VIBE AND VEGAS SHOW: WITNESS AS DESIRED – A CELEBRATION OF AFRICAN CANADIAN FILM

On February 20, 2011, at the TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) Bell Lightbox in Toronto, Wedge Curatorial Projects along the TD Financial Group and hosted by Cameron Bailey (co-director of The Toronto International Film Festival) presented “Witness As Desired: A Celebration Of African Canadian Film”. “Witness As Desired” is an exploration of African Canadian identity in film. The program presented a series of short films by established and emerging filmmakers reflecting historical journeys that challenge representations of African Canadians and documents contemporary perceptions of race and identity. This episode features a panel discussion with Cameron Bailey and most of the featured contemporary filmmakers that followed the film presentation. The following filmmakers were part of the panel discussion: Powys Dewhurst, Alison Duke, Jason Ebanks, Sharon Lewis, Sylvia Hamilton, Colina Phillips, Peter Dean Rickards and Dawn Wilkinson. The filmmakers biographies and film details can be found at http://witnessasdesired.wedgecuratorialprojects.org/ . Since its creation in 1997, Wedge Curatorial Projects has evolved from a residentially based commercial gallery into an art collection & a curatorial project. Wedge was founded by collector Dr. Kenneth Montague in 1997. Conceived to be simultaneously a private and public experience the original gallery space existed inside Montague’s home in Toronto, literally ‘wedged’ inside the narrow hallways of his loft. Wedge Curatorial Projects began showcasing and promoting works exploring notions of black subjectivity and cultural representation in an unconventional way. Wedge Curatorial Projects quickly became a well-respected initiative that filled a gap in Toronto’s art community. Wedge has worked with local and international organizations to create programming including community photography workshops, collaborations with local artists, and a music compilation series that speaks to youth about shaping their own identity. The Wedge Collection has grown to include photography, video art, painting and sculpture by international artists from within and outside of the African diaspora. Wedge Curatorial Projects is committed to championing emerging Canadian artists and presenting innovative and accessible perspectives on themes of identity through its evolving collection. For information on the Wedge Curatorial Project and their upcoming events, please go to http://www.wedgecuratorialprojects.org/ . Feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a voice mail at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.comhttp://thevibeandvegasshow.wordpress.com/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/vibeandvegas