FRANTZ FANON, AMAKKI, BLANCHE & SUNSET AND THE MOCKINGBIRD
Receive Top Honour at the 21st Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF)
Montreal, September 29, 2025 – The Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF), created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, has proudly closed its 21st edition with Kalidou Sy’s film Yambo Ouologuem, La blessure.
In addition to a vibrant tribute to its Honorary President Dany Laferrière at the Festival’s Opening Night – followed by Nia DaCosta’s film Hedda – the #MIBFF25 celebrated Diversity through 70 films from 20 countries, including nearly 40 Canadian titles and 44 premieres; various industry activities at the MIBFF’s Black Market (pitches, panels, masterclasses, conferences, networking…); free community movie-talks across different Montreal neighborhoods through MIBFF in the Neighbourhoods; a Pop-up Market showcasing local arts and artisans; an Open House at Théâtre Colas (formerly Théâtre Cartier, 3990 Notre-Dame Street West); and much more.
During this hybrid edition of the festival, a professional jury evaluated the films in competition according to a series of selection criteria. While all the selected films were outstanding, the following really stood out:
BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE: FRANTZ FANON by Abdenour Zahzah (Algeria, France)
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: AMMAKI (Ta Maman) by Celia Boussebaa (Ethiopia)
HONOURABLE MENTION (Documentary Feature): WE WANT THE FUNK by Stanley Nelson & Nicole London (USA)
BEST NARRATIVE SHORT FILM: BLANCHE by Joanne Rakotoarisoa (France)
HONOURABLE MENTION (Narrative Short Film): CUMING OUT by Jasmin J. Johnson (USA)
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM: SUNSET AND THE MOCKINGBIRD by Jyllian GUNTHER (USA)
HONOURABLE MENTION (Documentary Short Film): MAHAMMOUD’S MERCEDES by Eager (Sweden)
JURY MEMBERS
Narrative Features: President – Gavin Seal, Myriam Charles, Karl R. Hearne
Documentary Features: President – Marie-Hélène Cousineau, Jean-Hervé Désiré, Diana Goudrouffe
Short narratives and short documentaries: President – Phyllis Gouden, Samuel Suffren, Jean-Bastien Niyigaruye
The 22nd annual Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF) will take place from September 30 to October 4, 2026.
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About the Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF)
Created in 2005 by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, the Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF) is currently the largest Canadian film festival entirely dedicated to black realities from all four corners of the world. It aims to offer the public the most spectacular productions in black cinema and debate the great cultural, social, and socio-economic issues facing society. The MIBFF goal is to promote the development of the independent film industry and showcase more films depicting black realities around the world. The festival seeks to prioritize local and international films that do not necessarily come under the spotlight, a new cinema that moves its audience and raises awareness – and a few eyebrows. In so doing, the MIBFF addresses issues and showcases art that makes you think and smile, provokes, bewilders, and shocks you – a fresh, new look at Black cinema from all parts of the globe!
Source: Montreal International Black Film Festival – www.MontrealBlackFilm.com
