Small Axe Forum

ViệtSpeak is partnering with cohealth Arts Gen to host a discussion of Steve McQueen’s film series Small Axe (2020) at Footscray Community Arts Centre on Saturday, May 22nd, 12:30pm to 4:30pm. Set between the late 1960’s and mid 1980’s, the five films comprising Small Axe map the experiences of racism, discrimination and self-determination of the West Indian community in gentrifying West London.

Members of ViệtSpeak and special guests will moderate the discussion, focussing on key scenes and themes from Small Axe. Reflecting on parallels and resonances between the films and the contemporary climate of Melbourne’s West, the panel will highlight the varied strategies that marginalised communities can adopt in giving voice to their concerns. Modes of self-representation and solidarity formation explored in the films will be discussed as potential lessons for ViệtSpeak and it’s supporters.

Panel members:

Kim Kruger – Researcher at Moondani Balluk Academic Centre (VU)

Joe Miranda – Writer and arts worker

Helen Ngo – Philosopher and parent

Marie Brennan – Professor of Education (VU)

Anh Nguyen Austen – Researcher and parent

Jorge Jorquera – Maribyrnong Councillor and parent

Lew Zipin – Research Fellow (UniSA)

Hoang Tran Nguyen – Local artist and parent

Session 1 Voice

12:30 – 2:15

Session 2 ViệtSpeak as a Node

2:45 – 4:30

Come join us for what will be a salient and invigorating discussion.