Imagination Unbound: Black Life in Motion

A curated selection of short films screened at the Reelworld Film Festival from 2022-2024.

These five films explore the complexities of Black life from a young girl’s confrontation with her mother about their relationship to a spiritual journey exploring the complexities of humanity and liberation. Following the screening is a Q&A with some of the filmmakers. Programmed by Safia Abdigir in partnership with Reelworld Film Festival.

– Strangers directed by Leah Doz | 13 mins | After missing their bus on a cold winter night a young girl confronts the limits of her mother’s love.

– More Than Hair directed by Fitch Jean | 11 mins | French spoken with English subtitles | Sitting for the first time in a barbershop a young Black boy will discover for the first time the symbolic power of Black hair. 

– Viper directed by Raine LeMay | 11 mins | Set in Vancouver’s historic “Hogan’s Alley” during the late 1940s Joe a young trumpet player practically lives out of the neighbourhood jazz club with his band mates – until they learn the joint will soon be torn down. Now they must decide if they will leave the club behind or stick up for the spot they call home. 

– The Future Above Us directed by Vanessa Magic | 17 mins | After a cosmic disaster leaves Earth virtually empty a hopeful yet sombre woman experiencing pareidolia yearns to find connection and must decide what lengths she will go to for companionship. 

– Pendulum directed by Manuel Mathieu | 11 mins | A woman carries on her shoulders her most precious heritage: the liberation of our souls. This liberation comes with a spiritual choreography that underlines the complexities of our humanity. 

KUUMBA30 is presented by TD Bank Group through the Bank’s Corporate Citizenship platform the TD Ready Commitment.

Tickets: $5–$20

Image: Still from More Than Hair

Host or Publisher Harbourfront Centre