the next generation of Black artists in film and beyond!

Canada’s largest Black Film Festival, the Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF), is back with a stronger and more diverse 18th edition, from September 20 to 25, 2022. MIBFF is excited to reconnect with the film community and festival goers entirely In Person and Online for the first time in over 2 years, with more venues, programming, and activities than ever before! #MIBFF22 will present 95 films from 25 countries, including 12 World Premieres, 10 International Premieres, 25 Canadian Premieres et 9 Quebec Premieres.

Opening night will take place on Tuesday, September 20 at 7PM at the Imperial Theatre with the International Premiere of Matt Waldeck’s LOVELY JACKSON (USA), followed by a Q&A session with the director and Rickey Jackson. The film is exonerated prisoner Rickey Jackson’s daring first-hand account of the psychology of survival and spiritual fortitude required to withstand 39 years of wrongful incarceration for a murder he didn’t commit.

#MIBFF22 will close at Cinéma du Musée with the Canadian Premiere of Manuel Schapira’s TROPIQUE DE LA VIOLENCE (France). Upon his mother’s sudden death and fearing deportation, 13-year-old Moses joins the slums where dozens of kids live on their own, completely abandoned by society.

“The MIBFF returns for a breathtaking 18th year that promises to entertain but most importantly to inspire through thought-provoking films. Congrats to the creators who are willing to take a risk by making non-commercial choices, which allows them to tell stories and convey realities that would otherwise not have made it to you. What a privilege to be able to continue to showcase exceptional work that did not always make it to the silver screen. By giving a voice to the marginalized and showing films that shatter taboos, our festival’s aim is to promote professional collaboration, foster systemic changes in the industry and the development of independent films – while celebrating diversity on screen.” – Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the Montreal, Toronto & Halifax Black Film Festivals

As an important platform that amplifies Black voices, MIBFF is proud to host the launch of the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Festwave Institute, a program aimed to train, support and empower the next generation of Black Canadian film and TV professionals. Additionally, the 1st POP UP Market entitled “Other Black ArtForms” will feature original, artistic, and cultural works by local talented Black Artists.

This 18th edition’s programming addresses important topics such as history, social issues, racism, politics, women’s issues, art, romance and LGBTQ issues. The festival’s rich film selection comes from 25 countries including France, Belgium, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Congo, France, Senegal, Serbia, United States, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Lithuania and more.

One of this year’s must-sees is the World Premiere of the documentary film, A Star Without a Star Juanita by director Kirk E. Kelleykahn. More festival highlights include: How (not) to Build a School in Haiti, The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks, A Star Without A Star, Marian Anderson: The World in Her Hands, Kaepernick and America, Black As U R, Masi, Exonerating person who went to Prison, Lovely Jackson, A Daughter’s Tribute…Souleymane Cissé (official selection of Cannes), As Verdades, Color Blind, They Can’t So I Must, Pattern, Omar Blondin Diop, La Société des Amputés, Robuste, Kankan, IMA, Tropique de la Violence and more!

The Saturday night red carpet event will feature the Quebec premiere of Kaepernick and America directed by Ross Hockrow and Tommy Walkerand; and the world premiere of kirk E. Kelleykahn’s A Star Without a Star Juanita.

For individual tickets and VIP passes visit: www.montrealblackfilm.com