Celebrating Remarkable Women


Date: Mar 5
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Where: Theatre
Coffee & Culture

March 8 is International Women's Day. March 9 marks the 95th anniversary of Newfoundland women receiving the right to vote. Celebrating both, Susan Chalker Browne showcases the women profiled in her latest book - Mother of the Regiment and Other Remarkable Women of Newfoundland and Labrador. May Furlong, Elsie Holloway, Lydia Campbell, Armine Gosling, and Georgina Stirling were five remarkable women who pushed boundaries and made a difference at the turn of the twentieth century. Incredibly, their stories were forgotten for decades. Now Susan Chalker Browne details the obstacles they overcame, the tragedies they endured, the incredible success they achieved as well as the ambition, intelligence, and grit they all shared. These were five trailblazing women who pressed against the social norms of a century ago and helped change life and attitudes in Newfoundland and Labrador. Susan Chalker Browne has written numerous books for children and adults, most with links to Newfoundland and Labrador's rich history. Recent publications include The Story of the Basilica of St. John the Baptist (short-listed for an Atlantic Book Award), and the young adult novel The Secret Life of a Funny Girl. ASL/English Interpreting Services are available through NLAD by request only to ASLservices@therooms.ca or 709-757-8090. We will do our best to accommodate requests made within two weeks of the scheduled event.

Events & Programs

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Indigenous Rising, the first roller derby team to represent multiple Nations at the Roller Derby World Cup, unites players across continents to claim space in the sport they love.

Rising Through the Fray follows this groundbreaking team as new generations join, determined to change the face of roller derby—an inclusive, female-empowering sport still lacking diversity.

With candid intimacy, filmmaker Courtney Montour blends energetic gameplay and tender daily moments as skaters from 30+ Nations find strength in each other. Through portraits of Sour Cherry, Krispy, and Hawaiian Blaze, the film reveals displacement, reconnection, resilience, and belonging beyond the track.

Director/Writer: Courtney Montour
Producer: Jason Brennan
88 mins | Canada | English
Q&A with the filmmaker to follow

This film will be closed-captioned.

Tickets: $12 plus HST. Free for Rooms members. Get your ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090. 

Free with SJIWFF Screening Pass (ticket must be picked up in person with your pass).

For more information and the full festival lineup, visit SJIWFF Rising Through the Fray