The Kiln Project is a dance film created collaboratively between dance artist Shion Skye Carter, filmmaker Brenda Kent Colina, and musician Prince Shima, filmed at a late-19th century Japanese charcoal pit kiln on Galiano Island, BC. Shion dances in and around the charcoal kiln, echoing the cylindrical shape of the performance space with her movement, using a choreographic score that embodies the natural elements of traditional Japanese binchotan charcoal: wood, fire/industry, and water. Through movement, image, and sound, this film honours the history of Japanese-Canadian communities and charcoal artisanship on Galiano Island, forging connections between the past and present.

We filmed this project at a charcoal pit kiln, one remnant of the Japanese-Canadian community that existed on the traditional, unceded territories of the Penelakut, Lamalcha, Hwlitsum, and other Hul’qumi’num-speaking peoples, and the ceded territories of the Tsawwassen First Nation (also known as Galiano Island, BC). We are grateful to have been guests on this land.

Special thanks to Steve Nemtin for his guidance through the charcoal pit kiln site, and for sharing all of his knowledge with us. This project was created in partnership with LEÑA Artist Residency & Research Centre, supported by Dance West Network’s PIVOT Digital Collaborations, and presented by Active/Passive Performance Society.

August 26, 2023
Japanese Cultural Fair, Victoria BC (film screening)

July 5-16, 2022
Dancing on the Edge Festival, Vancouver BC (online film screening)