After months of searching for a suitable replacement, Divergence Movie Night (DMN) founder Caitlyn Pascal will hand over control of the queer cinema series to Pink Triangle Services (PTS) this week.
Founded in 2006, Pascal’s collection of queer documentaries now totals more than 80 films, which explore everything from the early days of feminism to homophobia.
Although Pascal says she originally sought an individual to take over the project, she’s confident DMN is in capable hands.
“Pink Triangle Services has been an integral part of our community for decades and is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the archive,” Pascal says. “The goal has always been to get these fabulous documentaries to the people and communities that want and need to see them. I did what I could as an individual, but with PTS, Divergence Movie Night will be able to grow into something new.”
Jer’s Vision will partner with PTS to host satellite DMN screenings.
PTS executive director Claudia Van den Heuvel says PTS is proud to take over this essential resource for Ottawa’s queer community.
“Building upon Caitlyn’s work and vision, we will continue to hold regular screenings but also expand its use by making the film series available to other community groups,” Van den Heuvel says.
Looking back on her seven years as DMN’s creator and curator, Pascal says she will miss the hustle and bustle of staging screenings.
“I will certainly miss all of the times people have emotionally thanked me for showing a film that had a profound impact on them [that] they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to see,” she says.
PTS’s first DMN event is Friday, May 17, to coincide with the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.
The event is a potluck “unconference” organized around queer movies and will feature community-based discussion, Van den Heuvel says.
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