Schema Magazine

Every dark cloud has a silver lining. You may be staring blankly at your screen right now trying to remember what dark clouds look like (Hello October you beautiful month, you!), but don't worry, because I'm not talking about the weather. I'm talking about the metaphorical dark clouds that cast their shadows on our lives. This week's post features a range of events that take something tragic, dark, scary, or neglected, and turn it into something wonderful - a piece of art or writing, a festival, an opportunity to recognize courage and achievement. The power of arts and culture at work, my friends. Go live it.

Image credit: University of Ottawa

Book Launch, Ali Kazimi's "Undesirables"

Tuesday, Oct. 25th, 7:45 pm
Simon Fraser University Surrey Campus, Theatre SUR 2600

Ali Kazimi is best known for his critically-acclaimed documentaries, including Rex vs. Singh (2008), Runaway Grooms (2005), and Continuous Journey (2004). The latter film provides the basis for Kazimi's first book, Udesirables: White Canada and the Komagata Maru, about the infamous boat carrying 376 British Indian immigrants that was turned away by Canadian authorities in 1914. Kazimi will be at SFU Surrey Campus tonight to share his latest project. To register for the event and to enter your name in a draw for an autographed copy of Undesirables, check out the book's website.

Image credit: Heart of the City Festival 2011

DTES Heart of the City Festival

Wednesday, Oct. 26th to Sunday, Nov. 6th
Various times and locations

It seems like we can only ever talk about the DTES in all seriousness and with a look of deep concern on our faces. It is, after all, Canada's poorest zip code, and is plagued by a whole host of socioeconomic ills. But acknowledging the good is just as important as working to correct the bad. Such is the philosophy of the DTES Heart of the City Festival, which celebrates the talent and uniqueness of the community. On the docket are performances by the Vancouver Inter-Cultural Orchestra Small Ensemble, the Carnegie Jazz Band, an Aboriginal Artists Showcase, as well as numerous workshops, dialogues, historical walking tours, all focusing on the power of art in the DTES community. So head down there, take a look around, and you will see that there is much more to the community than newspapers headlines would have us believe.

Image credit: Blim

Cute to Kill II - Special Halloween Edition

Friday, Oct. 28th, 8 - 11 pm
VIVO Main St. & 4th Ave.

You know what makes death, despair, and destruction more palatable? Fuzzy bunnies. Just in time for Halloween, Blim and the Powell Street Festival present a night of short films that pair all things adorable with all things horrible. The event features local, national, and international Japanese filmmakers whose films use a cute and cuddly facade to take on dark and morbid subject matter. And they have t-shirts!

Image credit: WIFTV

Women in Film + Television Vancouver - Call for Nominations

Ongoing

Do you know an outstanding woman who deserves to be in the spotlight for her work in BC's film and television industry? Women in Film and Television Vancouver's annual Spotlight Awards are back and looking for your nominations. The Spotlight Awards includes 8 awards ranging from Woman of the Year award, recognizing the woman who has achieved personal success while also mentoring other women in BC's film industry, to the Honourary Friend, recognizing both men and women who have contributed to supporting women in the industry. And don't forget, WIFTV has extended its deadline for submissions to the Vancouver Women in Film Festival 2012 to November 1st.

Image credit: Turkish Canadian Youth and Harvest Festival

Turkish Canadian Youth Harvest Festival

Saturday, Oct. 29th, All day starting at 10 am
Creekside Community Centre and the UBC Chan Centre

In light of last week's devastating earthquake in Turkey's Van region, which has claimed more than 400 lives so far, there could not be a more poignant time for a festival recognizing and celebrating the Turkish community in Vancouver. The lively and colourful festival is a new one-day celebration of Turkish art, culture, history and language through performances, workshops, storytelling, food vendors and more. This event will be an opportunity to experience a culture that doesn't get much exposure in Canada and, presumably, a chance to contribute to the earthquake rescue and relief efforts continuing in Turkey.