The 1st Annual Kamloops Black Film Festival is over, but please take a look at the festivities we had!

We’re excited to present our first annual Black Film Festival from February 15th to 17th 2024, in collaboration with Kamloops Caribbean Cultural Society and Valid Dreams Foundation. The Black Film Festival explores Black storytelling and provides a space for meaningful conversations on Black cultures and experiences. Our all-Black Festival Committee presents a thoughtfully curated selection of films that showcase Black, African, and Caribbean stories. 

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FILMS & EVENTS

Hidden Figures – Feb 15th @ 6:30 pm
Pre-Show: Science Experiments with Big Little Science Centre
Experience an interactive evening as the Big Little Science Centre performs exciting experiments on stage with audience participation. Doors open at 5:45 pm, and the pre-show event, featuring captivating experiments, runs from 6 pm to 6:20 pm. The movie starts at 6:30 pm.

Cool Runnings – Feb 16th @ 10:30 am
Catch two showings of Cool Runnings: one for the general public at 10:30 am and an exclusive school screening for the school district at 11 am on the same day. Be a part of this double-feature event!

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom – Feb 16th @ 6:30 pm

Sarafina! – Feb 17th @ 11:00 am
Pre-Show Delight: Bethel Chapel Choir Concert
Get ready for a musical treat! The Bethel Chapel Choir will enchant you with a few songs before the movie begins. The event kicks off at 10:45 am, followed by the movie starting at 11:00 am.

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse – Feb 17th @ 2:00 pm – FREE FAMILY FLICK
Calling all Spider-Man fans! We invite kids and enthusiasts of all ages to join us at the movie dressed as their favorite web-slinger. Don’t miss out – those in Spider-Man costumes will receive complimentary candy! It’s a web-tastic experience for everyone!

King Richard – Feb 17th @ 5:30 pm

Closing Party – Feb 17th Doors open @ 8 pm
Join us for an evening of laughter and entertainment starting right after King Richard, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Secure your tickets for just $15!
Get ready for an unforgettable evening at our closing night event! We are thrilled to showcase the talents of Vancouver-based comedian and fashion designer, Mufaro Mbudzi, originally from Zimbabwe. As you enjoy Mufaro’s performance, indulge in the rich flavors of West African snacks, a special treat included with your ticket purchase and expertly crafted by caterer Mercy Odiase.

Mufaro has graced stages at prestigious events such as the Melbourne Comedy Festival, Just for Laughs Vancouver, and the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival. In addition to his stand-up prowess, Mufaro has hosted music concerts and is an independent event producer, curating sold-out comedy shows in Vancouver. He’s also making waves in the fashion scene with his clothing brand, Scheduled Meditation, showcased at Vancouver Fashion Week and Toronto’s Fashion Art Toronto.
But that’s not all! Before Mufaro takes the stage, enjoy a performance by local Kamloops singer/rapper, Kuda. It’s an evening filled with diverse talent and non-stop entertainment.
Mufaro Personal Instagram: mufarombu | Mufaro Business Instagram: scheduledmeditation

Get ready for a night of laughter, music, and fun with these incredible artists! Don’t miss out – grab your tickets now.

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Meet the Black Film Festival Committee:

Daniel Akinshola: Daniel has had a diverse and successful career in the theatre and media production industry. Starting as an actor in 1991, he gradually progressed to become a theatre producer and director. With academic backgrounds in Adult Education, Political Science, and a postgraduate diploma in Theatre Arts, Daniel developed a passion for social change and community development. Over a decade, he made significant contributions to the Nigerian media production scene, directing a variety of content, including commercials, soap operas, game shows, reality shows, fashion shows, concerts, and the prestigious KKB show. Daniel furthered his education, completing a Masters in Moving Image from the University of Sydney in 2019 and a Masters in Arts Education from Simon Fraser University in 2023. Notably, Daniel dedicated five years to working in an Aboriginal community in Western Australia, where he served as a radio station manager. During this time, he transformed the radio station, established a music recording studio, initiated a film and production arm, and trained and employed over 30 Aboriginal individuals. Daniel’s creative pursuits extend to filmmaking, with his short film “Voice of Blood” garnering awards and recognition in various international film festivals. Currently residing in Kamloops, British Columbia, he is the founder of Kamloops Afro Films and One House Multicultural Communications Society. Additionally, Daniel runs Danscoachings, a life coaching service, and Daniel E. Akinshola Consults, a creative consultancy.

