The global pandemic has not only disrupted the daily lives of many people but also raised existing social tensions. In this context, many people mobilized to denounce the injustices that are going on. In order to do that, some have, among others things, joined movements such as Black Live Matter and / or have spoken during the various waves of denunciations.

How in a time of isolation, pure uncertainty and worry can we help each other and take care of ourselves and others?

In collaboration with Wapikoni Mobile and the Montreal Feminist Film Festival, La Centrale galerie Powerhouse’s Equity-seeking committee presents a program of films that offers a breath, a moment of lightness, gentleness and hope in this tense and complex atmosphere.

This program presents documentaries, experimental films and short films focusing on the realities and stories of resilient and courageous people, who, through the reappropriation of their narrative and their identity, have been able to advance towards repair, healing and emancipation.

The concepts of care (and self-care), community and solidarity are fundamental for people who have experienced trauma and particularly for the BIPOC and 2SLGBTQQIPAA + communities. Necessary to survive the exhaustion and fatigue created by traumatic events and / or injustices, these concepts intervene in a process of healing and reparation.

Films presented during the Laboratory Programming:

Films presented by Wapikoni Mobile

• Nin Tapwe (Authentique | Genuine), Katherine Nequado
• Sukaskieskwew (Femme forte de la terre), Madelaine McCallum
• Love Will Set You Free, Quanah Style
• Un papillon dans une bulle (A Butterfly in a Bubble), Peggy Sue Riverin Simon
• Nitanish - à ma fille, Melissa Mollen Dupuis
• Pinatakushkuess, Gaëlle Mollen
• Là d’où vient mon sang (Where My Blood Is From), Jemmy Echaquan Dubé
• Healing Journey One Button At A Time, Joleen Mitton
• Nous nous soulèverons, Natasha Kanapé Fontaine
• Strong woman song, Naomi Condo
• Stage name Victoria, Taran Morriseau

Films presented by the Montreal Feminist Film Festival

• MIRADA DE MUJER (Regard de femme), Rosa Maria Sulca Pomahuacre
• Refugee Wave, Jane Chow
• Zaya, Susanne Serres
• Brother, move on, Antshi von Moos
• ME TIME, Iyabo Boyd

La Centrale galerie Powerhouse’s Equity-seeking committee
The equity-seeking committee is a space to share experiences, develop reflections and propose actions, strategies and interventions with a decolonial and anti-racist aim. The equity-seeking committee works and guides La Centrale through an intersectional perspective, not only in terms of its programming, but also in its organizational structure. More specifically, this committee makes proposals within the programming (Laboratory), the membership and conducts meetings to make an assessment on equity as well as to develop proposals based on the issues addressed.

Laboratory programming
The Laboratory programming was created by the equity-seeking committee, following a crisis that occurred at La Centrale, engendered by racism, oppression, discrimination and power dynamics. This programming responds to a need to diversify the centre's regular programming. Its objective is to present and expose the works, research and speeches of people from traditionally underrepresented communities, such as Indigenous, Black, POC, 2SLGBTQQIPAA+, disabled or neurodivergent people.

Through the Laboratory programming, the members of the equity-seeking committee offer debates, dialogues, conferences, round tables, performances and projections related to decolonial, anti-racist issues and, more generally, inclusiveness. Each year, these members invite artists and researchers to participate in this programming in order to activate reflections around and from these issues.

Members of the committee: Laura Acosta, Karina Arbelaez, My-Van Dam, Maria Ezcurra, Maryam Izadifard, Sarah Mohammed, Michaëlle Sergile

Wapikoni Mobile
Wapikoni Mobile's mission lies in three points:

• Combat isolation and suicide among First Nations youth while developing artistic, technical, social, and professional skills
• Broadcast films and various public awareness issues facing First Nations while enhancing a rich culture, too often overlooked
• Contribute to the preservation of First Nations cultural heritage

Montreal Feminist Film Festival
The mission of the FFFM is to present a selection of short films and videos as well as feminist feature films reflecting the intersectionality of struggles. These films can be documentaries, fictions, animations or experimental works.