Education
RCtv: Black Realities
Identity and Belonging
On National Canadian Film Day, join us for an exciting, interactive live event! Watch the newly-released film Youngblood and participate in a nationwide Q&A with the film’s award-winning director, Hubert Davis and star Ashton James!
Youngblood is a high-stakes coming-of-age hockey drama — exploring resilience, accountability and overcoming adversity. The film tells an emotionally nuanced story that will stay with students long after the final buzzer.
HOW IT WORKS
There are three simple steps:
- Watch the brand new film, Youngblood, with your class between March 30 and April 15.
- Join the nationwide discussion with special guests director Hubert Davis and actor Ashton James on Wednesday, April 15 (see time below).
- Ask questions and share comments through our online platform.
The programme also includes lesson plans, support resources, extension activities, and access to the film – all completely FREE OF CHARGE!
Can’t make the date? You can still watch the interactive recording at any time afterward.
Sign up for this special opportunity to see the film fresh off its release!
Details
- Discuss themes of building resilience, accountability and overcoming adversity
- Ties to curriculum and supports social-emotional learning objectives
- Suitable for Grades 9-12, for in-class or remote learning
- Presented in English, with a French-subtitled version available after the live event
- A great opportunity to participate in National Canadian Film Day
About the film
Youngblood
2025, Directed by Hubert Davis
Dean Youngblood (Ashton James), a top hockey player in the minor leagues, faces the prospect of his career ending early when he’s suspended for an on-ice incident. Given a new chance on a new team, he has to face his aggression head-on to get back on track and lead his team to a championship.
A moving story about the challenges of growing up with big dreams, and the importance of family, friendship, and believing in oneself, Youngblood captures the drama both on and off the ice, with incredible performances and a lot of heart.
ABOUT THE GUESTS
Hubert Davis
Director of Youngblood
Hubert Davis is an award-winning filmmaker whose short films include Academy Award–nominated Hardwood, Aruba, and Rivolta, which won a Cannes Film Lion. He directed the documentaries Invisible City, Giants of Africa, and Black Ice, which won the People’s Choice Documentary Award at TIFF. His feature films include Youngblood, which premiered at TIFF in 2025, and The Well.
Ashton James
Star of Youngblood
An alumnus of the CBC Actors Conservatory, Ashton James has appeared in episodes of The Boys, Five Days at Memorial, Beyond Black Beauty, Law & Order: Toronto, Netflix’s The Madness, and Revenge of the Black Best Friend, which earned him a Canadian Screen Award nomination. He also starred in the indie features Boxcutter, which premiered at SXSW 2025, and Youngblood, which premiered at TIFF in 2025.
Aisha Jamal
Host
Aisha Jamal is an accomplished filmmaker, programmer, and educator based in Toronto, whose films have played venues and festivals worldwide. Exploring themes of human connection and resilience, Aisha’s feature film debut, A Kandahar Away, explores her family’s ties to the small Saskatchewan community of Kandahar. Her short films include the award-winning The Long Way Home and Seeds of the Past. Her latest documentary feature is called The Theft and is premiering on TVO in April.
Register now
For questions or more information, reach out to [email protected] or 1-888-508-0881 ext. 258