The Film House at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) is launching a programming partnership with Brock University through which film screenings and enriching panel discussions will be held to promote inclusion and belonging in the diverse Niagara community.

Diverse Frames: Centering Stories from the Margin kicks off during Black History Month/African Heritage Month with two pay-what-you-can events, including screenings from the Black Life: Untold Stories documentary series and related panel discussions. The eight-part documentary series reframes the rich and complex histories of Black experiences in Canada.

“We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with The Film House at the FirstOntario PAC and create a long-term partnership that showcases a wide array of captivating stories that embody diverse experiences, journeys and triumphs to the Brock University and wider Niagara community,” says Shaka Licorish, Anti-racism and Inclusion Advisor in Brock’s Human Rights and Equity Office. “By working together, our overarching objective is to engender a lasting impact and bring about meaningful change through powerful cinema and thoughtful discussion.”

Brock’s Human Rights and Equity Office is a resource for the Brock community to provide information, education, assistance and advice related to human rights, harassment and discrimination. Diverse Frames will provide a vital platform to centralize the voices and experiences of equity-deserving groups in a safe and inclusive environment.

“We consider the FirstOntario PAC an extended campus for our Brock community,” says CEO Colleen A. Smith. “We deeply value our continued partnership with Brock and look forward to building this enriching program for our community that promotes our inclusive, shared future.”

The Film House is committed to hosting conversations as part of its Community Screening Programming. Each month, the Film House partners with local community groups to share screenings and panels. More information on how to host a community screening is available at firstontariopac.ca

Diverse Frames: Centering Stories from the Margin 

A film series presented by Brock’s Human Rights and Equity Office and The Film House at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.

Thursday, Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Black Life: Untold Stories

Migrations — Black migrants share intimate and personal stories of trying to create a home in Canada.

Justice Denied — Scholars and activists analyze historic criminalization of Black Canadians and the effect on policing.

A panel discussion on both episodes will follow.

Thursday, Feb. 29 in 6:30 p.m.

Black Life: Untold Stories 

More Than a Game — A chronicle of the lives of Black Canadian athletes that delves into their rise and the challenges they faced.

Creative Insists — A look at the work of six Black Canadian artists including Austin Clarke and Sylvia Hamilton.

A panel discussion on both episodes will follow.

The screenings are sponsored in part by the Niagara Community Foundation and further supported by Future Black Female.