farewell regent

There's a new movie about Toronto's Regent Park neighbourhood

Regent Park is currently in the midst of undergoing the largest social housing redevelopment in North America, and when it's complete, the area will go from 100 per cent social housing to just 25 per cent. 

The changes are making housing less accessible and life less affordable for Regent Park residents, and that's the story director Christene Browne tells in her new film, Farewell Regent.

The documentary includes interviews with the neighbourhood's oldest residents as well as its newest, and focuses on the hope and scepticism that surround the revitalisation.

"Farewell Regent eschews the storied violence of the community to focus on the activism and resilience that has always been in the DNA of its people," according to a description of the film.

Browne, who grew up in Regent Park, is the first Black woman to direct and write a dramatic feature film in Canada. 

Farewell Regent will be screening at the 2019 Reelworld Film Festival later this month.

The festival was founded by award-winning actress Tonya Williams in 2000 to open doors for racially diverse Canadian filmmakers and media artists from all across the country.

For the first time, the festival has announced that 100 per cent of its festival films were created by Canadian BIPOC filmmakers.

The 19th annual Reelworld Film Festival is on in Toronto from October 17 to 21, and Farewell Regent is screening at Famous Players Canada Square Cinemas on Sat, October 19.

Tickets for the film are on sale online, and the screening will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Sam Tecle, with director Christene Browne and special guests.

Lead photo by

Farewell Regent


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Film

Ryan Reynolds was just given one of Canada's highest honours

New movie from Toronto director stars TikTok heartthrob Noah Beck

Cineplex might be offering free refills in Canada but they still charge $5 for water

Netflix is releasing a bunch of new movies and shows filmed in Ontario

New film about Ontario Place to kick off movie theatre reopening in Toronto

Cineplex quietly increases movie ticket prices in Canada

Here's what's filming in Toronto this fall and winter

Toronto film festival puts a spotlight on movies you won't see anywhere else