Over the River Chronicles
Over the River Chronicles
Over The River Chronicles – a series of 3 short films produced by participants of the Explosive Transformations Project experimenting in the use of film and documentary storytelling to explore the cultural significance of natural hazards in the Caribbean.
The northernmost Garifuna Communities in St. Vincent have lived with the La Soufriere Volcano for centuries. Using participatory methods, narratives of the eruption and living with La Soufriere have been produced and directed from the community perspective. Their work celebrates the hidden role of indigenous and experiential knowledge in shaping our understanding of the environment and living with volcanic risk.
Over The River Chronicles- a series of 3 short films by participants of the Explosive Transformations Documentary Filmmaking Workshop (@changinglandscapessvg).
Group Name: Movers
Film Name: MOVING ON
Film Synopsis: The most recent eruption of La Soufriere Volcano in April 2021, once again resulted in the evacuation of communities to the south of the island. Moving On is a film documenting some of our experiences during the evacuation, in our journey moving back home and in relocation for those most affected. Through it all we are strongest when we move together.
Filmmakers: Kimony Wilson, Chris Brackin, Amorel Sam, Patricia Fraser, Danroy Thomas, Kimlyn Wilson
Group Name: Focal Point
Film Name: RETURN TOGETHER
Film Synopsis: Return Together is a short film sharing some of our difficult experiences due to the 2021 volcanic eruption and how we stuck together as a community from Fancy. The spaces we share, our traditions and what makes us unique - it brings us hope to return to the place we call home and build back our community together.
Filmmakers: Shemron Yorke, Jessenter Bowens, Danny Michael, Nixon York, Rafique Hackshaw
Group Name: Ufemei (‘Ambition’ in Garifuna)
Film Name: A VINCENTIAN CASSAVA STORY
Film Synopsis: Although undervalued and seldom heard about, Cassava is a powerful and adaptable root crop with many benefits. Moreso, did you know that cassava has bonded families and communities together and is possibly one of the reasons our ancestors lived long lives? Come! Let's explore a bit!
Filmmakers: Gloridene Hoyte, Clyornique Durrant, Brendon Child, Elna Michael
Year: 2023
Runtime: 15 minutes
Language: English
Country: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Premiere: Grenada
Monique Johnson
Executive Producer
Director Biography
Monique Johnson is an interdisciplinary Earth scientist exploring the impacts of geological hazards in the Caribbean including the barriers and capacities for disaster risk reduction in our societies. She has 15 years experience supporting communities living with risk through projects and collaborations towards the implementation of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies. Her focus has also been on improving science communication, building community engagement and knowledge equity. Monique is currently exploring interdisciplinary and participatory methods to improve understanding of how Afro-indigenous communities navigate risk at the intersection of the socio-political, geological and ecological landscape. Changing Landscapes is a team established with Indigenous Communities living with La Soufriere Volcano engaged to explore the cultural significance of hazards in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.