An image from the film Horizon as shown at the SesquiDome in Windsor, July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.An image from the film Horizon as shown at the SesquiDome in Windsor, July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.
Windsor

Film Celebrating Canada Stops in Windsor (GALLERY)

A stirring film celebrating Canada's 150th birthday is now open along the Windsor riverfront.

SESQUI, a Canada150 Signature Initiative, is presenting the 360-degree film Horizon near Festival Plaza, at the foot of Goyeau, this weekend. Its stop in Windsor is one of seven in Ontario cities throughout the summer as part of the celebrations for both Canada's and Ontario's 150th birthdays.

Windsor Ward 5 councillor Ed Sleiman, representing Mayor Drew Dilkens, says it's fitting that SESQUI stops in Windsor as the city continues to celebrate its 125th anniversary.

"We here in the city of Windsor are fortunate to be selected as one of seven cities in Ontario to host this amazing made-in-Canada exhibition, as we continue to celebrate our great country and our wonderful city" says Sleiman.

John Elliott and Paul Borrelli were the city councillors who attended in addition to Sleiman. Also opening the exhibition were MPP Percy Hatfield (Windsor-Tecumseh), Essex Mayor Ron McDermott and Amherstburg Mayor Aldo DiCarlo. MP Peter Fragiskatos of London-North-Centre also attended, representing the federal government.

The 22-minute film features colourful, eye-popping images shot in all of Canada's provinces and territories, ranging from mountain scenes and lakes to fishing villages in Newfoundland and rowers on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa. The film also shows musicians and dancers representing Canada's diverse cultures as well as rituals of the country's many indigenous peoples. Some noteworthy shots include an orchestra playing with the Vancouver skyline in the background, a folk chorus recording a song in a barn, and skateboarders trying out the ramps surrounding Montreal's Olympic Stadium.

Sleiman says the film clearly shows the pride felt by all Canadians in the country's sesquicentennial year.

"That pride is stemmed from our ability to overcome our differences and celebrate our diversities," says Sleiman. "To understand our history and stand as one nation with dignity and self-respect."

Andrea Stewart, executive director of SESQUI, says the igloo's placement on the Windsor riverfront is symbolic of the region's place in the nation's history.

"Due to Windsor's unique location along the Detroit River," says Stewart, "many different groups have called this area home over the generations. Today, any indigenous people and Metis call this area home and we're grateful to have this opportunity to present our work on this territory."

In addition to the free film screenings, representatives of Windsor-Essex's various cultural initiatives will have displays set up. Activities provided by VIA Rail, Parks Canada and Tourism Windsor-Essex-Pelee Island will also be available.

Organizers say the film will have at least 20 screenings a day. The dome is open Saturday, Sunday and Monday from noon to 10pm, and Tuesday from 10am to 7:30pm. Organized school and day camp groups can view the film noon to 2pm Monday and Tuesday.

For more information on SESQUI in Windsor, click here.

Theresa Sims (right) and the Spirit of the Four Directions Singers perform a welcome song at the opening of the SesquiDome in Windsor on July 7, 2017 (Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News)Theresa Sims (right) and the Spirit of the Four Directions Singers perform a welcome song at the opening of the SesquiDome in Windsor on July 7, 2017 (Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News)

At the Windsor opening of the SesquiDome on July 7, 2017 - from left, Peter Hrastovec, Essex Mayor Ron McDermott, Windsor city councillor Ed Sleiman, London North Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos, Windsor city councillors Paul Borrelli and John Elliott, MPP Percy Hatfield of Windsor-Tecumseh and Andrea Stewart, executive director of SESQUI. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.At the Windsor opening of the SesquiDome on July 7, 2017 - from left, Peter Hrastovec, Essex Mayor Ron McDermott, Windsor city councillor Ed Sleiman, London North Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos, Windsor city councillors Paul Borrelli and John Elliott, MPP Percy Hatfield of Windsor-Tecumseh and Andrea Stewart, executive director of SESQUI. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.

Guests line up to view the 360 film Horizon at the SesquiDome in Windsor, July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News)Guests line up to view the 360 film Horizon at the SesquiDome in Windsor, July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News)

An audience watches as images from the film Horizon are shown on a 360 screen in the SesquiDome in Windsor on July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News)An audience watches as images from the film Horizon are shown on a 360 screen in the SesquiDome in Windsor on July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News)

An audience watches as images from the film Horizon are shown on a 360 screen in the SesquiDome in Windsor on July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News)An audience watches as images from the film Horizon are shown on a 360 screen in the SesquiDome in Windsor on July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News)

An audience watches as images from the film Horizon are shown on a 360 screen in the SesquiDome in Windsor on July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News)An audience watches as images from the film Horizon are shown on a 360 screen in the SesquiDome in Windsor on July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News)

An image from the film Horizon as shown at the SesquiDome in Windsor, July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.An image from the film Horizon as shown at the SesquiDome in Windsor, July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.

An image from the film Horizon as shown at the SesquiDome in Windsor, July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.An image from the film Horizon as shown at the SesquiDome in Windsor, July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.

An image from the film Horizon as shown at the SesquiDome in Windsor, July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.An image from the film Horizon as shown at the SesquiDome in Windsor, July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.

An image from the film Horizon as shown at the SesquiDome in Windsor, July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.An image from the film Horizon as shown at the SesquiDome in Windsor, July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.

An image from the film Horizon as shown at the SesquiDome in Windsor, July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.An image from the film Horizon as shown at the SesquiDome in Windsor, July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.

An image from the film Horizon as shown at the SesquiDome in Windsor, July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.An image from the film Horizon as shown at the SesquiDome in Windsor, July 7, 2017. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.

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