The trailer has dropped for Morningside, the upcoming indie feature film from award-winning director Ron Dias. Set in Toronto’s Scarborough neighborhood, the film tells a compelling story about the fight to preserve community amidst the pressures of gentrification.
This indie feature dives into the lives of seven characters who collide at Scarborough’s Morningside Community Centre, navigating personal struggles, relationships, and the looming threat of gentrification. The all-star Canadian cast includes Lovell Adams-Gray (Power Book II: Ghost), Kiana Madeira (Fear Street Trilogy), singer-songwriter Fefe Dobson (two-time Juno Award winner), Alex Mallari Jr. (Ginny & Georgia), Oluniké Adeliyi (The Fire Inside), Brandon McKnight (The Flash), and Joanne Jansen (Shadowhunters).
Dias, who co-wrote the film alongside actress and writer Joanne Jansen, emphasized the importance of authentically representing Scarborough’s diverse voices and struggles. “Our aim is to craft a film that not only entertains but also serves as a poignant reflection of diverse voices and experiences,” Dias said in a statement.
Produced under Toronto-based Ron & Aussie, Morningside is not just a film but a tribute to the resilience of underrepresented communities. The production secured funding from private investors and AMC’s AllBlk platform, which will handle U.S. distribution.
Set to release on February 21, 2025, Morningside is set to deliver an emotional and socially relevant story that highlights the human cost of gentrification while celebrating the strength of community.