Canada Screens Toronto

Tuesday November 10th, 2009
at The Drake Underground

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Our Canada Screens Series event on November 10th at The Drake Underground was a SOLD OUT success! The night included a special sneak-peek screening of the critically acclaimed film "Prom Night in Mississippi" and a TalkBack with Director Paul Saltzman, and Special Panel Guest Rosemary Sadlier from the Ontario Black History Society moderated by Film Critic, Author and TV Host Richard Crouse. An enthusiastic crowd embraced the film and engaged in an enlightening discussing about the key issues that the film addresses. Thanks to everyone for supporting this wonderful Canadian film!

One Town. Two Proms. Until Now.

In 1997, Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman offered to pay for the senior prom at Charleston High School in Mississippi under one condition: the prom had to be racially integrated. His offer was ignored. In 2008, Freeman offered again. This time the school board accepted, and history was made.

Charleston High School had its first-ever integrated prom - in 2008. Until then, blacks and whites had had separate proms even though their classrooms have been integrated for decades. Canadian filmmaker Paul Saltzman follows students, teachers and parents in the lead-up to the big day. This seemingly inconsequential rite of passage suddenly becomes profound as the weight of history falls on teenage shoulders. We quickly learn that change does not come easily in this sleepy Delta town.

“PROM NIGHT IN MISSISSIPPI captures a big moment in a small town, where hope finally blossoms in black, white and a whole lot of taffeta.” -David Courier, Sundance Film Festival

"Prom Night in Mississsippi" opens in Toronto theatres on October 13th.

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