This Black History Month, Reel Causes and Hogan’s Alley Society invite you to gather for A Night of Obsidian, an evening rooted in story, resistance, and collective reflection. A Night of Obsidian is a shared space to come together as a community, to breathe, reflect, and be nourished by stories that remind us of who we are and what we are capable of together. 

Following the screening of Shoot The People, curator Natasha Tony will host Reel Talk with freedom fighters whose lives embody the power of documenting truth through film, activism, and lived experience. We are honoured to be joined by legendary film editor Lillian E. Benson, ACE, alongside lifelong activist Elmer Dixon, co-founder of the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party. 

Lillian E. Benson, ACE, is a film and television editor whose work has shaped how generations understand civil rights and social movements. In 1991, she received an Emmy nomination for her work on the acclaimed PBS series Eyes on the Prize II, which has been hailed by critics as more than just a historical documentary. Throughout her career, projects she has edited have earned multiple Emmy nominations, Peabody Awards, and widespread recognition. Her documentary credits include Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, Get in The Way: The Journey of John Lewis, and Beyond the Steps: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, alongside extensive work in narrative television, including Chicago Med. 

As the first Black woman to become a member of American Cinema Editors, and a leader in advancing equity within the industry, Lillian’s work exemplifies the responsibility and power of storytelling. Her presence at A Night of Obsidian reminds us that preserving truth through film is both an artistic practice and a profound act of care. 

If you would like to learn more about Lillian, be sure to listen to her podcast interview, ‘Lillian E. Benson, A Film Editors Reflections’ with curator Natasha Tony on her podcast, Narrative Shift.

We hope you will join us for A Night of Obsidian on February 24th at 7:00PM at The Rio Theatre. Come gather with us for an evening of film, conversation, and community. 

Tickets: https://riotheatretickets.ca/events/40164-reel-causes-presents-a-night-of-obsidian