Episode 009: Horror & Heroes with Barbara Chirinos
Grab your popcorn and drink of choice, because this week, we are bringing the world of cinema to the living room. I, (Morgan) am really stoked for this interview. Barbara is like an auntie to me. She was I thiiink the first Black person I met in Vancouver who wasn’t !Kona. We celebrate holidays and cry at elections in her house, before the Covid. It’s been a long, long time coming, to have the lovely Barbara Chirinos on BlackChat the Podcast. Barbara is an Independent Curator and Producer. She is the founder and former co-curator for VIFF Celebrates Black History Month, now entering its 9th year at the Vancity Theatre. She is one of the original BlackChat attendees from when we started the gatherings back in 2016. She is a long-time friend and chosen family, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to finally have her on the podcast.
Artwork by Ifetayo Zarine Alabi
Today, Morgan and Barbara talk about Black films, covering horror, heroes, and a little bit in between. Barbara, being the amazing critic, curator and producer of independent films and festivals, and Morgan, who like movies, go as far back as 1915, and even peek into the future, discussing the rise and challenges of Black cinema. And we may or may not talk a little bit about the current seasons of Drag Race for some time at the end… We also take a moment to shout out our amazing new team at BlackChat Vancouver! We’ve been so blessed to bring on Palesa Koitsioe as our new transcriptionist! Janette King on audio production! And of course, Ifetayo Alabi, our since day one, graphic designer!
In addition to these fab Black folks on our team, we have a couple of allies volunteering their skills in website and social media support. Thank you, Sage, and to Piper for providing tech support and keeping Morgan functioning throughout this pandemic! It feels so amazing to be growing in this way and we are so excited for all we have to bring you this year!
Stay tuned for new episodes with transcriptions coming soon! And be on the lookout for new graphics of old and new episodes!
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