The award-winning Canadian drama It Comes in Waves will make its Los Angeles premiere at the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), screening Thursday, February 19 at 7:50 PM at The Culver Theater (9500 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA).
Set against the backdrop of the Rwandan diaspora in Canada, It Comes in Waves follows Akai (Adrian Walters), a young man grappling with intergenerational trauma as he searches for healing, identity, and belonging. Through intimate, character-driven storytelling, the film examines inherited silence, cultural memory, and the resilience required to move forward.
The ensemble cast includes Olunike Adeliyi (Sonia), Nendia Lewars (Zera), Brandon McKnight (Capo), McKenzie Small (Stacey), Emmanuel Kabongo (Coach Patterson), Ryan Rosery (Terrell), and Franck Fon (Drifty).
Written by Sammy Mohamed from a story by Fitch Jean, the film was directed and edited by Jean. Amir Zargara produced, with executive producers Fitch Jean, Weggon Allen, Lovell Adams-Gray, Franckie Francois, Adrian Walters, and Sam Ibrahim. The film is distributed in Canada by Mongrel Media.
An Oscar-qualifying festival selection, It Comes in Waves continues to resonate with audiences for its emotional depth and cultural specificity. Its LA premiere at PAFF further positions the film as a standout independent feature with awards momentum heading into 2026.
The film arrives at PAFF following an acclaimed festival run that began with its world premiere at the American Black Film Festival, where it received rave reviews. Since then, It Comes in Waves has continued to build momentum, winning the Best Feature Film Audience Award at Sidewalk Film Festival and earning five awards at Reelworld Film Festival, including Outstanding Feature Film, where it opened the festival’s historic 25th anniversary celebration.