It was a night to remember for African talent at the 2025 Gotham Awards in New York on Monday, December 1. Sopé Dìrísù took home Outstanding Lead Performance for “My Father’s Shadow,” making history as the first Nigerian film to be officially selected by the Cannes Film Festival.
On the same evening, Akinola Davies Jr. won Breakthrough Director for the same project, a film already celebrated with multiple accolades, including a Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or and Best Director at the British Independent Film Awards. Davies accepted Dìrísù’s award on his behalf, as the actor could not attend the ceremony.
Backstage, Davies shared his excitement with EBONY: “It’s crazy, man, but I’m just so happy. I think Sopé really deserves it… his performance is completely masterful in the film. To be honest, he’s the main reason why people came to see the film. He really believed in the project and came on as an executive producer — I couldn’t be happier for him.”
The evening also highlighted other African talents: Wunmi Mosaku earned Outstanding Supporting Performance for “Sinners,” while Abou Sangaré was named Breakthrough Performer for “Souleymane’s Story,” marking a standout night for the continent’s creatives at the independent film awards.
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/the-2024-cabane-panache-festival-in-verdun-right-a-man-pours-maple-syrup-on-snow.jpg?id=56635301&width=1200&height=600&coordinates=0%2C36%2C0%2C36"/><br/><br/><p><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/free-activities-montreal-march" target="_blank">March is here</a>, and you know what that means — <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/cabane-a-sucre" target="_blank">cabane à sucre</a> season is back in Quebec! The good news is you don't have to venture far out of Montreal to join the fun.</p><p>From Thursday, March 20 to Sunday, March 23, 2025, Verdun's Cabane Panache is popping up on Promenade Wellington for a four-day maple-infused celebration. This year marks the festival’s 13th edition, which coincides with Verdun’s 150th anniversary. </p><p>As a result, you can expect the event to be bigger and better than ever, spilling down the street with live music, delicious food, and that signature lumberjack charm. Plus, admission is completely free, so everyone's invited to join the celebration.</p><p>This year's edition blends Quebec’s classic sugar shack traditions with a modern twist. Three outdoor stages will showcase local talent like Émile Bilodeau's folk-rock, Bernard Adamus' rugged blues, and Clay and Friends' funky Sunday finale. All the performers are Quebec-based, bringing a mix of trad, country, and bluegrass sounds that'll have your boots tapping.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGTnqBMK1-D/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGTnqBMK1-D/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>When hunger strikes, head over to the Espace Cookerie, where 18 local Verdun eateries will be serving up maple-infused delights. From Chef Jean-Michel Leblond’s indulgent poutine au foie gras to Archway’s vegan bao tofu, prices range from $6 to $8. As the festival's spokesperson, Leblond says it's all about "culinary art, culture, and community."</p><p>Over at the Espace Bouésson, you'll find drinks to match the vibe. Sip on Benelux's Cimonak, maple-smoked porter or a Coureur des Bois whisky-maple cocktail, served in $2 reusable cups. </p><p>And for that authentic cabane experience, Le Sucrier Urbain will be offering tire sur neige for $4 a pop.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGQjamQBYf7/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGQjamQBYf7/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Getting there is a breeze — you can either take the metro to De L'Église station, bike over (bike racks are on-site), or park nearby in one of over 500 available spots. </p><h3>Cabane Panache 2025</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGYNpsLPSBc/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGYNpsLPSBc/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: Free entry</p><p>When: March 20–23, 2025</p><ul><li><span style="">Thursday</span>: 5 PM – 9 PM</li><li>Friday: 5 PM – 10 PM</li><li>Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM</li><li><span style="">Sunday</span>: 11 AM – 5 PM</li></ul><p>Where: Promenade Wellington, Verdun, QC</p><p>Accessibility: Metro (De L'Église), bike racks, bus lines (12, 37, 61, 350)</p><p><a href="https://www.promenadewellington.com/fr/evenement/cabane-panache-13e-edition/" target="_blank">Cabane Panache Website</a></p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em><p><br/></p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em>
