Looking for ways to celebrate National Canadian Film Day? Your hunt is over!

Toronto Film School has teamed up with Reel Canada to host a free online screening of The Breadwinner – a “beautifully animated” film featuring the voice of Class of 2009 Film Production graduate Ali Kazmi in several roles.

“I’m so proud to have played a part in the telling of this lovely tale,” said Kazmi, who voices the characters of Darya, the fruit juice vendor, and the jail warden, among others.

“I knew it would be a special project when I first read for it. It was a labor of love, and I am honored to be a part of such a meaningful piece of cinema.”

Directed by Angelina Jolie, The Breadwinner tells the story of Parvana, an 11-year-old girl growing up in Afghanistan under Taliban rule circa 2001.

When her father is wrongfully arrested, Parvana cuts off her hair and dresses like a boy in order to get a job and support her family.

Working alongside her friend Shauzia, she discovers a new world of freedom and danger.

Described as an “inspiring” tale about the power of stories to sustain hope and carry us through dark times, The Breadwinner was nominated for 38 international awards – including six Canadian Screen Awards and the 2018 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Toronto Film School’s screening of the film in honour of National Canadian Film Day will take place as follows:

Date: Wednesday, April 20

Time: 7 p.m. (EDT)

Click HERE to register

Ask Me Anything with Ali Kazmi

Kazmi, who recently starred in Deepa Mehta’s Funny Boy, will also join the Toronto Film School community on Friday, April 22 during our latest installation of Ask Me Anything.

Anyone wishing to participate is asked to submit questions to Kazmi about his career in the film industry via Toronto Film School’s Instagram page by Thursday, April 21 at 5 p.m. (EDT). Tune in to our IG stories on Friday, April 22 to see his responses.

National Canadian Film Day

In its ninth year, National Canadian Film Day (NCFD) has taken root as this country’s largest celebration of Canadian culture.

It’s a day for Canadians to gather (in person or virtually) and celebrate the incredible achievements of our nation’s filmmakers.

Every year, hundreds of screenings take place on every conceivable platform and, in normal times, in every conceivable venue.

For a full listing of this year’s NCFD events, go to https://canfilmday.ca/see-a-film/events-listing/