“The Blackprint,” a new documentary by the Black Physicians' Association of Ontario, opens an essential dialogue on Black men’s mental health, identity, and healing. The premiere takes place this Saturday at TIFF Bell Lightbox with a screening, panel, and reception.
This Saturday, August 9, the TIFF Bell Lightbox in downtown Toronto will host a landmark event at the intersection of cinema, community healing, and mental health awareness. The Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario (BPAO) is presenting the premiere of The Blackprint: A Journey of Thought, Growth, and Thriving in Black Manhood—a documentary that dares to centre Black men’s emotional truth in an honest and vulnerable way.
The Blackprint is both a cinematic exploration and a sacred communal space, offering a powerful space for reflection, dialogue, and healing. It opens the floor to conversations often left unspoken—about trauma, identity, mental health, and fatherhood. Within a cultural context where Black men are frequently the subject of societal commentary but rarely given the opportunity to define themselves in their own words, this film sets out to change that.
The one-hour documentary is written and produced by Dr. Mojola Omole, BPAO’s president. Featuring an intimate dinner roundtable moderated by Dr. Semir Bulle, a psychiatric senior resident and advocate for Black youth, the film offers unfiltered access to a generational exchange among Black men. Together, they unpack their lived realities in a way that is both deeply personal and profoundly communal.
“Black men are often discussed, mythologized, even praised — but rarely truly heard. This documentary reclaims that narrative,” says Dr. Omole.
The roundtable format evokes a sense of brotherhood, with participants reflecting candidly on what it means to be vulnerable, to be a father, to seek therapy, and to heal from internalized and systemic trauma. Each voice in the film contributes to a larger chorus of resilience, introspection, and hope—creating a “blackprint” for what thriving can look like.
Event details
The premiere event on Saturday will bring together healthcare professionals, artists, mental health advocates, and community members. Following the screening, a live Q&A panel will invite the audience into the conversation, creating space for reflection and deeper engagement. The evening will close with a cocktail reception and networking opportunity.
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Venue: TIFF Bell Lightbox, Toronto
Screening Time: 5:30 PM (Doors open at 4:30 PM)
Panel & Reception: 6:45–9:00 PM
Agenda & Tickets: bpao.glueup.com/event/the-blackprint-147338/tickets.html
Why this Film matters
The need for spaces that affirm Black men’s wellness has never been greater. While conversations around mental health have gained mainstream traction in recent years, Black men continue to face unique barriers to care—including stigma, lack of representation in therapy, and the ongoing impacts of racism and generational trauma.
The Blackprint doesn't attempt to offer easy solutions, but it does something equally powerful—it listens. By sharing these deeply human experiences, the film extends an invitation to all viewers to reflect, support, and be part of a collective healing journey.
As a society, and particularly within Black communities, reclaiming the full emotional spectrum of Black manhood is a radical and necessary act. This documentary stands as a visual testament to that reclamation.
Conclusion
The Blackprint represents a powerful and timely cultural intervention. By stepping away from clinical detachment and leaning into emotional truth, it humanizes the stories of Black men in a way that resonates deeply. The TIFF Lightbox screening offers a powerful cinematic event and a communal experience that affirms how collective vulnerability can spark healing.
For the Black Physicians' Association of Ontario, this documentary is part of a broader mission to advocate for holistic health—encompassing mental, physical, and spiritual well-being—within Black communities. It’s an invitation to listen more closely, love more openly, and lead more boldly.
Whether you’re part of the medical community, an artist, a community advocate, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of Black manhood, The Blackprint offers something rare and necessary: a space where you can be seen, heard, and transformed.
About the BPAO
The Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario has long been a champion for Black health equity. As a registered charity, the BPAO supports Black physicians, trainees, and communities through research, medical education, advocacy, and culturally safe care. For over 20 years, the organization has worked to close the gap in health disparities and uplift Black healthcare leadership in Ontario.
Learn more at bpao.org
