Over the past two years, Huntingdon resident Alain Boisvert has been working on a film that documents the artistic processes of John Ryan and Natasha Smoke-Santiago, the artists selected for the “Sharing Through the Generations” project, an initiative meant to draw two cultures together through artistic expression.
On Saturday, January 30th, local filmmaker Alain Boisvert showcased his latest work at the Saint-Anicet town hall, titled “Sharing Through the Generations”. His piece chronicles the artistic processes of Godmanchester native Ryan and Akwesasne resident Smoke-Santiago, two artists from very different cultures selected to represent their cultural experiences while immersed in one another’s communities. Ryan is a long-time contributor to The Gleaner, and has worked as an artist for 39 years. Smoke-Santiago presented her piece at the end of the evening, while Ryan’s will be displayed in Akwesasne the near future. A plaque commemorating Smoke-Santiago’s work was also presented on the 30th.
Originally from Beloeil, Boisvert has been working in film since the 1980s, kick-starting his career with an apprenticeship program at the National Film Board of Canada. While he has worked majorly in film and theatre art, he also has experience as both a teacher and puppeteer. His work was discovered by someone at the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent, who contacted Boisvert with the idea of documenting the “Sharing Through the Generations” project. As for the experience, Boisvert felt that it was a very positive one. “I always considered Natasha and John as part of the filmmaking process and they were both really great. It was so easy to work with them. They were always available and open-minded. I think that we simply trusted each other.” The film is honest and heartfelt, truly transporting viewers into the worlds that both Ryan and Smoke-Santiago experienced.
Undertaken three years ago, the “Sharing Through the Generations” project was intended to bring the Mohawk and Quebec communities closer together. The project, which was the realisation of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA), the Ministry of Culture and Communication (MCC), the Regional Conference of élus Vallée-du-Haut-Saint-Laurent (CRE) and the Secretariat for Aboriginal Affairs (SAA), was met with enthusiasm on all sides. (While the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent was not was an official partner of the event, their participation was recognized by the MCC). In April 2015, the Mohawk Casino and Resort in Awkesasne hosted an evening to honour the artwork of the two artists.
For those who would like to view Boisvert’s film, feel free to visit: https://vimeo.com/134338502
