CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The Black Cultural Society of P.E.I. will present Our Lives, Our Stories during this year’s Art In the Open festival.
The three-night pop-up drive-in film festival was curated by Black Nova Scotian filmmaker Sylvia D. Hamilton.
The final of the three screenings, to be held on Aug. 29, will correspond with Art In the Open, Charlottetown’s free, open-air, no contact contemporary art festival.
In her curatorial statement for Our Lives, Our Stories, Hamilton discusses the importance of sharing these stories.
“African/Black Canadians have been making films in Canada for decades,” said Hamilton.
"They persist against many odds. Making the films is one challenge, ensuring the films get to audiences is still another. Sometimes older, yet still relevant films are overlooked because of the lack of venues for screenings and limited funds for essential promotion. But these filmmakers are passionate about the work they do and the stories they want to tell. As more emerging visual creators pick up the camera, we can look forward to the exciting and compelling stories they’ll tell – please watch for and support them. They need you.”
Hamilton has curated films that are not only culturally significant but also demonstrate strong regional connections.
The first night of the festival, Aug. 26, will feature a bill made up exclusively of Maritime films and filmmakers, including Sri Lankan-Canadian director Sandi Rankaduwa and her film, Ice Breakers.
“Growing up on P.E.I., I was unaware of the fascinating history of Black Islanders, which is something my documentary helped me learn about,” said Rankaduwa.
“For that reason and more, I’m thrilled for Ice Breakers to be part of such a vibrant, meaningful event in a community I love so dearly.”
At a glance
- The three-day pop-up drive-in will take place Aug. 26, Aug. 28 and Aug. 29 in the Jones building parking lot in Charlottetown near Government Pond.
- This site has particular historical significance for Black Islanders. Known colloquially as “the Bog”, the area has historically been the seat of Charlottetown’s Black community, having been founded by prominent Black Islander Samuel Martin in 1812.
- Gates will open at 8 p.m., and the pre-show is at 8:30 p.m. with films screening at 9 p.m.
- The festival is free to attend. Registration via Eventbrite is required prior to entry. Spaces will be limited. Full details found on AITO’s Facebook page. (Facebook.com/aitoPEI)
