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ABOUT
PLANET
AFRICA
LEGACY

2020 and ...

The Planet Africa Legacy website is a digital archive and time capsule to commemorate and preserve an important period of our collective history and creative wealth.

 

A work-in-progress, it exhibits over 150 films from 120+ filmmakers that premiered in the Planet Africa program over its ten-year period.  Film notes, poster graphics, bios and links to articles and interviews will be available as the site continues to be populated. 

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This digital archive serves to:

  • Celebrate the richness and diversity of the Planet Africa program and the films and talents from the African diaspora.

  • Highlight significant contributions to the Canadian film industry.

  • Provide future filmmakers, programmers, creators, researchers and educators with a credible searchable resource.

2020 marked the 25th anniversary of the launch of Planet Africa, a jewel in the crown of the Toronto International Film Festival. For ten years (1995 - 2004) Planet Africa was a platform to showcase Black-centred stories from the African diaspora and shine a light on the filmmakers, actors, writers, and artists whose works were showcased during that pivotal moment when TIFF was transitioning from the "Festival of Festivals" into one of the world's premier international film festivals.


In honour of its 25th anniversary, TIFF presents Planet Africa 25, a series of film screenings, online panels and parties  during the festival September 10 - 19, 2020.

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Founded in 1995, Planet Africa was a groundbreaking TIFF programme celebrating cinema from Africa and the African Diaspora. In 2020, TIFF marked its 25th anniversary with a special edition honouring its legacy and enduring influence on Black cinema. This site preserves a digital record of the programme, its films and filmmakers, safeguarding its history for future generations.

01

Planet Africa Legacy (PAL)​

Planet Africa Legacy honours the history of TIFF’s Planet Africa programme while championing Black cinema today and preserving its stories, talent and achievements for future generations through The Black List, The Black Market and a growing digital archive.​

02

Planet Africa Programme​

Founded in 1995, Planet Africa was a groundbreaking TIFF programme celebrating African and diasporic cinema. Over its decade-long history (1995–2004), it championed filmmakers and stories from across the diaspora. In 2020, TIFF marked its 25th anniversary, inspiring this digital archive to preserve the programme’s history and enduring legacy for future generations​

03

The Black List​

Launched in 2025, The Black List is Planet Africa Legacy’s annual showcase celebrating Black films, filmmakers, talent and PAL alumni featured at TIFF.

04

The Black Market​

A guide to Black, African, Caribbean and Diaspora industry markets, festivals, organizations, associations, networks and events. Connecting the Black film and creative ecosystem through people, projects, organisations and opportunities.​

05

The Spotlight​

A recurring editorial feature offering a closer look at the people, projects and events featured through The Black Market. Through individual profiles and stories, we explore the work, creative journeys and contributions shaping Black cinema and its wider community​

Planet Africa is one of the most significant events in Black film history and the Canadian cultural industry yet much of its story and longstanding impact remains untold.  My first job in film was as Program Assistant at TIFF for the Planet Africa program, it was also my introduction to the film industry. I witnessed a shift in the international landscape as it successfully created new audiences to access and view original productions by talented Black filmmakers. 

 

I was proud to be part of its evolution because at the heart of Planet Africa, was a creative community comprised of exceptional filmmakers from around the world,  producers, writers, talent, musicians, artists, media moguls, corporate investors.

For us, Planet Africa was a vibrant program and a new cultural model. 

 

25 years later, its legacy still resonates. I hope you will be as inspired at the discovery of the wonders in these curated works as I was, and continue to be.

 

Orla La-Wayne Garriques

Cultural Curator, PlanetAfricaLegacy.com

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PLANET AFRICA LEGACY 

The Planet Africa Legacy website was made possible through the generous support and contributions of:

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The Co-Laboratory, Inner City Releasing,

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF),

and TIFF Film Reference Library (FRL).

PATRONS

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Alfons Adetuyi

Lisa di Michele

Horace Fears

Mildred Jones

Marva Ollivierre

Ray Williams

CREATOR

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Orla  La-Wayne Garriques

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COLLABORATORS

Gloria Garriques

Jennifer Noble

Erica Shaw

Quiet Cold Media Inc.

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YOUTH COMMITTEE 

Emily Chris

Marley Ashem-Hibbert

Jazzmin Kerr

CONTRIBUTORS

Michelle Ashem

Donna-Lee Bolden-Kerr

Dave Campbell

Raymond Charles

Gabriel Docet Donita

Jason Ebanks

Liz Gallo

Rochelle Roberts

Cherise Solomon 

Dahlia Thompson

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SPECIAL THANKS

Gerry Flahive

Grecia Mayers

Robin Uchida

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EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS

Cameron Bailey

June Givanni

Gaylene Gould

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