Hamilton Black Film Festival is excited to announce the list of films it is showing in May, 2021

                 

                     184 Province Street, North Hamilton ON L8H 4H8 

Office: 905-966-7750  E: info@hbff.ca W: www.hbff.ca 

 

“Your self image is so powerful it unwittingly becomes your destiny.” – Oscar Micheaux - the first African-American to make a film (1919).

 

For Immediate Release 

Hamilton Black Film Festival is excited to announce the list of films selected  for the 1st annual BIPOC Film Festival May 28th-May 30th

 

Hamilton Ontario - March 24, 2021 - The Hamilton Black Film Festival featuring films made by the BIPOC community is delighted to share the films selected for its first film festival virtually from May 28th to May 30th.These films were selected by a diverse community of submitted creatives. Among those selected are feature films, documentaries and short movies from Canada, the USA and Africa. (click this link for the full listing of films to be shown: https://hbff.ca/836-2/                    

 

HBFF will present a transformative experience through the eyes of the BIPOC community in film. Experiences range from the topical to the everyday experiences of people from around the globe.

 

The festival will feature films by, for and about the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) community. Of important note is our principles of inclusion. This means that we want viewers to think broadly about BIPOC contributions from both in front and behind the lens. 

 

The official opening of the film festival will be on May 28th at Hamilton’s Westdale Theatre. Awards will be presented on May 30, 2021.

Due to COVID, screenings will be virtual. Talkbalks are captioning for those with hearing challenges and are made available for greater accessibility. 

“The HBFF is a not-for-profit organization whose goal is to bring about an accessible platform to showcase films that are made by, for and about People of Colour around the world, focusing on both the challenges and triumphs of everyday life.” said HBFF Founder, Paize Usiosefe. 

Festival passes go on sale this Saturday, April 2, 2021.

For more information contact: Louise Noel-Ambrose - Publicist at 905-865-1027, eventobepr@gmail.com  Twitter: @hamiltonblackfilm Instagram: @hamiltonblackfilm  https://www.facebook.com/hamblackfilm #HBFF #HamOnt #HBFF2021

 

 

Press Release circulated on behalf of the HBFF By

 

STEPHEN WEIR

The Kardinal makes it Offishall. Caribbean Contemporary Art Show is DOPE!

New ground breaking Caribbean Contemporary art show is blessed by the Kardinal:  by Stephen Weir

Canadian mega rapper, record producer, DJ, and record executive Kardinal Offishall doesn’t consider himself an authority on fine art. But he knows what he likes, and loves the paintings and photographs he just saw at the PAMA public gallery in downtown Brampton. 

“I am not a regular connoisseur of fine visual arts-but these works were my cup of tea and spoke to me on an artistic, social and cultural level,” said Offishall after touring the brand new exhibit when night stirred at sea: Contemporary Caribbean Art. “I felt right at home and understood and had a connection to every single piece.”

Late last week PAMA – the Peel Archives, Museum and Art Gallery – opened an exhibition what could well be a first in Ontario.  Their new show is the first exhibition featuring contemporary Caribbean art to hang in a major public gallery. 

“when night stirred at sea: Contemporary Caribbean Art” is a show comprised of works by ten English Caribbean artists working in Jamaica, Trinidad, Canada, America and England. These are artists who are creating cutting edge creative works that are, in the words of Offishall, “super dope”!

 “I felt right at home and understood and had a connection to every single piece,” posted Offishall on his popular Facebook page.

Toronto based Karen Carter and Greg Manuel curated the exhibition.  Never seen in Canada before, the show actually has its roots in the inaugural CArt (Caribbean Art) Fair that was organized and curated by Ms. Carter earlier this year in Mandeville, Jamaica. 

“To be able to bring some of the artists together for a second time and to a broader international audience at PAMA is wonderful and in keeping with the mandate of CArt to connect Caribbean artists to the broader art world,” said Ms. Carter. “To be able to do so at this particular moment in history adds yet another significant layer to our belief of the important role artists play in our understanding of the human condition.” 

The paintings, fabric art and photographs hanging in the gallery are as contemporary as the headlines in our newspaper. Virus isolation. Community policing.  Powerful portraits of Caribbean men and women. This is something that will strongly resonate with a Caribbean Canadian audience.

The artists featured in this show are all connected to the English Caribbean islands. Their works explore themes of identity, community, colonization, globalization, social justice, activism and climate change. The exhibition provides a small window into the complex beauty and inherent tensions of Caribbean cultural identity that connect this region and the larger Caribbean diaspora to the world.

The show officially opened on Friday and will run well into the New Year.  Because of the corona virus it is currently a virtual exhibition. when night stirred at sea: Contemporary Caribbean Art will be open to the walk-in visitors, probably on a timed basis once PAMA re-opens to the public.  

Kardinal Offishall was one of a special few invited influencers and journalists who donned masks and previewed the art show in ones and twos over three-days.  One Caribbean Television, the Toronto Star, the Brampton Guardian, and many other outlets have covered this first exhibition of Contemporary Caribbean art.

