HOV Simmer Down Sundaze - BBQ Fundraiser with NLA

SIMMER DOWN SUNDAZE is back for the Summer at Studio Olaf Laneway in Regent Park!

It will be an afternoon well spent creating memories with family and friends, playing games and learning from various vendors about their work. Bring your playing partners and run a round of Dominoes, Ludo, Checkers or cards. Bring your game face! We also have arts and activities for the children. Fun for all ages!

Enjoy the Come-Unity Market place with fashion, jewelry, natural hair & body products, handmade arts and crafts and more! Get your hands busy with Negus Medhin and the drumming workshops before getting a belly full of delectable Ital food from GreenHaus, Yummy Yatties, Mr. Clutch Wings and fresh homemade fruit Juice!

June is Men's Mental Health Month and we have a special Comeunity conversations, moderated by HOV Founder, Actress, filmmaker and cultural curator Donisha Prendergast as we feature writer-director Carlos Anthony and actor Adrian Wallace in dialogue about the themes and nuances of the upcoming film project RAGE, produced by North Love Arts & Humanity Ova Vanity.

There will be a special Art Auction of exclusive limited edition prints from Visual Artists Komi Olaf and Malcolm Emilio.

Part proceeds of this Simmer Down Sundaze goes towards the the upcoming RAGE film project.

It's a slice of Jamaican culture in the city with Dub Music by Brigadier Shazbad and Rankin Steppa Sound System. A beautiful way to welcome the Sunshine! A beautiful afternoon sent with family and new friends as we soak up the vibes at Simmer Down Sundaze.

Sponsored by: Humanity Ova Vanity & Studio Olaf.

RAGE LOGLINE

"In the wake of a brutal police raid that shattered his family, a haunted ex-soldier embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance against the corrupt officers responsible, while his brother, a now seasoned detective, races against time to stop him before the system he vowed to protect crumbles under their tragic past."

For more information on the Rage project visit https://northlovearts.com/

Donisha Prendergast traverses the globe, preserving and sharing stories to propel societal advancement. A filmmaker and advocate hailing from Jamaican roots and Reggae Royalty, Bob & Rita Marley’s lineage, she has a rich tapestry of experiences spanning filmmaking, motivational speaking, education and international activism, catalyzing change through intersection of art and social justice. Her on screen accolades include lead performance in award winning film Akilla’s Escape and opposite Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman in Story of God. She has collaborated with other luminaries like Beyoncé, Sean Paul, directors Melina Matsoukas and O-T Fagbenle as a lead and creative producer. As a writer-director her work amplifies marginalized voices and advocates for cultural preservation through a decolonial lens. She has championed campaigns to protect RasTafari heritage lands in Jamaica, and advised governments on the use of cannabis as a tool for Nation building beyond recreation. As founder of Humanity Ova Vanity, she pioneers initiatives fostering artistic integrity and community engagement. With an indomitable spirit and commitment to inclusion, Donisha shapes narratives that resonate globally, embodying the ethos: humanity over vanity.

Carlos Anthony is a screenwriter, producer, and novelist known for exploring the nuanced experiences of Black men. His works, including the bestselling "Shades Of Black" series, delve into themes like Black adolescence, identity, and overcoming societal challenges. Carlos' work includes viral short stories, web series, and short films that explore Black masculinity. He co-founded the Millennial X filmmaking program and directs operations for the Windsor Black International Film Festival. Carlos is dedicated to amplifying BIPOC voices through various artistic mediums.

Adrian Wallace is a social media-driven, millennial-serving, award-winning storyteller. Playback's 10 to Watch 2022 honouree and winner of a 2021 Canadian Screen Award, the writer-director-actor has worked on successful projects in both unscripted and scripted spaces broadcasted on CBC, Discovery, MTV, Revolt, Prime Video, Paramount+ and Tubi. Recognized for NO JAMES HARDEN (2022), BLACK SUN (2020), and COURTSIDE (2017), Adrian's work has examined subject matters of love and relationships, man versus nature, coming of age and survival told through both comedic and dramatic lens. Adrian has participated in development initiatives such as OYA’s Filmmaker and OBAC's Producers Bootcamp program, Being Black in Canada's mentorship program presented by Netflix, Reelworld’s Emerging 20 and Director Level UP Programs partnered with Rogers Sports/Media and Shaftesbury Productions, and is a TIFF Filmmaker Lab alumnus. Adrian is currently developing an original TV series and his directorial debut feature film.

North Love Arts is a diverse group of artists who aim to create unique and immersive experiences that blend different art forms. They host music masterclass workshops for both emerging and established musicians, produce concerts showcasing BIPOC talent and curate film screenings ranging from shorts to feature-length narratives. Their events are multi-sensory experiences that combine music, visual, and technology in innovative ways, all driven by a commitment to experimentation and collaboration in their deep love of the arts.

Event Venue

Studio-olaf, 35 Tubman Avenue, Toronto, Canada