Back Lane Studios

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Mark Sunday, Sept. 27, 1:00 pm on your calendar for a documentary and discussion at the Revue Cinema about the remarkable Abenaki filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin. 

Born in 1932, Obomsawin is a singer, storyteller, artist, activist and filmmaker, known most for the documentary films she has made with the. support of the National Film Board. Her name means “pathfinder” and that is indeed what she is. Having made more than 60 documentaries, she provided authentic portrayals of indigenous cultures and values and First Nations’ perspectives on resistance and conflicts such as the standoff at Kanien’kéhaka, known as the Oka Crisis. She opened the doors for other indigenous filmmakers.

We will be screening and discussing a selection of her films. We will also be marking the 10th anniversary of our neighbourhood Peace Garden, which reflects in its plantings and artworks a theme of reconciliation.  The Sunday program will conclude with a brand-new doc about the creation of the garden and a reception afterwords at Back Lane Studios with refreshments and music performed by singer Cathy Hunt.

Tickets are by a suggested voluntary donation of $10. Get in advance on Eventbrite or at the Revue cinema door. Read more about the event here. 

A  large pin on the map indicates a collection of smaller pins in the area. When you click on a small pin,  you will find a short story about a memory usually with photos, or a video link, accompanied by a short written summary.

You can access stories in other ways besides through pins on the map. Just scroll down the Home page and you’ll see some of the recently posted stories. There are also a page of photos, a page of videos and a page with a list of stories, both written and video, which can be searched through key words.

Mapping our Memories is very much a work in progress. We welcome feedback, corrections, and  story ideas! We have a lot happening this year for the project. Read about our plans for printed collections of seniors’ stories and photos for Roncesvalles and Parkdale, which we also be adding to the website. We hope you’ll be interested in participating.

Hope you enjoy the website! Read more about our Mapping our Memories project here.

Writer an comedian Carolyn Bennett returns to Back Lane once again to offer her workshop for those interested in getting their memories down on paper for family, friends, and possibly a wider readership. A special emphasis will be placed on finding the funny in your memories. Carolyn will use themes as guides, with an emphasis on Toronto memories.

The workshop will be offered in a combination of in person and online sessions, Mondays at 7:00 pm starting Sept. 21 and running to Nov. 9.  The program will wind up with a public reading at Back Lane on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7:00. (In the photo, Carolyn emcees the public reading from her memoir-writing session early in the  year.)

The Fee: $200. Limit of 12 people in the class. Deadline to apply is Sept. 17. Email info@backlanestudios.ca if you’re interested. Click here for more info!

We have recently completed our Monday morning video-making workshops series, but we are continuing the Monday and Wednesday afternoon drop-in video-making sessions from 1:00-3:00 pm. We’re offering help for people continuing to work on their videos and for anyone who would like to start a new one. If you’re interested but haven’t attended one of our workshops, please come by. Email us — info@backlanestudios.ca — or give us a call 99 647-313-1654.

Videographer Cheryl Rondeau is our instructor. Cheryl has made many short videos, most recently about Inuit art and artists. Our summer employee Diogo Nobre is also helping with the workshops. 

The image above is of Fred James and his wife Margaret, who owned James Gardens, now a city park.  Margaret James was Doris Dunne’s great aunt. Doris’s daughter Maureen Chicorli put together a documentary about the Etobicoke landmark featuring her mom’s memories. Watch it here.  Sadly, Doris passed away in late 2025. We are so grateful to have her stories on video. 

The programs are free. Donations are welcome!