CFC Conversations: Black Excellence with Acclaimed Filmmaker Clement Virgo and Actors Mallori Johnson and Idrissa Sanogo Bamba
CFC Conversation: Black Excellence with Acclaimed Filmmaker Clement Virgo and Actors Mallori Johnson and Idrissa Sanogo Bamba
Presented by the Canadian Film Centre with support from presenting sponsor TD Bank Group (TD).
About the film
Steal Away is the latest feature from director Clement Virgo. The film explores power, identity, and legacy through a tense, character-driven thriller that meets the moment. The project is building strong anticipation and is set to connect Canadian storytelling to global audiences.
About the director
Clement Virgo is one of Canada’s leading filmmakers, acclaimed for directing and co-writing The Book of Negroes miniseries and the award-winning film Brother. His credits include The Wire (HBO), Greenleaf (OWN), and feature films such as Poor Boy’s Game, Lie with Me, and Rude. His latest film, Steal Away, premieres in 2025
Featured guests
Mallori Johnson — Mallori Johnson stars in Clement Virgo’s Steal Away, premiering at TIFF 2025. A Juilliard graduate, she leads the FX series Kindred and has appeared in WeCrashed (AppleTV+), The Other Zoey, and Hulu’s Genius: MLK/X. Her stage work includes Roundabout’s The Refuge Plays.
Idrissa Sanogo Bamba (Mansa Idrissa) — Mali-born, Toronto-raised actor Idrissa Sanogo stars in Clement Virgo’s Steal Away, premiering at TIFF 2025. He has appeared in The Boys (Amazon), Titans (Netflix), and The Expanse (Syfy). Recent roles include Alan in Director X’s Robyn Hood and upcoming features The Well, Steal Away, and YA drama Shiver.
Moderator
Clark Johnson — Clark Johnson is an actor and director known for The Wire, Homicide: Life on the Street, and Alpha House. His directing credits include pilots and finales for The Shield and The Wire, plus Sleeper Cell, The Walking Dead, and Homeland. Film credits include S.W.A.T., The Sentinel, and Percy. He currently appears in Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again.
Event details
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Time: Doors 6:30 p.m. | Conversation 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Venue: Cineplex Cinemas Varsity & VIP, 55 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON
Admission: Free. Pay-what-you-can to support future conversations.
Why this matters
CFC Conversations is where Canadian cinema takes the mic. We platform the work, the makers, and the next wave. Your seat signals that these stories lead.
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