The Reach is set to launch Reel Change, a free bi-weekly Indigenous film series that includes some of the most impactful films of our time. This diverse selection of Indigenous films screened at The Reach at 32388 Veterans Way, will span genres from documentary to horror and draw from contexts that range from the local to the global. Starting Friday, October 26, 2018 at 7:00pm, and occurring approximately twice per month until June 2019, these thoughtfully curated films are followed by a short discussion intended to connect the on-screen content to the pressing themes of our day, exploring notions of decolonization, and highlighting Indigenous perspectives on historical, social, environmental, and cultural issues. When possible, filmmakers will be present to participate in the discussions.
On Friday, October 26 at 7pm, Reel Change at The Reach launches with 2 short films that relate to local Stó:lō history, culture, and territory:
Shi-Shi-Etko (2009/12 mins/directed by Kate Kroll) tells the story of a young girl’s last four days before being taken to a residential school. Based on a children’s book by Nicola Campbell, Shi-Shio-Etko was filmed on Stó:lō territory in the Halq’emeylem language (with English subtitles); and
The Lynching of Louie Sam (2005/52 mins/directed by David McIlwraith) recreates the events of February 1884, when a mob crossed the American border into Abbotsford to kidnap and hang 14 year old Stó:lō boy Louie Sam. Commissioned by Stó:lō Nation, The Lynching of Louie Sam examines the ongoing struggle of First Nations communities to have the wrongs of the past examined in a meaningful way.
Reel Change movies continue on:
November 9: Rhymes for Young Ghouls, (2013/52 mins/directed by Jeff Barnaby 18A rating)
November 23: Songs my Brother Taught Me, (2015/98 mins/Directed by Cloe Zhao); and
December 7: The Lesser Blessed, (2012/86 mins/directed by Anita Doron.
“The Reach is situated on unceded Stó:lō territory, and as such we felt it was important to launch Reel Change with films that are particularly relevant to our region,” says Executive Director Laura Schneider, “as the series continues to roll out, we look forward to showing films from a wide variety of perspectives, geographies, and genres. Films generate empathy by allowing us to share other peoples’ experiences across time and space; we hope that this series will create the opportunity for productive conversation at a critical time in our country’s history.”
The above films will be screened at The Reach, 32388 Veterans, on the Friday evenings stated, and is made possible through the support of the British Columbia Arts Council.
Doors open at 6:30pm, films start at 7:00pm. Admission is free, and concessions and a cash bar will be available. For more program details go to: www.thereach.ca.
Media contact for Reel Change:
Adrienne Fast, Curator of Art & Visual Culture, The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford
Email: afast@thereach.ca