ONE NIGHT WITH
THE GIFTED GAB
A CELEBRATION OF BLACK CINEMA
COMMUNITY SCREENING OF CYCLES
SCREENING OF AWARD WINNING COACHING WHILE BLACK
LIVE POD WITH THE CREATORS
A CHANCE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS.
EVERY MONTH IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH WHEN YOU’RE MAKING IT.
Supreme Cut's owner Flory Wembolwa is hosting his annual back-to-school block party providing free haircuts to students on Labor Day.
If you're a student or have a child who needs a haircut, join Flory and his team on September 2nd between 12 PM and 5 PM at 581 Gerrard St East. All openings will be available to book online at https://www.supremecutbarbershop.com/ the appointments will be open for booking on Tuesday, August 27th at 8 AM.
In an effort to equip the youth with confidence and relieve parents of financial restrictions, Flory will be giving free haircuts to all students from Kindergarten to College/University. If you are a post-secondary student bring along your student I.D. card to secure your spot.
The event will include free food purchased at Blessed Love Caribbean restaurant, gift bags with school supplies, and music to keep you entertained throughout the day. Last year the team serviced 60-75 people so do your best to arrive early.
This year there will also be a raffle for a FREE pair of Air Force One back-to-school shoes! The winner will be announced via Instagram (@supremecutoronto), so grab your tickets and have fun!
On September 24, 2023, Coaching While Black made a powerful impression during its screening at the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF). Directed by Alex Eskandarkhah, this impactful documentary was a highlight of CIFF’s spotlight on Alberta, showcasing local films that delve into the province's rich and diverse narratives. The film tells the gripping story of Don "Tex" Phillips, a Black basketball coach whose journey through the highs and lows of Canadian college basketball is both inspiring and unsettling.
Coaching While Black has not only captivated audiences but also garnered critical acclaim, earning nominations for two prestigious AMPIA (Alberta Media Production Industries Association) awards. Additionally, the film was selected for the long list of the Director's Guild of Canada Jean Marc Discovery Award, a testament to its impactful storytelling and direction.
As the film continues to gain momentum, it will make its Ontario premiere at the Reelworld Film Festival in November, where it is expected to further its conversation on race, sports, and resilience. This screening will offer Ontario audiences a chance to experience the powerful narrative that has already made waves in Alberta.
For more details about the film and its journey, you can visit the Calgary International Film Festival's official page, and CIFF Eventive as well as the Coaching While Black website.
On April 1st, 2023, The Gifted Gab and Gamble Ave Filmworks proudly hosted the premiere of Coaching While Black at Metro Cinema in Edmonton. This powerful documentary, directed by Alex Eskandarkhah, tells the story of Don "Tex" Phillips, a trailblazing Black American basketball coach who faced significant challenges and controversies during his tenure in Canadian college basketball.
The premiere was more than just a film screening—it was a celebration of resilience and a call to action. Attendees included a diverse mix of filmmakers, community leaders, and basketball enthusiasts, all eager to engage with the film's critical exploration of race, sports, and the Black coaching experience in Canada. The event featured a lively Q&A session where Alex Eskandarkhah, along with key members of the production team, shared insights into the making of the film and the importance of telling stories that challenge the status quo.
The film highlights Tex Phillips' journey from his early coaching days to leading the NAIT Ooks to back-to-back championships before his controversial dismissal. It delves into the systemic barriers faced by Black coaches and the impact of these challenges on their careers and lives.
Overall, the premiere of Coaching While Black was a significant milestone for The Gifted Gab and Gamble Ave Filmworks, reinforcing their commitment to producing content that sparks important conversations and brings underrepresented stories to the forefront.
For more information about the film and future screenings, visit Gamble Ave Filmworks or the official Coaching While Black website.
