Unlike the previous years, this year’s 9th annual Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) commenced fully online last February 21. It was a festival of colors and musical performances. But most importantly it was a series of inspiring panel discussions facilitated and participated by well-known personalities in the world of Black fashion. The panel discussion was moderated by Catherine Addai, the founder and creative director of Kaela Kay, a Toronto-based lifestyle name.
TBFF’s founder Fabienne Colas emphasized the importance of Black creatives in all arts-based areas. She said that more changes need to be done in the industry. She encouraged more participation of Blacks in brands department, especially hiring Black creative director or having a Black person in the decision making.
One of the topics in the discussions were the success stories of Black Fashion entrepreneurs; what they have gone through, the challenges they faced and currently facing, and how they triumph in their craft.
It also tackled a sensitive topic about inclusivity. Colas expressed regret for the lack of representation of Blacks in the fashion industries. She pushed for equality in the representation of women of color in the higher hierarchy of society.
