This year, Kamloops (Tk’emlúps) will see its first Black Film Festival, hosted by the Kamloops Film Society, in partnership with the Kamloops Caribbean Culture Society and Valid Dream Foundations. The festival, which runs from Feb. 15 to 17, features films old and new, from Cool Runnings to King Richards, alongside discussion panels, food and a closing party.
The Wren reached out to the festival coordinator and general manager Radhika Tabrez, and assistant festival coordinator Mary Falade to learn more.
Bringing the first Black Film Festival to Kamloops
A city with much diversity and plenty of cultures to celebrate, Kamloops was the inspiration for the festival, Tabrez tells The Wren.
“Kamloops is such a vibrant city with such diversity, a melting pot of cultures if you will.”
But why is bringing Black culture via film to Kamloops a priority for the film society as they continue to grow and expand?
“It is so important that arts and culture spaces reflect the diversity of their communities and appreciate how that diversity informs creativity and art,” Falade says.
“The Black Film Festival offers the Black Kamloops community an ongoing space to celebrate themselves and their art, and it provides opportunities for Black creatives, leaders and organizations to collaborate and be recognized for their work and talent.”
The festival’s committee reflects some of the talent in this city, including filmmakers Daniel Akinshola and Sally Martin and actor Emmanuel Inyang.
The films themselves were chosen by an all-Black festival committee, Tabrez explains. The inspiration behind the choices was to “present movies and stories that have been instrumental in shaping the history of the Black movement,” she says.
“They [the committee] wanted to show movies that the current generation of Black immigrants may not have seen, or even know about, but must. Every movie in the line-up merits a spotlight in its own right.”
Through the committee’s wisdom and direction, Falade says audiences will experience films that are either true stories or examples of experiences that can be found in Black stories.
“They are a chance for audiences to learn more about these very real stories, not just about the ways they differ from their own experiences, but also the ways in which they are similar,” she explains.
“At the core of these movies are narratives about family, friendship, perseverance, about building self-love and confidence, about the importance of pursuing dreams and about hope for a better future. Experiences we all have in common and that unite us.”
Kamloops Black Film Festival brings a space for conversation
Not only is the film festival an opportunity to take in Black culture through the art of film, it is a chance to connect with local Black leaders and have meaningful conversations about the impacts of sharing culture through art.
“Hopefully such meetings will spark synergies and collaborations, conversations about what more can be done to celebrate the talented and vibrant Black community we have in Kamloops,” Tabrez says.
For Falade, along with the community of collaborators and artists, the magic of the films will be the catalyst for much of the fellowship during the festival.
“In this festival, you will experience the artistry and magic of Black cultures through films, performances, art, networking and food,” she says. “Meaningful conversations can be sparked by any of these moments.”
During these opportunities, Falade says she hopes participants will discover something new and become inspired, sharing what sparks their creativity while holding space for reflection.
“We hope that these conversations will involve reflection on our history and on how far we have come, but also an intention towards the future and recognition of the progress that remains to be made.”
What’s the best way to take in the Kamloops Black Film Festival?
Operating as a space to take in art, culture and create new connections, the festival will be a place to connect to Black history and take away what is learned.
“When they come and watch these movies, let them carry back all that they see and hear,” Tabrez suggests. “Ruminate on it. Build on it by reading about it or watching more movies about it. A culture as diversified and expansive as Black culture is hard to define within the scope of a few movies, but hopefully these movies will trigger enough of a thought and action for people to want to learn more about the Black culture and its peoples.”
Unity, empowerment and uplifting narratives that challenge stereotypes are all threads wound through the film choices. Something each of the stories have in common, Falade says, is portraying Black people in ways not always shown on screen.
“Black women in STEM with astounding achievements in space exploration, a Jamaican sports team pursuing an Olympic sport in which they have never been represented before, a Black father devoting his energy to his daughters’ futures in the world of tennis, a beautifully animated tale of a young Black boy redefining what it means to be a hero,” she runs through the list.
“These are movies that intentionally remind audiences of the depth, diversity, and richness of the Black experience.”
So which films can you expect to see during the festival?
Feb. 15th, 6:30 p.m.
Hidden Figures – The real-life story of three African-American women working at NASA. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson serve as the brains behind the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. This tale of women in STEM inspires and empowers.
Feb 16th, 10:30 a.m.
Cool Runnings – Also based on real events. Despite never seeing snow, four Jamaican bobsledders dream of competing in the Winter Olympics. This story of ingenuity and determination shares the power of perseverance.
At 6:30 p.m.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom – A powerful story about the life of South African revolutionary, president Nelson Mandela. Learn about his life from his youth as a herd boy in a rural village, to his involvement with the anti-apartheid movement the African National Congress Youth League. Though imprisoned from 1964 to 1990 for his work, Mandela became the first president of democratic South Africa.
Feb 17th, 11:00 a.m.
Sarafina! – Sarafina tells the story of a young black South African struggling for freedom during the apartheid. She leads a protest with other students after the movement to make the language of Afrikaans the official language in her school.
At 2:00 p.m.
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse – Representation on screen is so important for young people. The well-told story of Spider Man gets a refresh with this animated film, perfect for the young ones. Plus: Those in Spider-Man costumes get free candy!
At 5:30 p.m.
King Richard – A tale of determination and hard work, King Richard shares the story of Richard Williams, father to tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams. The film covers how Richard shapes his daughters’ commitment and keen intuition, defying the odds.
Other than the films, each day offers a pre-show experience, and there is a closing party on Feb. 17. For more information on the Kamloops Black Film Festival, the Kamloops Caribbean Culture Society, Valid Dream Foundations and events, visit https://www.thekfs.ca/bff/.
Volunteers are also welcome at the festival, and KFS has a volunteer sign-up on their website, which allows you to join the volunteer pool and support screenings and theatre operations.
“Our volunteers are our biggest strength,” Tabrez says. “The best way to support the KFS and the festival is to show up. People can also support us by spreading the word about our festival. Come in and watch the movies, and better still, bring a friend!”
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