HALIFAX, NS – The Emerging Lens Independent Cultural Film Festival celebrates its ninth year of presenting richly diverse and compelling cultural films and stories.
It starts April 24th at Pier 21 featuring our local celebrated artist Cory Bowles and his award-winning film, “Black Cop”, on the same bill is a beautiful lyrical short from filmmaker Trevor Gould and other poignant stories. The festival ends April 28th with screenings in the communities of Truro and New Glasgow.
This year’s selection of films span the globe while offering an incredible wealth of local experiences, such as the screening of the gripping documentary, bringing truth to pain and resilience. “This is North Preston” at the Black Cultural Centre on April 27th, Saturday. Thursday, at the Bus Stop Theatre is a whole evening of compelling shorts, one that speaks to the tragic story of January a fearless transgender woman and one that tells the story of the dangers of being LGBTQ in many parts of the world. Our Youth Night on Friday, April 26th, at the North Branch Library, is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating our youth and emerging artists, it always proves to be a night full of energy and originality. Saturday morning, April 27th we begin our day with our “Your Perfect Pitch” workshop with a segment on self-promotion and marketing buy award winning filmmaker Michael Melski of “The Child Remains”, Tori Flemming and Sobaz Benjamin, starting at 11 a.m. at the North Branch Library.
The films and videos span a number of subjects and issues from cultural identity, coming of age, to music and much, much more. Every Emerging Lens seems to have a unique flavor and this year I would say we speak to a message of, “we have thought of everyone. “ The human experience is one of connectiveness and we are so proud to be bringing the community together with this incredible collections of stories.
In these past nine years, the Emerging Lens has nurtured strong connections between our community and their artisans by recognizing this medium of storytelling. We are building positive relationships with communities and their growing interest for cultural films that reflect and speak to their identity. You won’t find our stories on television and yet they are more interesting, powerful and compelling when told in our own way. Every festival night opens with a cultural performance from our local up and coming artists. This year’s performers are: The Elementalz, Shaani Singh, Nasiya Stephenson, Yohvn Blvck and Aaron Williams. Following all screenings, we host an artist talk and networking reception with the filmmakers and audience.
Admission for all events are free. To view our full schedule of films please visit www.theemerginglens.com.
The Emerging Lens is a production of the Charles Taylor Theatre and Media Arts Association. Our major sponsors are the Department of Heritage and Multiculturalism, Telefilm Canada, Halifax Public Libraries, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Halifax Regional Municipality, ACTRA Maritimes and our supporting sponsor is The Centre For Art Tapes.
