Cinema Politica is thrilled to launch our hand-picked program Bring it Black: Films by Black Artists in Canada, co-curated with Ella Cooper and Henri Pardo. From fiction to experimental to documentary, and everything between, this collection of shorts combines creative flair with political potency and unwavering voice. This rich selection of cinema from Black directors represents many voices – revolutionary, innovative, poetic, passionate, queer, young, experienced, leading, moving, migratory, teaching, dreaming.
The representation of Blackness and the lives of Black people on screen has a long, dynamic and troubled history in Canada. On the one hand, white supremacy has shaped the Canadian film industry, and as such, the cultivation of on-screen Black stories and identities has often been in the hands of non-Black, usually white film professionals.
On the other hand, Black lives, histories and identities have been represented on screen in compelling, diverse and rich ways by talented and dedicated Black filmmakers working in Canada. Trailblazers like Dionne Brand, Sylvia Hamilton, Christene Browne, Alison Duke, Claire Prieto, Jennifer Hodge de Silva and Clement Virgo innovated a fierce creative path that has been taken up by contemporary artists like Martine Chartrand, Charles Officer, Philip Pike, Hubert Davies, Elizabeth St. Philip, Ella Cooper, Cory Bowles and many, many more.
Coupled with this outpouring of cinematic vitality is a groundswell sociopolitical shift, led by the Black Lives Matter movement and the scores of anti-racism activist groups across the country fighting against police brutality and carding, economic segregation, carceral injustice, poverty, and more.
Stay tuned for upcoming screenings!
This experimental film unraveling layers of Black history and artistry against the racial bias of Kodak's "Shirley" skin-tone cards.
There is no singular immigrant experience, a fact beautifully rendered in this story of trauma, migration and the strain to navigate “home.”
Displacement, exodus, family and belonging are explored in this experimental archival “biography” (“sira” in Arabic).
A cross-Canada cycle tour with CFL prospect Curtis Carmichael raises awareness on racism and racialized youth in the country.
An 80-year-old activist runs for office, challenging the powers of Ward 7.
Metaphoric consideration of running a marathon you can’t afford to lose.
A poetic moment paused for Black motherhood, for Black bodies and Black resilience.
At Black Lives Matter Toronto's Freedom School, 13-year-old Moon learns to be a leader while Rihanna discovers that being Black is indeed beautiful.
A gorgeous animated vision of Black queer community and solace.
On Demand
Invited to Tiohtià: ke as a member of her country’s tribal council, Sam traces the steps of her great-grandmother who lived there over a 100 years ago.
The politics of perseverance, revealed through the imagination of dance and performance.
A young woman explores and confronts her reflections on being a woman, migration and faith.
