A Red Carpet Premiere in Scarborough? Is ths for real? Cineplex Scarborough Town Centre hosted a special screening of Clement Virgo’s BROTHER, adapted from David Chariandy’s Novel of the same name. Like its source material this film version has gone on to win huge accolades after its TIFF ’22 Premiere, and if this weren’t enough it has garnered 14 Canadian Screen Award nominations, plus being named a finalist for Rogers’ Best Canadian Feature Award at the upoming Toronto Film Critics Association Awards.
The stars are all aligned yes, they even showed up alongside Director/Writer Virgo at the screening attended by select Media, plus friends and family. Lamar Johnson stars as Michael, a young man growing-up amidist the rise of gang violence in Scarborough in the ’90s. We meet his protective brother Francis (Aaron Pierre) whom at a young age, struggles with the ideals of masculinity, being handed the responsibilties of being a proxy caregiver while their mother works overnight shifts, and also his own standing in the neighbourhood and peers. Rad Simonpillai moderated a Q&A following the Movie, commenting on the importance of audiences seeing this Scarborough-set story.
See a reel of highlights from the night here:
The screening was followed by an afterparty at the Scarborough Civic Centre Library, attended by the likes of special guests Catherine Hernandez (Author of “Scarborough“) and Director X!
Elevation Pictures release BROTHER March 17, 2023.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures/Mr. Will Wong)
We proudly present the premiere of the Trailer for TIFF ’22 selection, BROTHER from Director Clement Virgo.
Synopsis:
Propelled by the pulsing beats of Toronto’s early hip-hop scene, Brother is the story of Francis and Michael, sons of Caribbean immigrants maturing into young men. Exploring themes of masculinity, identity, and family, a mystery unfolds during the sweltering summer of 1991, and escalating tensions set off a series of events that change the course of the brothers’ lives forever. Brother crafts a timely story about the profound bond between siblings, the resilience of a community, and the irrepressible power of music.
Directed by: Clement Virgo
Starring: Lamar Johnson, Aaron Pierre, Kiana Madeira
Based on the award-winning novel by David
Chariandy
Elevation Pictures release BROTHER March 17, 2023.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
By Mr. Will Wong
Based on David Charlandy‘s acclaimed Novel of the same name, Clement Virgo‘s BROTHER takes us back to the ’90s in Scarborough. We meet two brothers, raised by their single mother (Marsha Stephanie Blake), and despite her best efforts to shield them, ultimately they are unable to avoid becoming a product of the violence abound, whether it be in the news or the gangs who fight for territory in their economically-depressed neighbourhood.
A mild-mannered Michael (Lamar Johnson) looks-up to his older brother Francis (Aaron Pierre), who acts as a big brother and father figure in the absence of their dad. And told in a non-linear manner, we see tragedy unfold as they and we continue to live in a time today where the value of a black life still is at the forefront of discussion.
Virgo, sans melodrama, captures a fly-on-the-wall feel with stunning Cinematography by Guy Godfree that evokes a darkness that casts a shadow over the hope of youth and coming-of-age for these young men. A beautiful, heartbreaking piece that at once looks at the strength of one family’s love in a dire place and time.
BROTHER screens at TIFF ’22 as follows:
Fri, Sep 09 IN-PERSON Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre 6:30pm
Fri, Sep 16IN-PERSON TIFF Bell Lightbox 6:00pm
Filmed right here in Toronto, Clement Virgo‘s BROTHER will get a huge debut home at TIFF ’22! Based on David Chariandy’s prize-winning novel of the same name, Virgo adapted the Novel for the screen.
Synopsis:
Brother is the story of Francis and Michael, sons of Caribbean immigrants maturing into young men amidst Toronto’s pulsing 1990’s hip-hop scene. A mystery unfolds when escalating tensions set off a series of events which changes the course of the brothers’ lives forever.
Brother stars Lamar Johnson (The Hate U Give), Aaron Pierre (Underground Railroad), Kiana Madeira (Fear Street) and Marsha Stephanie Blake (When They See Us). The film is produced by recently announced member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences, Damon D’Oliveira, as well as Virgo, of Conquering Lion Pictures, along with Aeschylus Poulos and Sonya Di Rienzo of Hawkeye Pictures. Executive producers are Aaron L. Gilbert and Steven Thibault of BRON and Laurie May and Noah Segal of Elevation Pictures.The film will be distributed in Canada by Elevation Pictures and BRON Releasing will manage the sale in other territories.
(Photo credit: Elevation Pictures)
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com