By Claire Lechtenberg
Indie on Wheels is one way The Independent Picture House gets out into the community, removing the barrier of transportation so that more people can enjoy independent and arthouse film. Thanks to support from the Arts & Science Council’s Culture Blocks funding, IPH was able to partner earlier this year with four libraries and one recreation center to present free film screenings and talkbacks with experts. These films and discussions explored themes that connect to the lives and experiences of community members.
In celebration of a new round of Indie on Wheels, here are five takeaways from the first round:
- Poetry isn’t dead. Indie on Wheels kicked off in February with a screening of My Soul Speaks by Steven Rutherford. The documentary, screened at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center, followed Charlotte spoken-word artists in the early 2000s, showcasing their talent and commitment to craft. What made the screening so powerful was the attendance of the film’s participants, with poets such as Bluz Rodgers reflecting on the ways the local poetry scene has grown throughout the years.
- There’s so much more to the food we enjoy. With our screening of The Donut King at Independence Regional Library, participants saw the moving story of Ted Ngoy, a Cambodian refugee who built a successful chain of doughnut shops on the West Coast. Bringing it home to the Charlotte community were panelists Chef Ron from the Community Culinary School of Charlotte, Peter Han from Super G Mart and Lindsay LaPlante from Refugee Support Services. With our “living room style” screening, attendees could ask questions during the film so that all could discuss how the story connected to Charlotte. And doughnuts from O.M.G. Donuts — made in the style of The Donut King — added something sweet to the evening.
- Everyone has a story in them. After watching The Book Makers at Steele Creek Library, local author Landis Wade discussed the dynamics of making books. While the documentary focused on the physical creation, Landis expanded the scope to include what goes into writing a novel and the publication process. The group walked away with a deeper understanding of the art of reading and writing, along with a greater respect for our local libraries.
- Hard conversations are worth it. In May, Indie on Wheels went to University City Regional Library for a screening of a North Carolina-related episode of the miniseries Democracy for Sale. Though it focused on 2016 politics, the message still applies today. Attendees shared concerns about the deep divisions in our communities. Mary C. Curtis led an informed discussion, highlighting the ways our state’s political system has and has not changed. The League of Women Voters helped individuals check their voter status and answered questions about the state’s voter ID laws. At the end, following conversations that waxed and waned in tension, community members walked away with new insights into how to use their voices and talk with their friends, families and neighbors.
- Our voices can lift up an idea: Everyone deserves a place to call home. The first leg of Indie on Wheels closed with A Decent Home at Sugar Creek Library. Barry Shipp, from Pivot Point Transitional Housing, and Rebecca Stickel, from YWCA Central Carolinas, used the documentary to highlight Charlotte’s housing crisis and to explore how we can support those facing homelessness in our community. While it may feel overwhelming to combat large corporations buying up land and manufactured homes and driving up costs for first-time buyers, it’s vital to remain civically engaged and outspoken on behalf of our community.
The new round of Indie on Wheels features screenings of the best short films from the past two Charlotte Film Festivals. The Nov. 14 event filled up, but you have another opportunity to attend on Dec. 12 at Independence Regional Library. Indie on Wheels is free and open to all community members. Learn more here.
Indie on Wheels is sponsored by Culture Blocks— a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County.
