The Kiln Project

The Kiln Project is a dance film created collaboratively between BC-based artists 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.

This project was filmed 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.

Creative direction, performance: Shion Skye Carter

Film, video editing: Brenda Kent Colina

Music: Prince Shima

This project is 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.

July 7-16, 2022

Dancing on the Edge Festival, Vancouver, BC

March 19, 2022

Garden City Electronic Music Society, Galiano Island, BC

Dec 10, 2021
Online premiere, presented by Active/Passive Performance Society

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Photography: Dayna Szyndrowski