This week on Focus Montreal: Sept 26

MONTREAL — Focus Montreal introduces Montrealers to people who are shaping our community, bringing their stories into focus.

It airs on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and at midnight.

Take a look at who we’re meeting this week on Focus Montreal:

Linda Farha, president of the Farha Foundation joins Senior Anchor Jamie Orchard to talk about this weekend’s parade to end Aids. The 23rd edition of Ça marche hits thee streets of Montreal on Sunday.

Walkers, dancers and marchers meet at the Quartier des Spectacles at 10:00 a.m. to take part in this annual pilgrimage.

The event is the most important fundraiser in the battle against Aids in this city since it started back in 1992 in honour of the late Ron Farha. The foundation that bears his name has donated $9.5 million to 76 Aids organizations across Quebec.

Sweet Mickey for President is this year’s opening night film at the Montreal International Black Film Festival, proudly presented by Global Montreal. The film follows Pras Michel of the famous band the Fugees, as he returns to Haiti following 2010’s devastating earthquake to mobilize a presidential bid for Michel Martelly, also known as Sweet Mickey.

The film embodies the spirit of the the 11th edition of the festival which is “To know where you’re going, know where you come from.”

Festival founder Fabienne Colas, shares this year’s incredible line-up and talks about the festival’s mission to take a fresh new look at black cinema from around the world.

The festival runs from Sept. 2 to Oct. 4 and features over 70 films from all over the world.

Amanda Pidlisny started writing poetry for a class project at Beurling Academy in Verdun and like many teenagers she was working through some demons not the least of which was a battle with anorexia and depression.

Her writing is raw and hopeful and it drew the attention of publishers who put her work in dozens of anthologies.

Now she has published her first full feature book “Bridges crossed, Mountains climbed.” It’s a heart-wrenching collection inspired by her struggles and her triumphs.