hArt Dance Film Series

The hArt Dance Film Series is a collaborative effort between Hamilton Arts Council and The Westdale, with generous funding from the Incite Foundation for the Arts, and sponsorship from TD Bank Ready Commitment and the Royal Bank of Canada.

This series is committed to supporting artists who face systemic barriers, including those who are Black, Indigenous, racialized and other marginalized groups. By acknowledging the historic inequalities in accessing professional development and presentation opportunities, the hArt Dance Film Series aims to foster inclusivity and representation within the arts community.

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Meet the 2024 Dancers

We proudly present this year's featured artists: Clairandean, Lor, and Priyanka Tope. Under the expert curation of Mayumi Lashbrook, these artists have created original films that blend the art of movement with the medium of film. Attendees will not only experience these captivating short films but also gain personal insights from the artists themselves.

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CLAIRANDEAN

Clairandean is a Trans Non-Binary Media Artist and Movement instructor from Hamilton. They explore grief and Black Trans Identity through film, art journaling, dance, and style, bringing a unique perspective to the hArt Dance Film Series.

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PRIYANKA TOPE

Priyanka is a Kathak dancer, choreographer, and Hindustani classical vocalist. Her film explores history repeating itself, questioning if humanity can truly empathize and act for others facing hardship without direct experience.

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LOR

Lor is an inspiring artist focused on decolonial embodied healing. Her film highlights anxiety, fear, and intergenerational healing within marginalized bodies, promoting self-care and evolution through dance.

Award-Winning Film:
Surviving Silence

Directed by Ian Simon and written by Fareh Malik

We are thrilled to announce that “Surviving Silence” has been selected as the winner of the Film Forward Award at the Eye2Eye International Film Festival 2024!

Directed by Ian Simon and written by Fareh Malik, this powerful film has captivated audiences and earned this prestigious recognition.

We are proud to have supported this film through our hArt Dance Film Series and to see it celebrated on such a prominent stage. Thank you to everyone who supported this journey. Stay tuned for more incredible projects!

About

Curator

Mayumi Lashbrook (she/her)