How do we teach our boys to become better men?

Newfoundland-based director, Justin Simms, tries to answer this vital question through his National Film Board of Canada (NFB) feature documentary, Sons. Next Gen Men is proud to partner with the NFB to bring Sons to the screen in Toronto, with a community screening on Thursday, January 23rd at CSI Spadina.

Set against the backdrop of his son’s first five years of life—from cooing infant to hurricane of a boy— Simms explores modern masculinity through the lens of fatherhood.

The 70-minute documentary blends candid, heartwarming footage of Simm’s son’s early years with thought-provoking reflections on patriarchy, parenting, and the joys and struggles of raising boys in the 21st century. Watch the trailer here.

The screening will be followed by a short panel discussion featuring Sons filmmaker Justin Simms and Next Gen Men's Director of Programs, Jonathon Reed. Together, they’ll explore the documentary's themes and their importance in today’s conversations about masculinity and fatherhood.

Whether you're passionate about positive masculinities, curious about the stories behind Sons, or simply interested in connecting with your community, this event is for you.

Admission is offered on a Pay What You Can basis, with a free option available to ensure accessibility. Ticket fees help support Next Gen Men's initiatives for masculine-identifying youth, including NGM Alliance, our online community for middle- and high-school students, and the Rite of Passage Expeditions Project, our summer trips in Ontario and Alberta.

Doors open at 6:30pm, screening starts at 7pm.

This film is presented in collaboration with the National Film Board of Canada

Limited tickets available. Reserve your spot today!