You can contact us at: info@massimadi.ca
OUR HISTORY
The Massimadi Foundation continues the visionary work of Arc-en-ciel d’Afrique, the first organization in Quebec dedicated to LGBTQ+ people of African descent, active from 2002 to 2019.
Funtumfunefu Denkyemfunefu
This symbol represents two Siamese crocodiles sharing a single stomach, symbolizing unity in diversity and interdependence despite differences.
Sankofa
Represented by a backward-facing bird holding an egg, this symbol means "return and take," emphasizing the importance of learning from the past to build the future.
2002
Solange Musanganya, Didier Rwigamba, and Luc Doray are beginning to think about creating a space dedicated to LGBTQ+ people of African descent in Montreal.
This idea stems from a powerful observation: the invisibility of Black people in LGBTQ+ struggles and community spaces.
Birth of the vision
2004
Official creation of Rainbow of Africa
While Quebec legalized same-sex marriage, LGBT people from African and Caribbean communities remained marginalized. It was in this context that Solange Musanganya, Didier Rwigamba, and Luc Doray founded Arc-en-ciel d'Afrique, a non-profit community organization aimed at:
-
to break the isolation,
-
to raise awareness in Quebec society,
-
to promote Afro LGBTQ+ cultures,
-
and to act in the prevention of STIs and HIV.
The organization quickly became a key player in intersectionality and a vector for community development.
2006
Rainbow of Africa is participating in the Montreal Pride march for the first time, marking the visible presence of Afro LGBTQ+ communities in public spaces.
First Steps in Pride
2009
Rainbow of Africa is participating in the Montreal Pride march for the first time, marking the visible presence of Afro LGBTQ+ communities in public spaces.
Birth of the Massimadi Festival
2013
A version of the festival is organized in Brussels by the association Les Identités du Baobab, extending Massimadi's reach internationally.
Massimadi exports to Brussels
2014
Arc-en-ciel d'Afrique is creating Fierté Afro-Pride, a series of cultural activities during Montreal Pride Week, to affirm the place of LGBTQ+ people of African descent in the celebrations.
Launch of Afro-Pride
2016
An edition of the festival was scheduled to be held in Haiti in collaboration with activist Charlot Jeudy, but was canceled due to threats. This episode highlights the challenges facing LGBTQ+ rights in the region.
Attempted edition in Port-au-Prince
2016
A new structure is being created to continue and strengthen this mission: the Massimadi Foundation. It will become the pillar of artistic dissemination, awareness, and support for Afro-LGBTQ+ talent.
Creation of the Massimadi Foundation
2019
After 15 years of commitment, the organization is ceasing its activities. Its living legacy continues through Massimadi.
Arc-en-ciel d’Afrique closes
2021
A new format of outdoor artistic performances, “Massimadi en rue” is part of a desire for proximity to the community, through culture and local action.
Massimadi launches on the street
2022
The festival offers a rich selection of 29 films from over 10 countries, available for free online. The themes explore rebirth, physicality, resilience, and love.
A 14th edition that is 100% digital
2023
The Massimadi Foundation has created Momentum, a screenwriting mentoring program dedicated to LGBTQ+ creators of African descent.
Designed to support the next generation and structure an ecosystem of Afro-queer creation, Momentum offers:
-
professional workshops,
-
personalized support,
-
and a development grant for selected projects.
Launch of the Momentum program
2023
The Massimadi Festival celebrates its 15 years of resistance, creation and Afro-queer pride.
This anniversary edition is an opportunity to revisit the struggles and artistic impulses that have marked the history of the festival, while affirming a vision turned towards the future: more inclusive, more transversal, more committed.
15 years of the Massimadi Festival
2024
This year, the festival features 15 films that highlight Black LGBTQ+ voices from here and abroad. A $1,000 grant was awarded to the film chosen by the audience.
Under the theme of the Renaissance, the stories address resilience, healing, and transformation.
A bold 16th edition
.jpg)
2025
The Massimadi Festival returns under the theme "Deconstruct to Reconstruct", an invitation to rethink inherited narratives and to create spaces for reflection, liberation and collective celebration.
8 days of festivities, 24 films screened, 18 artists performing and 3 panel discussions.
Massimadi is also making its mark beyond the screen. This year, the festival hosts Softboï, the first solo exhibition by visual artist Sickkid, which explores representations of queer masculinity.
A vibrant 17th edition