A program of films by Black artists titled Looking In, Looking Out has taken centre stage at the Black Box at Concordia’s FOFA Gallery.
The films explore a myriad of themes, from compassion and deep-seated anger to grief and collective care, reflecting the intricate patterns that shape daily lives.
The program opened November 3 and will be on view until December 15.
The film screening is part of a new Black Arts Series, a collaborative effort with the Visual Collections Repository (VCR) and the NouLa Black Student Centre. The films were curated by a selection committee: Geneviève Wallen, FOFA Gallery, Nakitta Hannah Correa, Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema; and Muhammad ElKhairy, VCR.
According to the Geneviève Wallen, Looking In, Looking Out extends an invitation to the audience to delve into the emotions that drive our desires and aspirations. The program also pays homage to the concept of Black aliveness and diverse facets of Black consciousness.
The screening features the following films and creators:
- élémental by Ra’anaa Yaminah Ekundayo
- I’m Glad You’re Here by Karl Obakeng Ndebele
- Mango Lemon Soda by Emem Etti
- ASK ME WHAT MY NAME IS by Desirée de Jesús
- Chez Dr. Bello by Badewa Ajibade
- halves & doubles by Adam Mbowe
The Black Arts Series also includes a six-week residency at the FOFA Gallery for two Black Concordia artists. The residency is set to offer the artists support and a creative space to work on their ongoing projects.
“The Black Arts Series showcases Blackness, Black creativity and Black life,” says Teeanna Munro, BA 15, manager of the NouLa Black Student Centre.
“The series came from the recognition that Black perspectives and voices within the arts are often overlooked, excluded, or erased. The arts are an ongoing tradition in Black communities, and this is an opportunity for Black Concordia students to see a greater link between their community and their student experiences,” she says.
“My hope is that this series will continue to grow across disciplines, creating pathways for Concordia’s student body to engage with Black artists.”
