Black History Month

IN PERSON: SYLVIA HAMILTON │ Pacific Cinémathèque, in cooperation with Simon Fraser University’s Human Rights Office, Dean of Applied Science, and School of Communication, is pleased to present an evening with the Nova Scotian documentary filmmaker, writer and educator Sylvia Hamilton. Ms. Hamilton’s award-winning films have chronicled the often hidden history and experience of Nova Scotia’s African Canadian citizens. She was the recipient, in 2002, of the Portia White Prize, Nova Scotia’s highest arts award. The evening’s program will feature a screening of The Little Black School House, her most recent documentary, a chronicle of Canada’s racially segregated schools, as well as the Gemini-winning Speak It! From the Heart of Black Nova Scotia, an earlier work on a related theme.

See both films for the price of a single ticket:

The Little Black School House
Canada 2007. Director: Sylvia Hamilton. 60 mins.

Most Canadians are familiar with the historic legal and political battles to abolish racially segregated schools in the U.S. Few realize that Canada had segregated black schools of its own — including with one in Nova Scotia that didn’t close its doors until 1983. The Little Black School House unearths the compelling personal stories of the women, men, and children who studied and taught at Canada’s all-black schools. Many look back on the experience with conflicting feelings: fondness for the dedication of their black teachers, and outrage at being denied equal access to education, a right fundamental to democracy in Canada. Exploring the complicated truth of these institutions, The Little Black School House also provides historical perspective on the recent calls to establish "black-focused" schools, advocated by some within the black community who argue that their students are being ill served by the contemporary education system. Featuring a vibrant score by Canadian jazz legend Joe Sealy, Sylvia Hamilton’s poignant film offers an unflinching account of the struggles of African Canadians to achieve dignity and equality through education. 60 mins.

Speak It! From the Heart of Black Nova Scotia
Canada 1993. Director: Sylvia Hamilton. 29 mins.

"In the environment of their predominantly white high school, a group of black students face daily reminders of the presence of racism, ranging from abuse (racist graffiti on washroom walls), to exclusion (the seemingly ‘innocent’ omission of black history from texts). They work to establish a Cultural Awareness Youth Group, a vehicle for building pride and self-esteem through educational and cultural programs. With help from mentors, they discover the richness of their heritage and learn some of the ways they can begin to affect change" (National Film Board of Canada). 29 mins.