Megaphone Magazine has launched its 2022 Hope in Shadows calendar, highlighting the lives of low-income photographers. Hope in Shadows is a photography project that shares the stories of people experiencing poverty and homelessness through their own lens, and in its 19-year history, has put more than $1 million directly into the pockets of low-income vendors in BC — helping them buy “extras” such as healthy food, warm clothing, or items for their grandchildren.
First Place Winner – December 2022 – Thunderchild by Priscillia Mays Tait
The Hope in Shadows 2022 calendar features 13 strikingly beautiful photographs — along with accompanying stories — captured by folks from the Megaphone community. New this year, the first-ever limited set of 13 Hope in Shadows notecards will also feature the winning photos.
The project challenges the stigma around poverty by making space for people marginalized by society to share their own views. Street vendors who sell the calendar participate in a photography contest hosted by Megaphone each spring. They are given a single-use, disposable camera and five days to go out into their communities and take pictures of their lives — capturing images around a different theme each year.
For the 2022 project, the theme is “Play.”
Participants flooded the Megaphone office with more than 1,500 photographs, including those of a cheerful and charming guitar player who connects people with music, a gifted seamstress who is keeping an Indigenous tradition alive, a street singer whose powerful voice will stop you in your tracks, and so many more.
Those images were pared down to the top 30 photos, selected by a community jury and public vote, and then 13 winning photographs were chosen for the 2022 calendar.
The winning photo and cover of the 2022 calendar was taken by vendor Priscillia Mays Tait (proud Babine, Gitsxan, and mostly Wet’suwet’en mother). Entitled Thunderchild, it’s a candid shot of Cree grandmother Frances and her grandson Kayden laughing together while they sit at the outdoor patio of the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre (“DEWC”).
“It’s clear from the photo how precious this young ‘Thunderchild’ is to his grandmother,” Tait says of her photo. “I have seen many Indigenous grandmothers raising their grandchildren in the Downtown Eastside, and it’s a good thing there are places like the DEWC to serve their needs, and those of other women and children.”
Julia Aoki, Megaphone’s executive director, says the community shows up in force every year to express themselves through photography, and share their stories in Hope in Shadows.
“It’s a privilege to experience these stories, which express so much striking beauty, joy, and pride,” Aoki says. “Hope in Shadows photographers and vendors are doing the crucial work of sharing perspectives and experiences that might otherwise be overlooked. The stories in the calendar are truly enriching.”
Megaphone street vendors in Vancouver are currently selling the calendar and notecards. You can find and pay vendors directly with their smartphone using the Megaphone App, available for free download from the iTunes and Google Play stores.
You can also purchase the calendar and notecards online and receive it via mail or in-person pick-up through Megaphone’s online store.
About Megaphone Magazine
Megaphone offers employment and empowerment to people experiencing poverty. Megaphone publishes a monthly magazine and an annual calendar that are sold on the streets of Vancouver and Victoria by homeless and low-income vendors. Vendors buy each magazine for 75 cents and sell it for $2, and purchase each calendar for $10 and sell it for $20. They keep the profit. By selling Megaphone and Hope in Shadows, people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and other barriers to employment can earn income through meaningful, dignified work.
Miss604’s Rebecca Bollwitt has been a proud contributor to Megaphone since April, 2020.
It’s the 20th anniversary of My Sister’s Closet, a high-end thrift fashion boutique in Vancouver that takes action to end gender-based violence while directly supporting and empowering victims and survivors of sexualized and domestic violence.
The shop is a social enterprise of Battered Women’s Support Services (“BWSS”), a local organization providing education, advocacy, and support towards eliminating gender-based (including sexualized violence) and domestic violence.
My Sister’s Closet – Photo submitted
My Sister’s Closet Celebrates 20 Years
Downtown: 1092 Seymour St, Vancouver
Open Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11:00am to 6:00pm for shopping
Tuesdays and Wednesdays open for donation only.
East Van: 1830 Commercial Drive
Open Monday to Sunday 11:00am to 6:00pm
BWSS responded to 32,000 requests for service in 2020—up from 18,000 the year before. With 100% of its revenues going towards funding BWSS’s life-saving programs and services, My Sister’s Closet has been instrumental in supporting thousands of victims and survivors every year.
Since its inception in 2001, My Sister’s Closet has become a local landmark. As the boutique celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, its cause and storied history propels its legacy forward as it continues to make a meaningful impact throughout the community.
The downtown storefront on the corner of Seymour and Helmcken sits intentionally on a city block that sex workers strolled in the ‘80s and ‘90s. The store’s location was also chosen to be near the site where Elaine Allenbach, a sex worker, went missing in 1986.
My Sister’s Closet has become a fashion destination for discerning shoppers. The boutique regularly appears in listicles for its sharply curated collection of gently-used clothing and accessories for all bodies (including a selection of menswear dubbed My Brother’s Corner) in styles that are on-trend and classic.
There are two brick and mortar locations—the second being on Commercial Drive—and an online shop, the latter to keep serving the needs of the community during the pandemic and make support for its cause even more accessible.
Two decades since it first opened, My Sister’s Closet endures as a landmark of local history and a physical manifestation of BWSS’s mission to promote equality and safety for all women.
