Bif Naked: A Documentary - Celebrating Resiliency and Music at the Toronto Premiere
- jaybroderick
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
By: Jay Broderick
Toronto, Ontario - On November 12, 2025, Toronto music fans gathered at The Royal Theatre to celebrate one of Canada’s most fearless and beloved artists at the screening of Bif Naked: A Documentary. The evening was more than a film premiere... it was a living testament to resilience, and the enduring power of music.
Bif Naked arrived with her puppy Grace, a hospital therapy dog who instantly charmed the attendees who were lined up to get a Red Carpet photo with one of their musical heroes and life mentors. True to her reputation for warmth, Bif took the time to pose with every fan who wanted one, ensuring no one left without a memory.
In addition to her adoring fans, the event drew some of Toronto’s music royalty. The legendary Andy Kim was in attendance, fresh off our recent interview, while industry icon Eric Alper made an appearance, finally giving me the opportunity of meeting him face-to-face. Film director Pollyanna Hardwicke-Brown was also on hand along with documentary producer, and local rapper Yas Taalat. Taalat who first met Bif 25 years ago while touring with his band, introduced the documentary with heartfelt words. Shouting out his family, he emphasized the importance of showing his daughter what real heroes look like, before asking the crowd to “make some noise for Bif Naked!”
The Story of Beth Torbert: From Survival to Stardom
The documentary dives deep into the life of Beth Torbert... better known as alternative rock, pop punk icon Bif Naked. Born to a teenage mother in New Delhi, India, and moved to Canada after being adopted soon after, the singer's life has been marked with trauma and hardship. Sexual assault, on the perils of being forced into the sex trade, near death experiences from drug abuse, the road for Bif Naked has been one tragic experience after another.
Her path to music began almost by accident. With a dream of being an actor, Bif met a punk musician looking for a singer so she figured "What the hell" and played a show with the band. She soon realized this was it. From her band Chrome Dog, to her solo career, Bif’s journey was filled with challenges. Heroin addiction and overdose, struggles with eating disorders, and the uphill battle of breaking into the industry. Yet she persevered with the help of a music manager named Peter Karroll, who has stayed faithful to her during her whole career. She eventually formed Her Royal Majesty Records when labels turned her away. She also toured Europe before Canada finally caught on, and eventually landed a US record deal with Lava Atlantic, after another setback with Sony 550 who after an apparent deal, pulled out as they did not want an artist with the persona of Bif Naked to be on the same label as Celine Dion.
Triumphs and Setbacks
Despite platinum and gold records, appearances on Bill Maher and Jay Leno, and tours across the globe, radio play remained elusive. Even at Lilith Fair, she was treated as an outsider even amongst her fellow female singers, some of whom she idolized. Yet her mantra “Never give up! Never say die!” carried her through. She faced stalkers, and multiple health crises yet still emerged stronger. Her album The Promise, written during her cancer battle, and her memoir further cemented her legacy as an artist who bares her soul without fear.
Live Music and Laughter
In addition to the documentary screening, this event also included an acoustic performance from Bif. The singer performed a deeply moving track a cappella to which she later explained how nervous she had been. Manager Peter Karroll later joined her for a spirited rendition of "Spaceman", their playful banter drawing laughter from the crowd.
Terri Hart of Super Channel hosted a lighthearted Q&A, keeping the atmosphere buoyant, and to close the night, Bif invited the audience to sing along to "I Love Myself Today", a communal anthem that had the entire room raising their voices in celebration.
A Night of Inspiration
What made the evening unforgettable was not just the documentary’s raw honesty, but Bif’s ability to transform pain into empowerment. She has faced the darkest corners of life and emerged with humor, strength, and compassion. As fans sang with her, it was clear that Bif Naked isn’t just a survivor... she’s a beacon of resilience, reminding us all to live loudly, love fiercely, and never give up! Man... what an inspiration!
Bif Naked: A Documentary can be streamed and on demand from November 21, 2025 thru April 30, 2027. Find your "ways to watch" HERE.
Event Photographs (all photos by: Jay Broderick)
Bif Naked Online
Event Date: November 12, 2025
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