Education
RCtv: Celebrating Cross-Cultural Stories
An Anti-Racism Livestream
Our 2023 Anti-Racism programme spotlights the uplifting film Breakaway, a cross-cultural story of self-discovery and perseverance, and a favourite among REEL CANADA audiences.
After watching the film, students engaged in a virtual Q&A discussion with the film’s star and co-writer Vinay Virmani, actress Noureen DeWulf, and student peers across the country, all presented as part of the 10th anniversary of National Canadian Film Day.
Complete with lesson plans, learners will use our online platform to participate in polls, Q&A, chat, discussion boards, and more.
Interested in livestreams centred on Indigenous realities or Black experiences?
Special Guests
Vinay Virmani
Star, Co-writer and Producer of Breakaway
Born in Brampton, ON, Virmani is an actor, writer, and producer whose work focuses on BIPOC stories, representation, and sport. He has produced over a dozen films, including Anything is Possible: The Serge Ibaka Story, Black Ice, Superfan: The Nav Bhatia Story, and Dr. Cabbie, which he also starred in. Virmani has served as a panellist on CBC’s Canada Reads and is the partner and chief content officer at UNINTERRUPTED Canada.
Noureen DeWulf
Plays the role of Reena in Breakaway
DeWulf is a prolific actress and comedian with a 20-year career working in film and television. She is best known for her starring roles in the Academy-award winning short film West Bank Story, as well as Ghosts of Girlfriends Past with Matthew McConaughey, The Back-up Plan with Jennifer Lopez, and the hit TV series Anger Management. DeWulf recently recurred on Good Girls, and you can currently see her in the comedy Wheels of Fortune on Netflix.
What You Need to Know
entirely free of charge!
- The discussion was live on April 19, 2023, but you can still watch an interactive recording
- Includes lesson plans, sensitivity support resources, extension activities, and of course, access to the film
- Suitable for Grades 9 to 12, for in-class or remote learning
- Presented in English, with a French-subtitled version available
About the Film
Rajveer Singh (Vinay Virmani) is struggling to balance the wishes of his traditional Sikh family and his own true passion for hockey. Raj and his friends play only for fun, held back by the prejudice and mockery of other teams as their turban-clad crew steps onto the ice. Enter Coach Dan Winters (Rob Lowe) and soon the Speedy Singhs are competing in a real tournament, while Raj is falling in love with the coach’s beautiful sister, Melissa (Camilla Belle).
A cross-cultural story of self-discovery, Breakaway is a heartwarming, action-filled comedy, bringing a dash of Bollywood to Canada’s favourite sport. With a hilarious supporting cast including comedian Russell Peters, and a special appearance from Drake, Breakaway will leave you cheering for its unlikely heroes.
See here for a content advisory of the film.
How Does It Work?
- REGISTER: Fill out our online registration form to book your spot.
- BEFORE THE LIVESTREAM: Watch the film with your students via streaming link or DVD provided by REEL CANADA.
- LIVESTREAM: Log in to watch the online webcast LIVE, or watch a recording of it later.
- PARTICIPATE: From their own devices, students can engage in interactive activities (e.g., chat, polling questions, instant reactions, discussion threads, and more)