Morningside is a new film coming to theatres this month that explores the lives of seven diverse characters who cross paths at a fictional community centre in Scarborough.
The film, which has been six years in the making, also offers a detailed look at life in Scarborough, from the challenges of gentrification, the ripple effects of tragic events, as well as the significance of local food spots and the power of community.
Morningside‘s director, Ron Dias, began his creative journey as a YouTuber, and eventually went on to create the successful web series “Friends with Benefits” in 2016. Dias’ feature film debut, Bite of a Mango, premiered at the American Black Film Festival in 2022.
Filmed in various locations throughout Toronto, the film seeks to capture the essence of Scarborough — a place near and dear to the director’s heart.
“I experienced a lot growing up in Scarborough, and I wanted to see it in cinema,” Dias told blogTO. “Everyone thinks Scarborough is such a dark, disturbing, violent place. It’s not, and I want to showcase people’s life experiences living there.”
Joining Dias in bringing this story to life is a talented cast, including singer-songwriter Fefe Dobson, Lovell Adams-Gray (Power Book II: Ghost), Kiana Madeira (Fear Street), Alex Mallari Jr. (Ginny and Georgia), Joanne Jansen (Shadowhunters), Olunike Adeliyi (Flashpoint, The Porter), and Brandon McKnight (The Flash).
Dias and Jansen, who are part of the Toronto-based production company Ron & Aussie, teamed up to tell this impactful story.
In a nod to real cases of gentrification, Morningside was filmed at the legendary Scarborough burger joint, The Real McCoy. The restaurant was forced to close its doors at its original location in December 2022 due to residential developments.
As a result, the family-owned restaurant, which first opened its doors in 1969, relocated from its long-standing location on Markham Road to Lawrence Avenue East.
The film also captures some iconic spots that have been impacted by the city’s changing landscape. Warden Station, which is undergoing a massive revitalization, is shown in the film, along with its now-shuttered Bakery on the Go, which operated for 25 years and was undoubtedly the city’s most famous subway station store.
“Anyone who’s gone to Warden Station knows that feeling of, ‘I need to catch this bus or I need to get this patty,'” Dias said, reflecting on the significance of the patty shop to Scarborough residents.
Along with filming at community landmarks, the film’s team partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough (BGC Scarborough) and even sold Morningside sweaters, with the proceeds going to support affordable housing in the area.
Although the film took several years to come to fruition, Dias emphasized the importance of local filmmakers staying committed to telling their stories.
“Go make your art. Don’t wait for someone to give you the green light, because it’s never going to happen that way. As long as you put yourself in a position where you want that thing and you go for it, things just start to happen for you,” Dias said.
“Just don’t give up.”
Advanced tickets to Morningside are available for purchase online, and the film comes to theatres on Feb. 21, 2025.
Morningside Film/Ron & Aussie Film Production
