Exiled Mothers

Join us for the Winnipeg Premier of Sharon Alward’s new documentary Exiled Mothers.

October 17th, 7pm
Winnipeg Cinematheque, 100 Arthur Street

The film Exiled Mothers takes us on the artist’s journey to recover her own repressed memories as she examines the social construction of relinquishment, adoption, and motherhood. It introduces us to many other Canadian mothers, who as young women—caught between love for their children and a social snare that demanded surrender—shared the same experience as Sharon that takes a lifetime to resolve. More than a film about adoption and loss, we witness an important period in the history of Western women as we emerge from the fog of a time when the judgment of so many, wilfully separated masses of mothers from their children.

-Karen Lynn, President of the Canadian Council of Natural Mothers

About the Artist

Sharon Alward is a Canadian artist. Her performances, videos and installations use rituals as a process to transcend suffering, to provide opportunities for creativity, transformation and wholeness and as a process for healing. Cited as one of the 100 most innovative Canadians in MacLean’s magazine, her works have been exhibited in Canada, the U.S., and Europe, including the Liverpool Tracey Biennial, LACE Los Angeles, Western Front, the National Screen Institute and the American Film Institute.

“I have always been interested in art as a healing agent and believe through performance, ritual and witnessing we have the opportunity to share our pain and initiate healing. Performing ritual allows us the opportunity to transcend suffering and dehumanizing experiences, open ourselves up for healing and journey towards wholeness.”

Sharon has been teaching for 30 years at the University of Manitoba, School of Art. She is a Full Professor and a Senior Fellow of St. John’s College.

This is a free screening.
The venue is wheelchair accessible through the entrance on King Street.