The role of indie film making in representing local culture

Jess Blackwell –

Films and TV series are more than entertainment: They’re critical to the preservation, rep­resentation and shaping of lo­cal culture, serving as a mirror that reflects the values and daily lives of our communities.

Films are also powerful tools for challenging stereotypes and making society more inclusive and welcoming. Presenting di­verse perspectives can foster empathy and encourage com­munication among groups. This can ultimately inspire dialogue and action, driving much-need­ed social change.

Local films give artists a chance to have their voices heard — even when their mes­sage may not align with main­stream interests. Were it not for the indie filmmaking scene, countless artists’ stories would remain untold, overlooked by decision-makers devoted to commercial appeal and profita­bility.

For Toronto, sharing local stories in film is an opportuni­ty to shape perceptions of what our city’s about while fostering a sense of place and identity among our diverse communi­ties. Films set in Toronto can connect viewers with specific neighbourhoods, landmarks and cultural traditions, strengthen­ing a sense of belonging and pride among residents while sparking tourism.

Yet few films that are shot in Toronto are placed here. Wheth­er it’s Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water (2017) or the popular series Suits (2011– 2019), Toronto typically serves as a stand-in for other cities.

So what can we do to en­courage local filmmakers to set more projects in our own city? Ashleigh Rains, director and head programmer at the Ca­nadian Film Festival, says that “empowering local filmmak­ers to tell stories explicitly set in Toronto starts with ensuring they have access to the support and resources needed to realize those stories…

“Funders, programmers, and distributors have a role to play in amplifying these voices, but so do audiences. If you want more Toronto stories, go see Canadian films in theatres, es­pecially the ones set here. At­tend festivals. Tell your friends. Engage on social [media]. That kind of support can make the difference for a filmmaker’s ca­reer, and help set them up to tell their next Toronto story.”

Toronto hosts a variety of film festivals throughout the year. In addition to the Canadian Film Festival, these include the Reel­world Film Festival + Summit, Regent Park Film Festival, and Blood in the Snow Film Festi­val. Tonya Williams, executive director and founder of the Reel­world Screen Institute, points out that these festivals are often the only way to see much of the great Canadian content we cre­ate. They also serve as a “plat­form for many of our Toronto filmmakers to see their films up on a big screen and to have their friends, family and crews come and see the film,” she says.

These festivals are full of exciting Toronto stories. For example, the 2025 Canadian Film Festival featured the To­ronto premiere of Naomi Jaye’s Darkest Miriam, which Rains describes as “a visually stun­ning and poetic portrayal of life in Toronto.” In past years, the festival has opened with films such as Doubles (20223) by Ian Harnarine, “a film rooted in Trinidadian culture and experi­ences in Toronto,” and Tehranto (2022) by Faran Moradi, “which explored a love story from two divided Persian communities,” says Rains.

Reelworld has also screened impactful films such as Fare­well Regent (2019) by Christene Browne, a documentary show­casing the changing Regent Park neighbourhood.

Local theatres also sometimes showcase Canadian content. For example, Patricia Bebia’s The Life Coach (2025) just finished a limited theatrical release in several provinces. This film, set in Toronto, “shines a light on mental health, self-acceptance, and the courage it takes to em­brace authenticity,” says Bebia.

Canadian content is also available year-round on stream­ing platforms such as CBC Gem and Bell Fibe TV1, while Net­flix has a section dedicated to Canadian movies and TV series.

So the next time you’re searching for a movie to watch or heading out to a cinema, consider watching a film set in Toronto — a simple action to preserve and enrich our culture while supporting local artists.

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