Black Lives Matter Resources
Calgary Cinematheque is on a constant journey to become a better ally. Our commitment to showcasing inclusive and international perspectives through film is a responsibility that we do not take lightly. As curators of world cinema, we believe in honing the transformative power of film to share lived experiences of culture, history, and identity with our audience. Providing a space for marginalized voices and communities has always been an element of what we have been trying to accomplish with our programming. However, we want to get better at this, and specifically celebrate more Black and Indigenous filmmakers and stories.
As we prepare for our next season, Calgary Cinematheque will actively reflect on how we can do better and practice anti-racism and inclusivity on all levels - from our board representation and governance, to partnerships, external communications, and programming. Beyond performative promises of reflection, we are committed to putting the anti-racist work that our community needs into our 14th Season. In the meantime, we have donated $250 to the Calgary Black Empowerment Fund and will actively be seeking opportunities to amplify Black and Indigenous voices.
Black Lives Matter is so much more than just a hashtag, and the anti-racist work that needs to be done within our film and arts communities to dismantle white supremacy has only just begun. We seek to hold ourselves accountable on our constant journey to allyship, but invite meaningful criticism and discussion from our beloved audience on how we can do better. If you have any thoughts, questions, or ideas for what you would like to see from our upcoming programming, please contact Zach at communication@calgarycinema.org.
We encourage our audience to reflect on privileges and biases, incorporating meaningful anti-racist practices in their everyday lives. Below is a list of local resources and organization doing essential anti-racist work in our community.
Calgary Black Empowerment Fund
Organized by Calgary Against Police Brutality, the Calgary Black Empowerment Fund is dedicated to creating long-term positive change in the Black community through fundraising and local organizing. They are just over halfway through their fundraising goal. We urge our audience and fellow arts organizations to donate here to help build a more equitable future within our community.
CommunityWise - Anti-Racist Organizational Change Resource Book
Released in 2017, our home at CommunityWise’s Tools and Resources Booklet is essential reading for any non-profit. The document is a comprehensive look at what non-profits can do to actively implement anti-racism practices into their operations on all levels.
Change YYC
Change YYC is a Black Lives Matter and Equality fundraiser. Their first event will take place on Thursday, June 25th at the Springboard containR (1020 2 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1T6) and will highlight an array of local Black artists, including DJs, poets, musicians, and dancers. Check out their Instagram page for more details.
The Colour Factor
The Colour Factor is creating brave spaces for Calgary’s BIPOC community through conversation, collaboration, and creativity. On June 20th, they will be holding The Colours of Crisis, an afternoon of decolonizing wellness & healing through conversation, meditation and creativity. Get your tickets here.
Black Lives Matter YYC
Black Lives Matter YYC is an independently-run Instagram account that shares news, resources, petitions, and updates on protests and vigils in the city. Follow them here.
The Unlearning Channel
The Unlearning Channel seeks to inspire critical awareness of white supremacy by challenging, re-contextualizing, and broadening perceptions of race, identity, culture and diaspora. We’re unlearning white supremacy—one podcast at a time. Hosted by Mel Vee & Jaqs Gallos Aquines.
Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation
The Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation is a not-for-profit organization run by committed volunteer Millennials. Canadian CMF works to improve Race Relations in Canada and also mitigate racism by creating cultural understanding through multicultural education, technology and arts. Being on the forefront of advocacy and multiculturalism, our foundation often works with ethnic communities on projects. Donate to the Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation here.
YYC Colours
Produced by the Canadian CMF, YYC Colours is a documentary that is created to start discussions about racism in Calgary and Canada in general. The film took over a year and a half to produce. The filmmaker spoke to hundreds of people and over 100 interviews were recorded through a community call to action that contributed to the content of the film. The film’s goal is to have people view the film and start having honest conversations about racism and privilege.
Mosaic Talk
Hosted by Iman Bukhari, Mosaic Talk is a monthly podcast focused on having real conversations about Race Relations in Canada. Show features Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation’s members, special guests, along with Canadian music.
Colourstruck
Directed by Montreal-based filmmaker Adam Mbowe with NUTV in 2017, Colourstruck explores how being black and female in Calgary has influenced the world view of six unique individuals.
Action Dignity
Action Dignity is a community-based organization that facilitates the collective voice of Calgary’s ethno-cultural communities towards full civic participation and integration through collaborative action. Donate to Action Dignity here.
Afros in tha City
Afros In Tha City is an online platform dedicated to the celebration of Afrocentric Culture from a local to a global scale. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Pink Flamingo
Pink Flamingo is an inclusive, QTBIPOC run organization who hosts LGBTQQIP2SA+ events at various spaces in Calgary. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Black.YYC
Supporting Calgary’s Black businesses is supporting Calgary’s Black community. Black.YYC is an online business directory that highlights Black businesses, Black service providers, and Black entrepreneurs. Follow them on Instagram.
Sankofa Arts and Music Foundation
Sankofa Arts and Music Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to informing and empowering youth to be agents of change in their communities through various art forms. Donate here.
Calgary Ethiopian Youth Alliance
Through creating an inclusive environment, the Calgary Etheopian Youth Alliance acts as a catalyst to engage, encourage, and empower Ethiopian youth in Calgary. Our mission is to provide Ethiopian youth with the resources necessary to succeed. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Somali Canadian Society of Canada
Founded in 2002, the Somali-Canadian Society of Calgary (SCSC) is a non-profit organization that serves the cultural, psychological and socio-economic needs of the refugees, immigrants and youth in Calgary and surrounding cities. Donate to the SCSC here.
Immigrant Council for Arts Innovation
The Immigrant Council for Arts innovation is an arts council based in Calgary, AB. The ICAI seeks to connect newcomer artists with the existing arts community in Calgary. They strive to provide resources and information that would help newcomer artists turn their passion and creativity into thriving careers or businesses.
10 at 10 Music and Culture
10 at 10 Music and Culture is a platform dedicated to showcasing artists, droppin knowledge, supporting community & the growth of hiphop culture. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Future Ancestors Services Inc.
Future Ancestors Services Inc. is a Black and Indigenous-owned, youth-led professional services social enterprise that advances climate justice and equity with a lens of ancestral accountability.