Hot Docs

Shootings. Rape. Mysterious blood splatters. Is the tooth fairy real? These are some of the conversation topics for eight- and nine-year-olds in the Jane-Finch area of Toronto. While their single mothers struggle to make rent, the kids often fend for themselves. Pianist Thompson Egbo-Egbo, once such a kid himself, starts a music program at a school in the inner city neighbourhood. He and three other musicians work with the students one-on-one to help them find their voice. For some, it’s the first time anyone has had the time to really listen to them. But as the kids open up, the mentors realize that connecting to their students is more complicated than they thought. Assertive but shy, Whitney freezes under pressure; tough-guy-in-training Donta bristles under the structured expectations; and irresistible Jasmine blossoms under the warm glow of her mentor in this inspiring doc about what it means to be truly heard. - Gisèle Gordon

Co-Presented with Co-presented with Regent Park Film Festival.

Media Coverage

NOW Magazine (4-star Review), Listen to This (5-star Review)