Captivating Montserrat Murals Documentary Premieres at Hackney Picturehouse as part of ‘Being Human’ Festival
A mesmerizing evening unfolded at the Hackney Picturehouse Cinema in London on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, showcasing poetry readings, community-led short films, and enchanting stories from the captivating islands of Montserrat and St Vincent. This event marked a significant contribution to the UK national ‘Being Human’ Humanities festival, running from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, and drew a diverse audience eager to immerse themselves in the rich cultural narratives.
At the heart of the evening was the premiere of a ground-breaking documentary “Roots N’ Stars: Exploring Montserrat’s Volcanic Legacy, Painting The Path To Tomorrow” by Jerely Browne. The documentary sheds light on journey to the creation of the ‘Montserrat Murals’ by schoolchildren and community groups on the island of Montserrat. These murals stand as vibrant reinterpretations of the island’s modern history and culture, intricately woven with the narrative of its volcanic nature, particularly around the Soufriere Hills volcano, and its eruption that commenced in 1995, impacting the island’s population profoundly.
Collaborating with the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO), Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) students embarked on a transformative journey from January to April via the MVO-MSS After-School Club. Leveraging information unveiled through archives made accessible by the Curating Crises Project, the students drew inspiration to craft a mural within the school premises. A similar approach engaged members of the wider community, resulting in the creation of three additional murals across the island, capturing poignant anecdotes of Montserrat’s volcanic history and rich culture.
Prior to the official premiere, a pre-screening for participants took place at the MSS on Tuesday, November 14th. Additionally, a local preview date will soon be announced, offering the Montserrat community a chance to experience the documentary on their home turf.
The event garnered an impressive attendance of 159 individuals at Hackney Picturehouse, with a substantial representation of Montserratians. The island’s culture and history were vividly brought to life on the cinema screen, resonating strongly with the diverse audience.
Following the screening, Jerely Browne, the director, and Professor David Pyle engaged with the audience, fielding questions about the documentary and the Curating Crises Project. The interactive session provided insights into the meticulous process of bringing Montserrat’s story to the forefront.
For those who missed the live event, the documentary and Q&A session are accessible through https://www.youtube.com/live/xS8QdvMhzoY?si=g7uWhuS5maJAn5EW, allowing a wider audience to explore the intersection of art, history, and community engagement.
For more information on the project, visit https://curatingcrises.omeka.net/ .
For updates on ongoing efforts and projects, follow the Montserrat Volcano Observatory on social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok) or visit www.mvo.ms. .
