The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) recently wrapped up another successful year of buzzworthy films and equally buzzy celeb sightings.  

As a proud partner of TIFF through the TIFF x Therme Canada Cinematic Cities initiative, Therme Canada served as a presenting sponsor for one of TIFF’s famed “In Conversation with….” events.  Each year, the popular series features in-depth conversations with film artists, writers, and cultural figures, to discuss their respective creative processes in the world of film and television; past participants have included such figures as Benedict Cumberbatch, and Kristen Stewart. 

We invited our friends and partners at the BlackNorth Initiative to join us for this year’s event In Conversation with Viola Davis & Gina Prince-Blythwood.

BlackNorth Initiative isa Toronto-based not-for-profit organization that was founded in the wake of the murder of George Floyd.  The organization is committed to the removal of anti-Black systemic barriers that negatively affect the lives of Black Canadians and the BIPOC community at large.  Since its founding, BlackNorth has launched several programs and initiatives centered on improving accessibility for the Black community to more, and better, employment, internship, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. 

Together, we were treated to an incredible discussion led by Academy Award winning actress, Viola Davis, and acclaimed Director of films including Love & Basketball, Gina Prince-Blythewood as they sat down to discuss their recent project The Woman King ahead of its Global Premiere at TIFF.

"Therme's invitation to “In Conversation With...Viola Davis and Gina Prince-Bythewood” was truly inspiring and personified resilience and Black Excellence.”- The team at BlackNorth Initiative.

Special thanks to our partners at BlackNorth Initiative for joining us for this thought-provoking discussion, and for their ongoing support of Therme Canada, and to our continued partnership with the Toronto International Film Festival.  We look forward to next year!