Art lovers who are planning to see this exhibition (once restrictions are relaxed) will have no trouble finding PAMA – just look for the shirtless man standing under a white shroud. Four 10 metre tall banners have been made from the works of Janice Reid (Jamaican/Canadian, Brampton-based) and hang-outside the gallery at the corner of Main and Wellington Street East.

There is no cost to see the exhibition on-line. Access the show art: 

 https://peelregion.ca/pama/caribbean-art/?fbclid=IwAR3TgE0awHGYVAikp80-N-T5mUd79bvsgbN1wmaFeZkawtltCCP8siVSjs4

Featured Artists:

* Krystal Ball (Jamaican/Canadian, Toronto-based)

* Vanley Burke (Jamaican/British, London-based)

* Katrina Coombs (Jamaican)

* Owen V. Gordon (Jamaican/Canadian, Toronto-based)

* Ila Lovelace-Kuhnert (Trinidadian)

* Christina Leslie (Canadian, Toronto-based)

* Miles Regis (Trinidadian/American, Los Angeles-based)

* Janice Reid (Jamaican/Canadian, Brampton-based)

* Storm Saulter (Jamaican)

The Late George Paginton to get the solo show he has always deserved. Brampton. October 10

The Big Show

Brampton, ON (October 4, 2019) Explore the vast beauty of Canada through the art of one of Ontario’s rediscovered painters, George Paginton – a contemporary of the Group of Seven. This large-scale retrospective exhibition kicks-off its cross Canada tour at the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) in historic downtown Brampton on October 10. The show runs to February 9, 2020 with interactive programming throughout and accompanied by a beautiful hard cover publication about the artist available for purchase in the PAMA store for $40. 

Media Preview Opportunities:

1. Book an appointment Wednesday, Oct. 9 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) to have an exclusive Curator walk-through.
2. Or, be our guest for the VIP (invitation only) Opening Reception on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 7 – 9 p.m. Contact Erin Fernandes at erin.fernandes@peelregion.ca or call 416-312-3425.

George Paginton, a lesser known Canadian landscape painter who was a peer of members of the Group of Seven, was determined to document the wonder of nature from coast-to-coast. A prolific yet very private artist, Paginton created over 1,500 oil paintings, the majority of which were never exhibited or sold commercially. George Paginton: Painting a Nation marks the introduction of his work which spanned over 70 years. 

“The opportunity to create new Canadian art history is thrilling,” notes PAMA Senior Curator of Art Darrin Martens. 

“Paginton pursued his private passion of capturing the essence of the Canadian landscape with a sense of purpose,” says co-curator Sharona Adamowicz-Clements.

 

Left: George Paginton, Canadian (1901-1988), Caledon, Ontario, 1940, Oil on canvas board, 21.75 x 27 cm @Collection of Tony Paginton and Roswita Busskamp, 2018. Right: George Paginton, Canadian (1901- 1988), Self portrait, c. 1974, Oil on canvas board, 50.75 x 40.5 cm, @Collection of Tony Paginton and Roswita Busskamp, 2018.

The exhibition and publication are supported by the Government of Canada Museums Assistance Program with special thanks to our exhibit sponsors.

“What a pleasure to represent Paginton’s work at WallFiction.com and to work with the artist’s family and such enthusiastic and knowledgeable curators at PAMA,” says Kelly Juhasz, owner of Wall Fiction. “Supporting this exhibition helps fill gaps in Canadian art history and highlights the beauty of a Canadian place and moment captured through plein air art.

Programming Highlights

❖ Curator Talk: Sunday, October 27, 2019 | 2 p.m.❖ Seniors Studio: Monday, November 4 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.❖ Family Sunday FUNday: Sunday, November 17 | 1 – 4 p.m.❖ PAMA Paints, Landscape Workshop: Thursday, December 5, 2019 | 6:30 p.m. ❖ Panel Discussion: Thursday, February 6, 2020 | 7 p.m.

-30-

PAMA is a place to explore and learn about Peel Region’s culture and heritage, as well as use conversation, questions and stories to help make new and fascinating connections to the surrounding community. Throughout the year, PAMA offers a variety of workshops and programs for all ages, families and adults. With so many different programs to choose from, PAMA has something for everyone. Operated by the Region of Peel, PAMA is located at 9 Wellington Street, East in Brampton. Visit pama.peelregion.ca to learn more.

Media Contact:

Erin Fernandes

Marketing Coordinator PAMA

D: 905-791-4055, ext. 7596 M: 416-312-3425 Erin.fernandes@peelregion.ca

Issued on behalf of PAMA by:

 STEPHEN WEIR
Stephen Weir & Associates | stephen@stephenweir.com 
109 Castlefield Avenue, Toronto, ON
CANADA. M4R 1G5
Tel: 416-489-5868 | cell: 416-801-3101 
www.stephenweir.com twitter: sweirsweir 

Sunday afternoon talk by famous Haida artist / graphic novelist Yahgulanaas

For Immediate Release: Rare Ontario Appearance at PAMA by Artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas

  Brampton, ON (August 16, 2019) Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) is pleased to welcome award-winning, British Columbia-based artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas on Sunday, August 18 from 2 – 3 p.m.to discuss his epic graphic work, RED: A Haida Manga, currently on display in the exhibition For A Social Cause.  This talk is included in the price of general admission. Pre-registration is required.

