Film Roots N Stars Brings Montserrat’s Murals to Life: A Must-See at ‘Being Human’ Festival
On November 15th, London’s Hackney Picturehouse cinema will host an exceptional event as part of the national ‘Being Human’ festival. This evening promises to be a unique cultural experience, showcasing short films and captivating stories from the Caribbean islands of Montserrat and St Vincent.
At the heart of this event is a remarkable documentary by Jerely Browne, aptly titled ‘Roots N’ Stars: Exploring Montserrat volcanic legacy, Painting the path to tomorrow.’ The film takes audiences on a journey through the creation of the ‘Montserrat Murals’ by schoolchildren and community groups on Montserrat. These murals serve as a powerful reimagination and retelling of the modern history of Montserrat, a history shaped by the volcanic eruptions that began in 1995.
What sets ‘Roots N Stars’ apart is its connection to the ‘Curating Crises Project,’ a joint initiative bridging teams from the Caribbean, including the Seismic Research Centre at the University of the West Indies and the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), with the UK’s University of East Anglia, University of Oxford, the Royal Society, and The National Archives.
The ‘Curating Crises’ project delves into the histories of volcanic crises in the Caribbean, with a focus on St. Vincent, Montserrat, and Dominica from 1890 to 2000. This period includes significant eruptions, such as the 1902 eruption in St. Vincent, the 1979 eruption on St. Vincent, and Montserrat’s ongoing volcanic activity since 1995. The project examines changes in observation and data interpretation over time, including the transition to modern remote observations and data-sharing methods.
‘Roots N Stars’ celebrates the work of the MVO in engaging the public with research findings. One of the most remarkable outcomes was the creation of ‘Community Murals’ across Montserrat, an artistic endeavor involving children from the Montserrat Secondary School and members of the local community.
This extraordinary event is not to be missed, and the best part? It’s FREE! However, due to expected high demand, booking in advance is essential. Secure your spot and embark on a journey through art, history, and the resilience of communities.
For booking and more details about the event, visit EventBrite. Learn more about the ‘Curating Crises Project’ at project’s website.
