Nova Scotia Retro Film Festo!
Screening times:
Sunday, February 1, matinee screenings
From 1:00 PM:
Margaret Perry | Canada | 1947-1958 | 35m
followed by Q&A with Jennifer VanderBurgh, PhD
From 2:30 PM:
Various Directors | Canada | 1961-1993 | 103m
This collection of shorts is screening as part of the second annual Nova Scotia Retro Film Festo, happening January 29 - February 2, 2026!
Margaret Perry shorts
"Battling Blue-fins" | Margaret Perry | 1947 | 21m
Battling bluefin tuna - a day of sport fishing at Wedgeport, NS. Film maker Margaret Perry (1905-1998) spent her prolific career working in both national and provincial film agencies, creating a remarkable and award-winning body of work. While working for the province of Nova Scotia (between 1945-1969) Perry was involved in the production of over fifty films — serving as film director, and frequently also camera operator, cinematographer, script writer, sound editor and a host of other roles.
"Roads to Reading" | Margaret Perry | 1958 | 14m
Film follows the routes taken by various bookmobiles across Nova Scotia and discusses and discusses how the regional and branch library systems operate.
Jennifer VanderBurgh is a film and TV researcher and teacher at Saint Mary's University. She is writing a book about Margaret Perry and worked with Nova Scotia Archives to digitize over 50 films in the Nova Scotia Film Bureau film collection and contribute new research material about Margaret Perry's filmmaking career.
"A Report on Redevelopment" | Jean Roy | 1961 | 12m
This 1961 film promoting the clearance of an entire residential community in the centre of Halifax hits differently when viewed from the present. It promotes urban clearing, commercial expansion, and the new housing development of Mulgrave Park.
"The Halifax Neighborhood Center Project" | Rex Tasker | 1967 | 33m
A look at a campaign launched in Halifax in 1967 to probe the core of poverty--low incomes, ill health and inadequate housing affected more than 12,000 people in the central area. The film takes a look at the grassroots efforts at the time to alleviate those conditions.
"Speak It! From the Heart of Black Nova Scotia" | Silvia Hamilton | 1992 | 28m
In their predominantly white high school in Halifax, a group of black students face daily reminders of racism, ranging from abuse (racist graffiti on washroom walls), to exclusion (the omission of black history from textbooks). They work to establish a Cultural Awareness Youth Group, a vehicle for building pride and self-esteem through educational and cultural programs. With help from mentors, they discover the richness of their heritage and learn some of the ways they can begin to effect change.
"Folk Art Found Me" | Alex Busby | 1993 | 30m
Who are these people from Nova Scotia!? and what is folk art!? "Folk Art Found Me" is a direct and humorous documentary that allows the artist to explain what real folk art is. These artists have a raw, passionate inspiration to create, entirely without pretension. "Folk Art Found Me" provides a knowledgeable, visceral view of the subject, celebrating these internationally recognized artists. It snaps along with great wit and is, in the end, an inspiration for everybody.
Tickets to all shorts are Free/PWYC!
