Canadian film ‘Morningside’ makes stellar premiere in Los Angeles

On March 27, the critically acclaimed Canadian film “Morningside” premiered at the Westwood Landmark Theatre in Los Angeles, Calif. Beginning with a red carpet, the event also had a panel discussion with some members of the cast. The film will make its highly anticipated U.S. streaming debut on AMC’s ALLBLK service on April 3. It will also be released simultaneously in Canada on Hollywood Suite. 

“Morningside” is a film that focuses on the day-to-day struggles of the “everyday person,” as many of the characters are Black, Latino, and Filipino, struggling with daily battles of poverty, gentrification, and survival in the urban neighborhood of Scarborough in Ontario, Canada. 

Common themes of the film highlight resilience, self-worth, ambition, and the mortifying impact of gun violence. The film consists of a cast full of Canadian talent and is directed by Ron Dias and co-written and produced by Joanne Jansen, who also plays the character of Shanice, Jay’s girlfriend in the film. 

Cast members of ‘Morningside’ film with Director Ron Dias. Photo courtesy of Victoria Sirakova.

“Morningside” stars Lovell Adams-Gray (Jay), best known for his roles in Starz Network’s “Power Book II: Ghost” (Dru Tajada), which was his breakout role. The film also stars Kiana Madeira (Nicki), known for her roles in “Fear Street” and “My Adventures with Superman;” Alex Mallari Jr.; and Joanne Jansen (Shanice), known for her roles in “Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker” and “Most Dangerous Game.” Jansen also co-wrote and produced the film, illustrating the diversity of her skillset. Supporting acts for the film include Orville Cummings (Breeze); Nathan Taylor (Bandoh), known for his work in Dias’ “Bite of a Mango”; and two-time JUNO award winner Fefe Dobson. 

In the Canadian film, Adams-Gray plays the role of Jay, a young Black man trying to survive in the hood who struggles with unemployment and lack of housing. Jay relies on his girlfriend for support as he struggles with infidelity, causing chaos in their relationship. 

 “I felt a deep bond to my character because I felt I knew him. Like he’s all the friends in my life that needed a little guidance growing up. Jay is every broken man who finds himself too deep in situations he has no place being in.” He added, “Jay is me before I met my wife; he’s me without knowing Jesus. He could be any of us. I want people to see themselves in these characters and know that there’s a hood everywhere , and in every hood are people trying to make a way for themselves the best they know how.” 

Lovell Adams-Gray speaks to audience during panel discussion. Photo courtesy of Victoria Sirakova.

Jansen, who played Jay’s girlfriend Shanice, said that her character was relatable to audiences as she played a young woman of color who dealt with the ups and downs of her career and her love life. 

“For Shanice, it was an interesting thing to do, and I feel like it’s also very relatable, whether you’re male or female. The trials and tribulations she goes through in her relationship.”

Madeira (Nicki), playing the friend and coworker of Shanice, had a moment in the film in which she pulled her friend to the side and told her the importance of knowing her self-worth, encouraging her to break up with Jay after he cheated on her numerous times. 

“I pray that audiences leave the film with a deeper understanding of how we are all connected and how the actions of one person truly impact those around them. Life is all fun and jokes until it’s not.” She added, “To be alive is a precious gift, and I hope Morningside inspires people to make compassionate and intentional choices.”

Nathan Taylor, who played the arch-nemesis of Jay’s friend Breeze, stepped outside of his comfort zone as he played the character Bandoh, a thug who is competing with Breeze for Victoria (played by Jayne Kamara).

“To be this character was a bit of a challenge for me because it’s not who I am. I don’t talk like that or act like that.” He added, “I wanted to be as honest as I could for people that go through [this] in their day-to-day lives. It’s a certain energy and mindset that you have to carry… I enjoyed the process and hearing other people say that this [character] is real.”

Director of the film, Ron Dias, said that he wanted to share a story that is authentic and focused on storytelling that tugs at the heartstrings of its viewers. It is the second feature film from Ron Dias and Joanne Jansen’s “Ron and Aussie.” 

“With ‘Morningside,’ I wanted to tell a story that feels raw and real—one that captures the soul of Scarborough while shining a light on the struggles and resilience of the community.” He added, “This film isn’t just about gentrification or violence; it’s about love, family, and the choices we make when the world gives us no easy options.”