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Emmanuel Inyang: Emmanuel Nsikan Inyang lives in Kamloops, BC, and holds a BSc in Economics Education from Nigeria and an MBA with a special interest in Human Resource Management from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). His work experience spans the banking/financial sector to customer service/HR. He is a leader and motivator for positive change among youths in his community and started a movement called “Real Talk for Young Men,” focusing on mental stability among young men. Emmanuel has been a professional stage actor for over 25 years and has transitioned into the screen as an actor/scriptwriter/content creator and producer. With several TV series and movies under his belt in Nigeria, he started his production house (IMA Productions) and has been the Creative Director since its inception. He loves sports and is “crazy” about movies, with some of his favorites including Titanic, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and Training Day.

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Hardley Williams: Hello from Kingston, Jamaica! I’m a born and bred event enthusiast with a knack for creating unforgettable experiences. While some may dub me as social, my true pleasure lies in orchestrating events that bring joy to others. As a self-taught coordinator of celebrations, I’ve garnered valuable experience planning diverse gatherings, from music festivals and art camps to lively parties. My journey has also led me to collaborate with various societies and serve on numerous committees. Beyond the event scene, I find joy in volunteering, sports, cars, exploring new destinations, and embracing the great outdoors.

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Jeremy Rodney: Jeremy is the proud owner of SDC Ltd and a Founder/Director for Kamloops Caribbean Cultural Society. He is a Naturalized Canadian originally from Jamaica, born in the town of Port Antonio, the capital of the parish of Portland found on the Eastern end of the island. He grew up in the tourism hub of Ocho Rios, and went to the University of Technology in Kingston where he studied both Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.
He resigned from his job in public utilities and migrated to Canada in 2013 with two children and has since made a new family of six. He is a Black Advocate, passionate about his people’s history and struggles, and advocates for the marginalized and previously colonized groups, encouraging unity through community.

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Kimona Grant: Kimona is an adventurous person who loves to experience new things. She graduated from Thompson River University with a diploma in Tourism Management in 2016 and a Health Care Assistant certificate in 2021. She is a born Jamaican and moved to Canada in 2011. Kamloops has been her home since. She enjoys sharing her culture and history, especially her country. She is also a director/secretary of the Kamloops Caribbean Cultural Society. Things she loves to do include baking and reading. She likes short stories, poems, and clips.

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Sally Martin: Executive Director and founder of Valid Dreams, With a roots from Kenya, Sally is an empathetic leader with a vision to build community and share stories, especially those that represent people who look like her. Her passion for cinema has recently been driven by her personal and professional experiences. Ms. Martin’s commitment to this desire has led her to the film world and now the Black Film Festival and an active member of Kamloops Afro Films.

Among other films, Ms. Martin is currently working on producing a documentary film ( Black Light Unveiled – Choose Life) aiming to shed light on mental health and suicide prevention which will be aired on Telus optik TV and her website in January 2025 in addition to being featured in a Kamloops Short Films House 49 produced by Kamloops Afro Films.

In addition to her work in film, Sally is also involved in community development, outreach and advocacy efforts. She is committed to using her platform to create positive change, amplify marginalized voices and connect communities.

In her spare time, Sally loves dancing, reading, forest bathing and volunteering.

For more about Sally Martin connect with her on: 
YouTube @sallymartin254, Linkedin: Sally Martin, IG: @sallymartin90 and FB Sally Martin