Image credit: Farah Nosh

About the Artist

From: http://mny.ca/en/biography

Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas is an award-winning visual contemporary artist, author and professional speaker. His work has been seen in public spaces, museums, galleries and private collections across the globe. Institutional collections include the British Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Seattle Art Museum and Vancouver Art Gallery. His large sculptural works are part of the public art collection of the Vancouver International Airport, City of Vancouver, City of Kamloops and University of British Columbia. Yahgulanaas's publications include national bestsellers Flight of the Hummingbird and RED, a Haida Manga. When not writing or producing art, Yahgulanaas pulls from his 20 years of political experience in the Council of the Haida Nation and travels the world speaking to businesses, institutions and communities about social justice, community building, communication and change management. His most recent talks include the American Museum of Natural History and TEDxVancouver.

Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, Canadian b. 1954, RED, 2008, Watercolour, ink on paper, 168 cm x 381 cm, Private collection of Michael and Inna O'Brian. © Michael Nicholl Yahgulanaas, 2019. Brm
His work RED: A Haida Manga on view now at PAMA was first manifested in 2008 as a large-scale, six-tiered band of 18 panels each, across a nearly three-and-a-half-meter-long composite of hand-painted watercolour and ink drawings. The drawings were reproduced in a scripted graphic novel of the same name in 2009.

The work follows the life of an orphaned young boy named Red and his sister Jaada who live in the peaceful village of Kiokaathli on a secluded island in the Pacific Ocean off the West Coast of British Columbia. Their idyllic existence is cut short when a band of raiders attack the village, abduct Jaada and successfully escape without a trace.  Separated from his sister, Red grows up alone to become a leader of his community all the while consumed by rage and vengeance. When he unexpectedly stumbles upon the chance of rescuing Jaada, he will do anything and stop at nothing to bring her back home without thinking about the recourse of his action. In the process Red kills an innocent man and eventually ends his own life.

This action-packed tragedy combines traditional Pacific Northwest Coast Haida imagery and oral narrative with Manga (popular contemporary graphics found in Japanese comics and cartooning) to create a unique hybrid style that has come to define the work of its artist-author.  Yahgulanaas’ distinct brand is an integrated culmination of his studies of the artistic methods of his ancestors and Asian influences including the teaching he received from Chinese brush painter Cai Ben Kwon.  Learn more about this dynamic work on view now at PAMA. 

Issued by Stephen Weir - stephen@stephenweir.com 416-489-5868

on behalf of PAMA

Sutherland House Publishing Launches In Toronto. Porcupine's Quill too

Author and Former Editor Of Canada’s Most Respected

Author and Editor Kenneth Whyte launches a new publishing company today. The Sutherland House will specialize in literary non-fiction. Mr. Whyte is the former president of Rogers Publishing Inc., Canada’s largest magazine company, as well as former editor-in-chief of Saturday Night magazine, editor-in-chief and publisher of Maclean’s, and the founding editor of the National Post. His latest book, Hoover: An Extraordinary Life in Extraordinary Times, was a finalist for the 2017 American National Book Critics Circle Awards.

The new Toronto-based company will begin producing books early in 2019. Four projects are already signed up, including: We, The Meeple, an examination of culture, history, society and relationships through the medium of board games by former Walrus editor Jonathan Kay and board game expert Jonathan Moriarity; and Perfect City, a guided tour of the world’s great cities by the noted urban strategist, Joe Berridge.

In tandem with its creation, the new company has acquired the venerable firm, Porcupine’s Quill Inc. Founded in 1974 by the distinguished printer and publisher Tim Inkster, Porcupine’s Quill uses 20th-century offset printing technology to create quality literature with the look and feel of 19^th-century letterpress products. It will continue to operate in Erin, Ontario with Mr. Inkster and his partner, Elke, at its helm. 

Porcupine’s Quill will be an imprint of Sutherland House and Mr. Whyte will be its contributing editor. Mr. Inkster will be a contributing editor to Sutherland House. Porcupine’s Quill has published Jane Urquhart, Russell Smith, Andrew Pyper, Elizabeth Hay, P.K. Page, Don Coles, and Margaret Avison among many other outstanding writers.

The new publishing firm has established a website sutherlandhousebooks.com. As of today The Sutherland House is accepting submissions of book proposals and manuscripts from writers

and agents. 

For photographs, company logo, interviews and additional information on

this release, please contact:

Stephen Weir Public Relations. Toronto. Phone 416-489-5868,  stephen@stephenweir.com 

Pictured above - Ken Whyte