Boilerplate

"John Ware Reclaimed" follows filmmaker Cheryl Foggo on her quest to uncover the complex story of John Ware, a Black cowboy and rancher who settled in Alberta prior to the turn of the 20th century. As she endeavours to dig past the racist myths and mistellings surrounding Ware, she recalls her childhood in Calgary, Alberta, her own experiences of racism, and her family’s history as part of the 1910 migration to western Canada to escape violence in the southern United States. She also evokes the suppressed history of a thriving Black presence in the Prairies: the Black pioneers who lived, worked, and raised families in the west.
Foggo’s archival, genealogical, and archaeological search, and her creative reimagining of John Ware’s life, reveal who this iconic figure might have been, and what his legacy means.

Selections and Awards:
Audience Choice Award - Alberta Feature Calgary International Film Festival, Calgary, Alberta (2020)

Official Selection: Vancouver International Film Festival (2020); Ottawa Black Film Festival (2021); Halifax Black Film Festival (2021); Toronto Black Film Festival (2021).

This film is screened with the participation of the National Film Board of Canada.

It started quietly when a group of Caribbean students, strangers in a cold new land, began to suspect their professor of racism. It ended in the most explosive student uprising Canada had ever known.
Over four decades later, Ninth Floor reopens the file on the infamous Sir George Williams Riot – a watershed moment in Canadian race relations and one of the most contested episodes in the nation’s history.

Making a compassionate and audacious foray into non-fiction, writer and director Mina Shum locates the protagonists in clandestine locations throughout Trinidad and Montreal, the wintry city where it all went down. In a cinematic gesture of reckoning and redemption, she listens as they set the record straight — and lay their burden down.

Can we make peace with the past? What lessons have we learned? What really happened up there on the 9th floor?

This film is presented with the participation of the National Film Board of Canada.

As we celebrate Black History Month, join us for a compilation of short films highlighting black Canadian pioneers in areas where they are chronically underrepresented.

These films are presented with the participation of the National Film Board of Canada.

Visit https://www.cochranepubliclibrary.ca/Ontherise for more details.

This documentary pays tribute to a group of Canadians who took racism to court. They are Canada's unsung heroes in the fight for Black civil rights. Focusing on the 1930s to the 1950s, this film documents the struggle of 6 people who refused to accept inequality. Featured here, among others, are Viola Desmond, a woman who insisted on keeping her seat at the Roseland movie theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia in 1946 rather than moving to the section normally reserved for the city's Black population, and Fred Christie, who took his case to the Supreme Court after being denied service at a Montreal tavern in 1936. These brave pioneers helped secure justice for all Canadians. Their stories deserve to be told.

This film is presented with the participation of the National Film Board of Canada.

Refreshments will be served.

At the height of the golden age of reggae, some of Jamaica’s brightest stars left their homeland behind to shine their light in an unlikely hub of Caribbean creativity.

This anthology series uncovers the musical journeys of five Jamaican greats who brought the irresistible rhythms and unifying power of reggae to Toronto: Jerry Brown, Leroy Sibbles, Johnny Osbourne, Nana McLean and the duo Roy Panton and Yvonne Harrison.

Through rare archives and infectious beats, this captivating series takes you from Kingston to Kensington Market to see and hear how reggae made roots in Canada against all odds.

This film is presented with the participation of the National Film Board of Canada.

Refreshments will be served.

Blue Willow Entertainment is thrilled to announce the Music 4 Mental Health (M4MH) Cochrane Songwriter Round, taking place on April 12, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at FOUND. Hosted by local artist Eric John, this special event will feature an incredible lineup of artists, including Kate Reid, Justine Vandergrift, and Nik Poli, all performing in a unique, intimate songwriter's round format.

The evening will consist of two rounds of live performances where each artist will share their original songs, along with the stories and inspirations behind them. This powerful combination of music and storytelling provides a meaningful experience for the audience, offering insight into the lives of the artists and the personal journeys that shape their music.

A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit Big Hill Haven, a vital local organization dedicated to providing support and shelter for women and children experiencing domestic violence in the Cochrane area. Your attendance at this event will help make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Event Details:
Date: April 12, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: FOUND, Cochrane, Alberta
Tickets: $25
Partial proceeds benefit Big Hill Haven

About the Artists:
Eric John: A passionate singer-songwriter and advocate for mental health, Eric John is known for his dynamic performances and powerful lyrics. With a deep connection to his audience, Eric’s music brings a blend of heartfelt melodies and authentic storytelling. As the host of this event, he is proud to bring awareness to mental health causes while showcasing his own songs and supporting his fellow artists.

Kate Reid: With her unmistakable voice and insightful songwriting, Kate Reid is a rising star in the Canadian country music scene. Kate’s music, marked by vulnerability and strength, explores themes of love, loss, and personal growth. Her authenticity and emotional depth make her a perfect fit for the intimate nature of the songwriter’s round.

Justin Vandergrift: Known for her soulful blend of country, folk, and Americana influences. With a natural ability to tell heartfelt stories through her music, Justine captivates audiences with her evocative lyrics and powerful vocal delivery. Her songs touch on themes of love, resilience, and personal reflection, offering an authentic and relatable connection with listeners.

Nik Poli: A talented musician with a flair for storytelling, Nik Poli brings an engaging presence to the stage. His mix of country and folk influences, combined with honest lyrics, create a sound that is both soothing and evocative. Nik’s performance will be an integral part of the evening’s intimate experience.

About Blue Willow Entertainment:
Blue Willow Entertainment is an artist development collective dedicated to inspiring artists and bringing communities together through music. From production and marketing to public relations and performance opportunities, we strive to support independent artists and foster meaningful connections within the music industry.

Join us for an unforgettable night of music, community, and support for a great cause. Together, we can make a lasting impact on those in need.