Special Film Screening: The Geographies of DAR


Date: Apr 10
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Where: Theatre
Film

The Geographies of DAR is a captivating film that explores the life and literary works of renowned Canadian author David Adams Richards.

Through stunning visuals, insightful interviews and excerpts from his writings, the film uncovers the profound connection between Richards’ personal experiences and Eastern Canada’s Miramichi, the region that shaped his storytelling.

The masterful cinematography showcases the harsh yet beautiful landscapes of Richards’ Miramichi, taking viewers on a journey through the complex lives of his characters, marked by destruction, freedom and redemption.

Richards opens up about his childhood, his struggles and demons, and his unwavering belief in God, providing candid and perceptive insights into cruelty, love, faith and the human experience.

This poignant film is an elegy to the joys, suffering, mercies and beauty of life, celebrating the indomitable spirit and courage of this extraordinary Canadian writer.

This is a free event but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709) 757-8090.

About the Filmmaker

Director, actress, screenwriter, writer and producer Monique LeBlanc is a prominent figure in Eastern Canada’s film industry, working in both documentary and fiction.

Through a powerful dialogue between image and word, her films explore the worlds of painters, musicians and writers, as well as ordinary people confronted with poverty, racism or exile. From shantytowns to concentration camps, from border crossings to vast wilderness, Monique LeBlanc’s works weave different stories together, delving into the intricate complexities of human relationships and offering a vivid portrayal of contemporary societies.

Her credits include collaborations with the National Film Board, CBC, Bravo, the History Channel and the Movie Network. Notably, her adaptation of Louise Dupré’s acclaimed book of poetry, Higher Than Flames Will Go (2020), stands as a cinematic tour de force.

Geographies of DAR is her fourth feature documentary and fifth collaboration with the NFB.

Presented by The Rooms and the National Film Board of Canada.

Events & Programs

10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Playdate

Join us for a delightful morning at The Rooms!
Bring your little ones to our enchanting Harbour View Room for unguided playtime surrounded by an array of toys and books tailored for infants and toddlers aged 0 to 4.

No prior registration is necessary; simply pay your admission at The Rooms front desk and drop in anytime between 10:30 am and 12:00 pm! Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that caregivers must accompany their children throughout the session. While our program room can accommodate up to 20 adults with their little ones, if it reaches capacity, we kindly ask caregivers to momentarily step back to make room for others to join in the fun.

The Playdate is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms Members.

With support from Thomas and Susan (Kent) Foran Family Foundation.

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Craft at Risk

Eco printing is a great technique for those new to natural dyes. It has a striking visual impact, is easy to learn, and everyone comes away with something — in this case, a piece of silk fabric and dyed watercolour paper. Natural dyeing, the process of adding colour to textile materials through the use of natural materials such as plants or animals, was added to the 2024 Craft at Risk List and listed as Endangered.

Cost: $40 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. All materials included. Register online!

About the Presenter:
Susan Furneaux is a teacher, artist, craft consultant, and mentor. She specializes in natural dye and fibre techniques, learning, teaching, and exhibiting throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, nationally and internationally. Susan has won multiple awards for her embroidery, natural dyes, and innovative use of natural materials, including the 2024 Arts NL Arts and Education Award. In 2022, Susan was a mentor with Heritage NL’s Mentor-Apprentice Program. Motivated by reciprocal knowledge exchange, capacity building, and the preservation of traditional skills, Furneaux shared the craft of Bark Tanning.

Presented in partnership with Heritage NL.

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Open House

Come with your family to share in The Rooms Provincial Archives Open House!

Visit the Reference Room to see archival treasures, talk to reference staff about genealogy collections, or take a “Behind the Scenes” vault tour.

Vault tours: 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm

Children can also join in the fun by creating their own handprint family trees or making a personalized button. Enjoy coffee, cookies, and prizes!

Free event. 

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Tour

Peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador

Stroll across land and sea, and through time, to meet the peoples who have made Newfoundland and Labrador home for the past 9,000 years.

Each tour is approximately 30 – 40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.