‘The Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba (AGSM) and Brandon University (BU) are hosting two evenings of movies under the stars at Parking Lots 6A and 7 behind BU, complementing the AGSM’s current Main Gallery exhibition, A Good, Long Look (on exhibition until August 21) by visual artist and filmmaker Shelley Niro.

Saturday, Aug. 14 at 8:30 p.m. features Kissed by Lightning (2009; 1 hour, 29 minutes), which follows painter Mavis Dogblood on a road trip that takes her from her home on a small southern Ontario reserve to a New York City gallery where she is having a solo exhibition. Haunted by the death of her late husband Jessie Lightning, Mavis’ journey follows that of Tekanawí:ta [Peacemaker] and Aienwátha over 800 years ago. This film is a lovingly crafted study of how one works through grief, one of the central themes of Haudenosaunee history and culture. Discretion is advised (cigarette smoking, implications of sex).

A Good, Long Look is an exhibition about observing the life and goodness in people and things. A member of the Turtle Clan Bay of Quinte Mohawk, Shelley Niro’s award-winning films have been screened in festivals worldwide, including a short work that was presented at the Venice Biennale. Among her many accomplishments is a Governor General’s Award, an honorary doctorate from OCADU, and the title of honorary elder for the Aboriginal Curatorial Collective.

Sunday, Aug. 15 is reserved as a rain date. Technical services are provided by local company LOOK Music. With funding from the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation these screenings are 100% free to the public. Attendees may choose to remain in their vehicles or to bring chairs. Attendees will be expected to follow all provincial health guidelines.