Indigenous films, culture and food will be celebrated in Forest this weekend.
The Kiwanis Club of Forest, Kineto Theatre, North Lambton Community Health Centre, and Wiiwkwedong Arts Collective from Kettle and Stony Point will host the fourth annual Indigenous Film Festival - Learning and Healing Together, from Friday through Sunday.
Co-Organizer Candace Scott-Moore of Wiiwkwedong Arts Collective said the event has been growing over the years.
"We want people to come and hear our stories and see what Indigenous creations, Indigenous life, and the beauty of it because through sharing and knowledge is understanding," she said. "Anishinaabe people are beautiful and we want to share that with our neighbours and help them understand us, and that way we can grow together."
On opening night, Dennica Monague will hold a youth food workshop, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Kineto Theatre. There will also be art displays and taco sales before the film The Four Elements is shown. The film was directed and produced by Leigh George for the Anishinabek Nation, read a media release.
On Saturday, Summer Bressette will host an adult food workshop at 1 p.m. at the Kineto Theatre.
Evening festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. with art displays, taco sales, and a screening of Rosie, which is a Toronto International Film Festival acclaimed film by Metis writer/director/actor Gail Maurice.
To finish the festival, an Indigenous romance film called Stellar by Darlene Naponse will be shown during the Sunday matinee.
"We're going to have a great weekend of learning and sharing," said Scott-Moore.
Tickets for Sunday's film can be purchased on the Kineto's website. Events on Friday and Saturday will be by "goodwill donations" at the door.
Registration for workshops is required by calling (519) 786-4545 extension 207.
Scott-Moore said the film festival was made possible with help from various community partners and grant funding received through the Lambton’s Creative County Grant Program.