By: Yuritza Arroyo
Join us for screenings and a discussion with community storytellers with Directors Brooklyn Demme and Ashley Dawson on Wednesday, April 19, at 7 p.m. in the library’s Mackay Room.
According to officials, the program is free and open to the public, but reservations are recommended at bccls.libcal.com/event/10220808.
The two directors will be joined by their special guest, Lenape tribal elder grandmother Cindy Fountain.
The first film, “Mother’s Day” (15 mins), asks the question, “How do we expel hatred? by talking about the old path” is a short documentary that carries invaluable teachings of peace and respect for life from the sovereign Kanienkehaka (Mohawk) territory between New York State and Canada.
Mother’s Day is not merely an annual holiday but an ongoing, daily practice of thanks for the cycle of life.
This film was made with a Kanienkahaka/Mohawk man who is reviving the cultural traditions he received from his mother.
The message of this film is that every day is Mother's Day, both for Mother Earth and our individual mothers.
The 2nd documentary is “Standing with Andy” (15 min). The film is a portrait of Andy Minniefield, Elder of Nyack, whose peacemaking work brought us together in a time of crisis and fear.
This film honors Andy's Kanienkehaka heritage within his broader story of under-celebrated African American history in Nyack.
A community conversation with Demme, Dawson, and Fountain will follow the screening. In addition to questions the audience may have about the films they just viewed, the conversation will cover film, activism, mentorship, and building community at home and abroad.
Brooklyn Demme is a community storyteller who learned working in the field with his father and mentor, the late great Jonathan Demme.
Combining his love of film with his experience in non-profit executive leadership, Brooklyn founded Truth 2 Power in 2021 to keep telling the stories which strengthen our communities.
Through ongoing work with the Ramapough Lenape Nation, educational fundraising with the Nación Achuar de Ecuador, and a feature-length documentary film commissioned by the Northern Cheyenne Elder's Council, Brooklyn is happy and thankful for the chance to impact the world around us at the intersection of community, education, and film.