Shop online or in person today, and if you have any donations – of women’s and men’s laundered, gently used clothing and accessories (e.g., shoes, handbags, jewelry) – they can be dropped off at either location.
Have a scare-free but exceptionally entertaining Halloween with Gateway Theatre this month! For two weekends only, Gateway Theatre is bringing a life-size version of its Hallows’ Eve miniature paper theatre, that was created last year, to two locations in Richmond.
Hallow’s Eve Pop-Up with Gateway Theatre
Halloween with Gateway Theatre
With the goal of welcoming more of the community to enjoy the performing arts, Gateway Theatre has been planning exciting, innovative, and participatory artistic offerings.
When: October 23 & 24, 2021
Where: Gulf of Georgia Cannery in Steveston (12138 Fourth Ave, Richmond)
Tickets: Part of the Cannery’s Haunted Sea exhibit. There is no additional fee to enter the Hallows’ Eve Pop-Up Theatre but admission to the Gulf of Georgia may be required.
When: October 30 & October 31, 2021
Where: Aberdeen Centre (4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond)
Tickets: Free and no advance registration is required.
“It’s an opportunity to create lifelong memories with family,” states Jasmine Chen, Gateway Theatre’s Artistic and Community Producer, “and we’re thrilled to bring the magic of performing arts into the community.”
Beautifully illustrated by Keely O’Brien, a Richmond-based interdisciplinary artist, this travelling theatre literally expands on Gateway’s last Halloween delight, a build-your-own miniature theatre also featuring O’Brien’s enchanting puppetry and illustrative works.
As they step into this enchanting set, families will have a chance to play with a cast of magical creatures and autumnal animals friends: Jacky the Pumpkin Kid, Gregory the Ghost, Cackles the Crow, and Squeaks the Skunk. Kids can act out the story using a script created by Jasmine Chen, or simply let their imagination run free to create their own adventure.
For families who would like to continue the fun at home beyond their time inside the pop-up theatre, a limited number of the miniature paper-theatre kits will be available for purchase onsite. There will also be exciting gifts and prizes to be won! Follow Gateway Theatre on Facebook for more info.
About Artist Keely O’Brien
An interdisciplinary artist based in Richmond, BC, Keely is devoted to a thoroughly handmade, DIY process. Her work includes puppetry in miniature and enormous scales, immersive installations, imaginative ephemera, and interactive experiences. As a community engaged arts educator Keely creates and facilitates participatory and collaborative artwork with community members and organizations. Deeply site responsive and engaged with questions of place, home, and belonging, Keely’s work aims to celebrate the potential for creativity and community in the place and people around her. Keely is Co-Artistic Director of experimental theatre company Popcorn Galaxies.
The Circle Craft Christmas Market will return for its 2021 edition, November 10-14 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. Following its 2020 hiatus, this beloved Vancouver tradition will feature 200 artisans (over 40 new this year) including clothing designers, potters, jewellers, wood and metal workers, glass blowers, candle and soap makers, and more!
Circle Craft Christmas by Tim Matheson (pre-pandemic)
Circle Craft Christmas Market 2021
A Vancouver tradition for nearly five decades, the market kicks off the holiday shopping season in the city.
When: November 10-14, 2021
Wednesday to Friday 10:00am to 9:00pm; Saturday 10:00am to 7:00pm; Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm
Where: Vancouver Convention Centre West
Tickets: Available online now. $15 adults; $12 seniors and youth (13-17); children 12 and under are free
Save 50% off admission after 5:00pm
By order of the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), proof of full COVID-19 vaccination will be required to attend the Circle Craft Christmas Market. Attendees will need to abide by any and all rules implemented by the PHO and/or the Vancouver Convention Centre. Masks are mandatory at all times while attending the event (except children under 2 years of age).
Since 1972, the show has been a Vancouver tradition for locals and visitors alike, and is Western Canada’s largest craft market, featuring craftspeople and artisans from coast to coast, to coast.
Photo submitted – Circle Craft on Granville Island
The 2021 Market will feature BC craftspeople from communities such as Salt Spring Island, Osoyoos, Fort St. John, Denman Island, North Vancouver, Revelstoke, Victoria, Penticton, and Vancouver will showcase the very best of this province. Artisans will also come from as far as Montréal, Toronto, Calgary, Winnipeg, Halifax, Milo (AB), Moose Jaw (SK), Cowansville (QC), and more.
There is an incredible assortment of quality handmade goods to choose from, including fashion pieces, stunning jewellery, home décor, fine art, sculptures, natural body care, delicious gourmet treats, and more. Shoppers of all ages are sure to be delighted as they discover truly one-of-a-kind items, making this the can’t-miss shopping event of the season.
[clickToTweet tweet=”RT to enter to win tickets to the @CircleCraft Christmas Market at @VanConventions Nov 10-14 http://ow.ly/Jxei50GrMtW” quote=” Click to enter via Twitter” theme=”style6″]
I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 12:00pm on Thursday, October 21, 2021. UPDATE the winner is Carol!
The Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival (“VHS”) will be kicking off its fourth year as the beloved local festival moves to a hybrid event this year, both live and virtual, from October 27 to November 7, 2021. The full VHS 2021 Hybrid Event lineup includes 46 short films and three feature-length films from 12 different countries, all of which will be available as part of the virtual programs. 11 film blocks this year include shorts, features, a Sci-Fi block and a Rated R block.
Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival 2021
When: VHS Live will kick off the festival on Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Online programs October 27 to November 7, 2021 (via TicketSpice for terror on-demand)
Last year, VHS made the pivot to online programming as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Festival director David Taylor works as a Registered Nurse at St. Paul’s Hospital and has been on the front lines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic:
“As VHS moves forward, we won’t look back. While it’s important for us to have a safe and responsible in-person event this year, we do not want to lose the online portion of the festival. Last year we were able to share our programming with folks from all over the world and the response was so great — it’s hard to imagine we will ever stop incorporating the on-demand portion of programming.”
Online viewers will have a chance to weigh-in with an Audience Choice Award and to test their mettle with nightly trivia about each program following the screenings.
The online platform will also host The VHS Screenplay Table Read Series via Zoom. VHS ticket holders are invited to attend live table reads where professional actors will perform a reading of the top selected short screenplays. A panel of industry experts will weigh in on the screenplays and offer notes to the writers. This provides the writers a chance to workshop their pieces and ask questions of the actors, directors, and festival experts. Festival attendees will receive an inside look at how things move from page to stage.
2021 Festival Programming
The Vancouver Horror Show’s 2021 program includes three feature films and 46 short films from 12 different countries. All programs will be followed by a filmmaker Q&A session.
Shorts Program
As a Canadian festival, the VHS is showcasing some truly outstanding home-grown talent. Internationally celebrated Vancouver-based filmmaker Gigi Saul Guererro delivers her iconic tex-mex brand of horror in Luchagore’s Mistress of Bones, a story about two grave-robbers who unleash an ancient Aztec force, leaving it up to the titular heroine to defeat it in gory spectacle.
Another Vancouver female filmmaking juggernaut, Lisa Ovies, gives us a fresh take on a familiar story of the babysitter gone wild with Witches Midnight, starring the bewitching Beverly Elliot (Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants). From Vancouver-based producer / director duo Victoria Burkhart (Snowpiercer, Chappie, Elysium) and N’Cee Van Heerden, we have the haunting monster flick Hunter’s Cabin. These films will be shown as part of VHS Live in addition to being available to screen on-demand.
From writer/director Jessica Henric comes Don’t Let It In (USA) — a story about a young Seminole woman who returns to her home in the Everglades after a divorce and encounters a terrifying entity that leads her to reconnect with her past and heritage to defeat it. From Minsun Park & Teddy Tenenbaum comes Koreatown Ghost Story (USA) — a supernatural horror tale based on a Korean ritual starring Margaret Cho and Lyrica Okano, about a woman who entertains a macabre marriage offer.
Arik Bauriedl’s Larva (Germany) tells the dark summer camp story of a female hockey team that rails against their deceitful, male coach with supernaturally chaotic results. Milk and Cookies (UK) from Alex Baró-Cayetano and Bear Winter-Perreau finds young Adam tired of Father Christmas breaking the law and getting away with it, this year he plans to put an end to it. From Amsterdam-based filmmaker Niels Bourgonje comes Swipe (NLD) a tech horror story starring the masterful Ebony Obsidian. Taking top honors in the Student Film category this year is VFS alum Oskar Sjöberg’s Can Someone Hear Me? A short sci-fi, post-apocalyptic thriller about a radio operator living in a pandemic containment radio station.
2021 Feature Films
Dark Stories (France) from Guillaume Lubrano and François Descraques will make its Canadian debut at VHS 2021. Who doesn’t love a horror anthology? When Christine (played by Kristanna Loken of Terminator 3 fame) is attacked by a bloodthirsty creepy doll, she has to use all her imagination to distract it with horror stories. Zombies, Ghosts, Djinns, Aliens and Ghouls legends help her get through the night and stall the doll as another threat awakens. Dark stories boasts an outstanding cast and a beautiful production.
Making its Vancouver debut at the VHS 2021 is a film from the Netherlands: The Columnist. Director Ivo Van Aart weaves a topical tale about a columnist who continuously has to deal with nasty messages and death threats on her social media pages. When enough is enough Femke, played magnificently by Katja Herbers, decides to hunt down her trolls.
Night at The Eagle Inn (USA) from VHS alumni Erik Bloomquist is making its Canadian premiere at VHS 2021. Fraternal twins embark on a pilgrimage to a remote inn to investigate the last known whereabouts of their father who mysteriously disappeared the night they were born — their exploration leads to shocking revelations as the property’s dark secrets ensnare them in a hellish labyrinth they must escape before dawn. The film offers standout performances from Amelia Dudley and Taylor Turner and reunites the production team from VHS’s beloved 2020 film, Ten Minutes To Midnight — proving beyond a doubt that this collective truly knows how to make a great horror film.
Founded in 2018, the The VHS is a registered charity with the mission to celebrate great cinematic storytelling in the horror genre. Follow the Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
