By Lincoln DePradine

Jennifer Hosten, a former international beauty pageant winner and an ex-diplomat of Grenada, is one of the country’s “outstanding” nationals, who has had a major role in world history, according to Gerry Hopkin, Grenada’s consul general based in Toronto.

“She was the first Black woman to win the Miss World title and did so at an event where there was a major development in the worldwide feminist movement,” Hopkin told The Caribbean Camera.

Hosten, who has been residing in Canada and has represented the country at the diplomatic level, won the 1970 Miss World contest in London, England, as Miss Grenada.

The pageant, and the true story of protest by a group of women to disrupt the competition, are relived in the film, “Misbehaviour”.

The movie is based on the book, “Miss World 1970”, written by Hosten herself.

Hopkin is preparing to host a screening of “Misbehaviour” in Toronto, saying many people — including Grenadians — are unaware of Hosten’s career history, including the holder of a Master’s degree in international relations; her roles as an airline attendant, author, journalist and psychotherapist. She also served as a high commissioner for Grenada in Canada, and also a Canada representative overseas.

One review of “Misbehaviour” describes it as “crowd-pleasing”, saying the cast makes the movie “a great watch”.

“The climax is riveting, if not a definite call to feminist action,” said a review in the Times of India.

“The film makes you appreciate what some brave women have gone through to tackle patriarchy. More importantly, it’s easy to see how far we’ve come towards equal rights for women but also, how much further we still have to go.”

Next month’s special Toronto showing of “Misbehaviour” is an opportunity to learn about Hosten, including her 1970 Miss World victory, and it’s also part of the ongoing “Golden Jubilee” celebrations of the 50th anniversary of independence of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, said Hopkin.

“The screening is free but there’s limited capacity at the theatre that could accomodate a little over 300 people,” he explained. “So, we’re asking people planning to attend to RSVP at 416-595-1343; 647-594-7210; or at email, info@grenadaconsulate.com”.

“Misbehaviour” will be showing Saturday, July 20, at Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgeman Avenue.

Hosten will be present at the event that will include a “meet-and-greet” at 5 pm, with the film’s screening starting 6 PM.

After the viewing of the film, a brief panel discussion on its significance will be held, Hopkin said.

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter