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.

On Friday, Aug. 13 at 8:30 p.m., the AGSM and BU will present Niro’s most recent film, The Incredible 25th Year of Mitzi Bearclaw (2019; 1 hour, 36 minutes). This movie centres on Mitzi Bearclaw, an emerging fashion designer living in Toronto. When she receives news that her mother is ill, she moves back to her isolated reservation on Owl Island, B.C. Over the span of one year, she reconnects with her parents, reignites a relationship with an old flame, and faces old enemies. The film follows Mitzi’s year month-by-month, shifting between the mundane and dream spaces, in which she connects with guides and spirits.

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.