The High Commission of Canada in Jamaica marked National Canadian Film Day with a compelling and well-attended screening of the Canadian Screen Award–nominated documentary Play It Loud! How Toronto Got Soul, directed by Canadian-Jamaican filmmaker Graeme Mathieson, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Palace Cineplex in Kingston.

The film captures the migration of sound and identity, spotlighting how reggae helped shape a generation of artists and communities in Canada. Featuring appearances and musical contributions from legendary figures such as Jay Douglas, Everton “Pablo” Paul, Jackie Richardson, the late Lowell ‘Sly’ Dunbar, Grub Cooper, and Dr. Carlene Davis, Play It Loud! offers a vivid and deeply personal account of reggae’s cross-border legacy and enduring cultural resonance.

The documentary, which explores the profound influence of Jamaican music on Toronto’s cultural and musical identity, was met with enthusiastic audience reception, with attendees praising its authenticity, rich storytelling, and powerful tribute to reggae’s global journey.

The event welcomed nearly 200 attendees, including government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, cultural and creative industry leaders, and friends of Canada. Special remarks were delivered by Mr. Denzil Thorpe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, representing the Honourable Olivia Grange. The screening formed part of National Canadian Film Day – a global celebration of Canadian cinema, with more than 2,000 screenings taking place across over 48 countries.

In his remarks, His Excellency Mark Berman, High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica, underscored the importance of storytelling as a bridge between cultures and paid tribute to the late Lowell “Sly” Dunbar, whose influence helped shape reggae music worldwide. “Like music, films can spark reflection and dialogue that help us to better understand each other. This is soft power, where culture, creativity, and shared stories build bridges between our countries and our people,” said High Commissioner Berman.

The High Commission was pleased to welcome director Graeme Mathieson and to recognize featured contributors in attendance, including Grub Cooper, Dr. Carlene Davis Cowan, and Ian Dawkins, representing Jay Douglas. Also, in attendance was acclaimed recording artist Naomi Cowan, recipient of the 2026 JUNO Award for Reggae Recording of the Year.

The screening was followed by an engaging panel discussion exploring the role of film and music in strengthening Canada–Jamaica cultural ties, and how creative industries, partnerships, and policy can continue to support cultural exchange. The panel featured Donisha Prendergast (Moderator), Graeme Mathieson, Dr. Carlene Davis Cowan, Naomi Cowan, Dr. Dennis Howard, and Ian Dawkins, and sparked thoughtful dialogue and audience participation.

The High Commission of Canada in Jamaica was proud to host this National Canadian Film Day event as part of its ongoing commitment to celebrating cultural diversity, supporting artistic expression, and deepening people-to-people connections between Canada and Jamaica.

About Play It Loud! How Toronto Got Soul

Play It Loud! traces the untold story of how Jamaican music, particularly reggae, helped shape Toronto’s cultural identity in the 1960s and beyond. Anchored by the journey of reggae pioneer Jay Douglas, the film documents the migration of Caribbean sound, the challenges faced by early artists, and the lasting imprint of reggae on Canada’s music scene. The documentary has been widely recognised for bringing overdue visibility to the contributions of Caribbean artists in Canada and was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award.