Author Sapphire, left, producer Oprah Winfrey, centre, and director Lee Daniels speak at a news conference for the film 'Precious' during the Toronto International Film Festival in 2009. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)

By Shaundra Selvaggi

The 35th annual Toronto International Film Festival is underway. So…what does it mean for the black film industry?  The glitz, glamour and celeb mania that is TIFF can serve as a convenient distraction to the absence of colour on screen and behind the lens.

The phenomenal success of last year’s “Precious,” due in no small part to the support of Oprah and Tyler Perry, was a refreshing change of pace, but was it just a fluke?  Are we likely to see such another Cinderella story: a film based on a black author’s novel,  black director, all-black cast, black producers, etc. wins top honours at a mainstream Canadian film festival.

Maybe.  But with Tonya Lee Williams’ ReelWorld Film Festival and a new Canadian Black Film Festival in place, does it matter?

What’s your take?  Are you excited about this year’s festival?  Will you attend?