Bella Bella - Screening Night
It was such a great night! A full house, amazing snack foods, including CANDY!
Everyone was so moved by the films - emotions went from joy, to tears to laughter. It was an incredible evening.
Janaya, (Kaitlynn's 5 year old sister) confirmed this, saying: “THAT WAS AWESOME!
Big Thanks to everyone who made this workshop possible! Cindy, Lori and Howie! Edwin & Darian! Tom & Keith! Robyn !
We also wanted to acknowledge hard work - even if projects weren’t finished - life is complicated and there is only so much time in the day. As artists we all have projects that we don’t like to call unfinished - we call them: in progress! Georgia and Elle, Hailey and Astrid! You all had such great ideas and took your projects to various degrees of completion. It was so great to hang out and get to know your ideas and creative style. There is ALWAYS plans to return to Bella Bella and perhaps a project can happen then!
And now a few words about the filmmakers presenting films tonight:
Bella, you have such positive energy - and a real connection and dedication to your community! We are so excited you decided to continue in your filmmaking journey creating a promotional film - utilizing humour, your camera and editing skills and your personality to draw people to the programs offered by the Hailika’as Health Centre!
Angeline, we want to acknowledge your Auntie Gerri and Mom Rose. We feel so honoured that you continued to hang out and share stories and pictures of your aunt and your mom with us. Art is a way to work through complicated emotions and you made a wonderful tribute-people were struck with such emotion at the screening.
Latoya, thank your for being continually interested in filmmaking! Your connection to culture and community is so strong and giving voice to important community experience will change the world ! Making a film on the Big House opening is such a great idea - a momentous time in history.
Sam-you are a rap artist ! You have a kick-butt work ethic and a style of creation that has a relaxed flow. Your lyrics are brave and will help other folks who hear them - in fact they completely struck a chord with audience members! You quickly became technically proficient in all you needed to learn…and you became an editing expert!
Aaliyah, this is your first solo film and we are so happy you took the risk! You are a true animation and editing talent!!! Once you had your story and character you worked tirelessly every day! Also your story is so rich in alternative ways to consider it beyond the surface ‘horror’ genre - perhaps you invented a new genre: candy horror! (Also of note - the audience laughed SO hard during your film!)
Kaitlynn, you have so many ideas, it was hard for us old mentors to keep up! Also you have an immense amount of cultural knowledge that you were so generous to share! You packed many modes of filmmaking into your film: animation, interview, audio, editing, archival research...you are a hard worker who created a beautiful celebration of the new Big House !
BRAVO to you all, our hearts are full with the incredible stories you all told!
We hope to work with you all again!
