“ Steadfast : The Messenger and The Message ” tells the story of the Hon . Dr . Jean Augustine , the first Black woman to be elected to the House of Commons in Canada and the first Black woman to become a member of the Federal Cabinet . Dr . Augustine ’ s work in Parliament included serving as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister , Minister of Multiculturalism and the Status of Women , Chair of the Foreign Affairs and International Trade committee , Chair of the Human Rights Committee , and three-time Chair of the National Women ’ s Caucus . The film has been subtitled in French and English to ensure wider outreach locally and internationally .
Speaking as part of the panel following the screening of the film , the director , Fahim Hamid Ali , said , “ It is an honour for our film to be selected for screening at the Marche du Film at Cannes . We are thrilled at the response this film has generated in Cannes tonight .” The screenwriter , Majid Kazmi , received a resounding applause as his name was announced . Speaking on the occasion he said “ For me as a writer , it is important to interweave the threads of meaning and impact in the tapestry of filmmaking , and I am humbled that in Steadfast , I was able to achieve that .” The lead actress Nawa Simon also expressed her views . As the session came to a close , the Hon . Dr . Jean Augustine thanked the cast and crew as well as the audience for their overwhelming response to the film .
Steadfast is expected to be screened at various other international forums following this successful screening at Cannes . Details will be made available on the film ’ s website www . steadfastfilm . com .
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