A visual literacy workshop by Race Matters with Bruce Koussaba & Alicia Zhao

"Like the dead-seeming cold rocks, I have memories within that came out of the materials that went in to make me"

Conjured from the words of black folklorist and writer Zora Neale Hurston, Race Matters presents a critical film and visual literacy workshop. Hosted by broadcaster and artist Alicia Zhao alongside filmmaker Bruce Koussaba, we invite people of all creative backgrounds to develop a personal visual language through the deconstruction of the imperialist canon.  

Our era is marked by the proliferation and mass consumption of images. Visual culture serves as a form of collective memory, a memory warped by the colonial imagination. We’ll be exploring a process and collaborative centred approach to filmmaking, delving into camera theory through practical exercises and engaged dialogue. 

This is an autonomous, closed event for First Nations and People of Colour, and those of the Global Majority marginalised by white supremacy. 

This is a participatory, collaborative workshop, in a small group. Alicia and Bruce will be guiding the participants through a series of activities and exercises that will introduce participants to anti-colonial film aesthetics and techniques, and the camera as a political tool. All tech is provided, plus a long break with a warm, vegetarian meal. 

[FULL EVENT ACCESSIBILITY DETAILS HERE]

Art by Maira Shimada, concept and workshop design by Alicia Zhao and Bruce Koussaba, co-produced by Shareeka Helaluddin 

This workshop takes place on stolen Gadigal land. We honour and are indebted to the deep and ongoing ancestral practices of healing, story telling, sovereignty and commitment to land back for all colonised peoples from Gadigal to Gaza. 

Made possible by City of Sydney - this event is part of Resonance: public programs by Race Matters.