Extraordinary Women: The Extraordinary Alanis Obomsawin

 

 

As National Truth and Reconciliation Day approaches, we will explore the remarkable career and legacy of Abenaki filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin.

 

On Sunday, Sept. 27, 1:00-3:00 pm, we will watch a selection of Obomsawin’s documentaries from 1971 to 2022, followed by a discussion of the content of her films, her techniques, the impact of her work and the doors she opened for other indigenous filmmakers.

The event is part of Back Lane Studios’ Extraordinary Women series. Tickets are by a voluntary donation ($10 suggested). Secure tickets in advance on Eventbrite here or at the Revue Cinema door. 

 

We will also be marking the 10th anniversary with a short documentary of our neighbourhood Peace Garden at the corner of Roncesvalles Ave. and Dundas St. West. Spearheaded by local residents, the garden’s plantings and artwork were created in the spirit of reconciliation.

 

Obamsawen began her artistic career as a singer and story teller, but pivoted to filmmaking in the early 1970s. Over five decades, she has directed more than 60 films, depicting details of indigenous lives and culture and offering behind-the-scenes perspectives on First Nations’ resistance such as at the Kanien’kéhaka standoff, known as the Oka crisis.

 

According to critic Jesse Wente, as quoted in The Walrus magazine, “It’s hard to imagine someone else who has had quite the same influence on Canada’s understanding of itself as Alanis.”

 

And as Obomsawin has commented: “So much history can be lost if no one tells the story – so that’s what I do. I tell the stories. This is my way of fighting for social change.”

 

We have also included two short documentaries about Obomsawin herself.

 

The films are provided courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada.

 

We will round out this program with the screening of the brand-new short documentary about the  Peace Garden and invite attendees back to Back Lane Studios for a reception with live music featuring singer Cathy Hunt.

 

(Back Lane Studios is a half block south of the Revue, just east off Roncesvalles (there’s a Pizzaiolo on the corner).