Recipient of Hot Docs-Slaight Family Fund.
Play it Loud! – How Toronto Got Soul is a feature documentary that tells the little-known story of how Jamaican music became a critical and unlikely part of Canadian culture. The film reveals a social and cultural migration that made Canada a mecca for Jamaican music, recognized around the world, but little heralded at home. This story is told through the life, music, struggles and triumphs of beloved Jamaican Canadian singer Jay Douglas. Born as Clive Pinnock, in rural Jamaica to a single mother, Douglas began performing professionally at 17 and has never stopped. Today, nearly sixty 60 years later, he’s more popular than ever.
Douglas’ life mirrors the emergence of Jamaican popular music, both in its birthplace, and his adopted country. He’s a witness and participant to the birth of ska and reggae, the Jamaican diaspora in the UK and Canada, and the emergence of a uniquely Canadian Black music culture. Through Jay’s personal story, the film will tell an important and largely unknown tale of cultural transformation.
After the screening, stick around for a lively Q&A with director Graeme Mathieson, musician Jay Douglas and producer Andrew Munger.
Doors will open 45 minutes prior to the screening.
TICKETS (+HST)
General: $15
Members: $10, $8, FREE