This Black History Month, audiences are invited to experience SWAY, a powerful Black-led Canadian thriller-drama arriving in theatres on February 6 at Cineplex, with locations including Yonge & Dundas and Cineplex Morningside.
SWAY is a film rooted in tension, intimacy, and lived experience. Led by a cast that is 95% Black and supported by a producing team also made up of people some of colour which includes Emmanuel Kabongo, Mishael Morgan (EP), Lovell Adams-Gray, Daniel Govia, and Eric Yensu, and DOP’d by Chris Morsby, the film represents a significant moment for Black storytelling within Canada’s theatrical landscape, with artists whose work continues to shape and elevate Black representation on screen.
Sway was an official selection at the Toronto Black Film Festival, Pan African Film Festival, Montreal Black Film Festival and the African Film Festival.
Since its theatrical release announcement, SWAY written by Charlie Hamilton, has already begun to gain strong national attention, with coverage from eTalk, CP24, SiriusXM Radio, Playback Magazine, and the Canadian Film Centre, where both Adams-Gray and Kabongo are proud alums. Following a promotional screening in December 2025, audience response has been quite supportive, with viewers connecting strongly to the film’s themes, performances, and emotional weight.
“Releasing SWAY during Black History Month feels especially meaningful,” says Kabongo, “this month is not only about honouring the past, but also about recognizing the present, the stories being told now, by Black creators, for Black audiences and beyond.”
Honouring a Legacy: Remembering Charles Officer
This release also carries personal significance. Before his passing, the late Charles Officer, a filmmaker, mentor, and vital voice in Canadian cinema, took the time to watch SWAY with Emmanuel Kabongo.
“That moment remains unforgettable,” says Kabongo. “Charles shared words of encouragement, insight, and care that affirmed the importance of telling our stories truthfully and without compromise. His belief in Black Canadian cinema and in our responsibility to one another as creators continues to resonate deeply with me. He reminded me to use the momentum of this achievement to propel the next project. Being able to share SWAY with audiences during Black History Month feels like part of carrying that legacy forward, especially given Charles’s meaningful involvement with BSO and his lasting impact on our community.”
Why SWAY Matters
At BSO, we believe in the importance of Black stories that reflect the full spectrum of our lived experiences. SWAY stands out as a film that explores power, vulnerability, and emotional complexity, areas too often overlooked when Black characters are limited to narrow or familiar narratives. The film invites audiences to sit with nuance and discomfort, and to engage with Black lives portrayed with depth, care, and authenticity.
We are proud to champion films like SWAY and to stand alongside the artists and communities who continue to push Black storytelling forward. Through shared conversations, community engagement, and collective support, we can ensure these stories reach the audiences they were made for during Black History Month and beyond.
SWAY Release Information:
Date: February 6th, 2026
Theatre: Cinepex Yonge & Dundas, Morningside
Directed by: Hamilton X. Ramelan
Starring: Emmanuel Kabongo, Mishael Morgan, Lovell Adams-Gray, Paul Amos, Brittany Raymond, Karl Campbell, Prosha Hussein, Blake Johnston, Toni Ofori, Ashton Ayre, Carlisle J. Williams, Conni Miu, Husnain Sher
Produced by: Emmanuel Kabongo, James Stewart, Mishael Morgan, Lovell Adams-Gray, Chris Morsby, Daniel Govia, Eric Yensu, Charlie Hamilton, Zach Ramelan, Sari Colt
