Exploring Struggles, Relationships, and Gentrification: The Indie Film Morningside

The upcoming indie feature film Morningside is set to dive deep into the intertwined lives of a diverse group of characters grappling with personal struggles, complex relationships, and the societal pressures of gentrification. The story unfolds in the heart of Scarborough, focusing on the vibrant yet challenged community around the Morningside community center.

Filming took place in Canada, with a stellar cast led by singer-songwriter and two-time Juno Award winner Fefe Dobson. Joining her are Lovell Adams-Gray (Power Book II: Ghost), Kiana Madeira (Fear Street series), Alex Mallari Jr. (Ginny and Georgia), Joanne Jansen (Shadowhunters), Olunike Adeliyi (The Porter), and Brandon McKnight (The Flash).

 

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A Commitment to Representation

Writer-director Ron Dias (Bite of a Mango) and actress-writer Joanne Jansen, co-founders of the Toronto-based production company Ron & Aussie, are helming the project. With Morningside, they aim to provide an authentic portrayal of the resilience and vibrancy of Scarborough’s community.

“Our commitment to reshaping the narrative and authentically portraying the resilience of the Scarborough community remains steadfast within Morningside,” Dias said. “Our aim is to craft a film that not only entertains but also serves as a poignant reflection of diverse voices and experiences. This project embodies our dedication to amplifying the stories of underrepresented communities and addressing pertinent societal issues.”

Distribution and Production

The film will be distributed in the U.S. on AMC’s streaming service All BLK, which has also contributed funding alongside private investors. This platform’s involvement underscores the film’s potential to reach an audience eager for authentic, diverse storytelling.

Behind and In Front of the Camera

The cast boasts an impressive array of talent represented by top agencies:

• Fefe Dobson, Joanne Jansen, and Brandon McKnight: Represented by Daniel Abrams at OAZ and Chris Smith Management.
• Kiana Madeira: Represented by Ambition, Luber Roklin Entertainment, Verve Talent Agency, and attorney John Meigs.
• Lovell Adams-Gray: Represented by Buchwald, Edna Talent Management, and Sweeney Entertainment.
• Alex Mallari Jr.: Represented by Ryan Goldhar from The Characters Talent Agency.
• Olunike Adeliyi: Represented by Andre Newell from Shortlist Artist Management and April King from William Morris Endeavor.

With a deeply rooted story and a passionate team of creatives, Morningside promises to be a compelling exploration of community resilience and the effects of societal change. Fans of heartfelt, socially conscious narratives can look forward to its release in the near future.