Celebrating Emancipation Day in Kingston: A Restitution 101 Screening

On August 1st, as part of the Emancipation Day celebrations, Open Restitution Africa had the unique opportunity to screen episodes 1 and 2 our “Restitution 101” series at an event hosted by the Department of Black Studies at Queen’s University, Canada.

The screening took place in Kingston, Ontario, at The Screening Room, and was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. The audience was deeply engaged, expressing a strong appreciation for the films and the thought-provoking themes they explored. Among the topics that resonated most were the ideas of restitution as a form of repair, the long road to emancipation, and the intimacy of objects that have been taken from their original homes. These themes sparked rich conversations and reflections among the viewers.

The atmosphere in the room was charged, as the audience encountered the series in a way they hadn’t before. Seeing the narrative unfold over multiple episodes in one sitting allowed for a deeper connection with the content and a greater understanding of the complex histories and futures we aim to highlight through our work. Notably, there was excitement for the upcoming third episode, with many attendees eager to know when it would be launched.

The event underscored the importance of storytelling in the context of black heritage, memory, and the ongoing journey of restitution. It also reinforced the value of collective viewing experiences, where diverse audiences can come together to reflect on shared histories and envision a future of justice and reclamation. We are deeply grateful to the organizers and all those who attended, and we look forward to continuing the conversation in the episodes and screenings to come.