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This is a city with no shortage of film festivals, paying homage to pretty much every genre and to pretty much every community. But in terms of relevance, there are few film fests to rival the Montreal International Black Film Festival (MIBFF), the brainchild of founder Fabienne Colas, which celebrates its 13th anniversary this year.

Running from Wednesday to Oct. 1 at various venues, MIBFF will showcase 66 films from 25 countries. No question about the relevance factor once again — whether dealing with issues of diversity and inequities here or abroad. But add to that, films that shock and provoke and inspire and, yes, entertain, and you’ve got the makings of one must-see event with offerings which would otherwise not likely show up in these parts.

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The festival begins with the staggering opening-night screening of the South African gem, Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu. Among the other highlights: Kafou, Black Lives Matter, Dabka, Cargo, Marvin Booker Was Murdered, Boy 23: The Forgotten Boys of Brazil, Walking in My Shoes, Brown Girl Begins, Uprize and Amerika. It closes with José Maria Cabral’s acclaimed Carpinteros (Woodpeckers) from the Dominican Republic.