The Mighty Niagara Film Fest is again ready to set sail and explore the ever-expanding ocean of the moving image. The festival launches on August 16th, and continues until August 19th. It’s keenly focused on films made about, or in Niagara and by filmmakers with connections to the region. The festival uniquely makes space for the experimental and the extraordinary. For more information about the festival, click here. Here, we invite you to meet the artists of MNFF.
Meet Shannon Kitchings
Photo provided by Shannon Kitchings
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a performer and writer based in the Niagara region. Words fascinate me and the ways language evokes different ideas for everybody is such a magical blend of clarity and chaos. My art is about exploring where we find each other in this life.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by relationships in all their forms. How we connect with one another is endlessly interesting and beautiful to me.
Tell us the story behind how you got into your craft?
I have been performing and writing since I was a child. My musician grandfather first shared a stage with me when I was five years old and I have been creating ever since.
Photo provided by Shannon Kitchings
What drew you to participating in this specific piece of work?
This poem has been on my mind and in my heart for five years now. Every time I perform it live I envision more ways to play with it and bring it to life. In March we had the opportunity to do a live version with dancers at Metanoia with Suitcase In Point. This short animation has been slowly growing for a year and a half and I am thrilled to have it debut at MNFF. Niagara Artists’ Centre is a hub for artistic connections.
What do you love most about MNFF?
I love the diversity of films and the various perspectives of Niagara life the festival offers.
What does 2023 hold for you?
I am working on a collection of poetry to share in the new year.
