Dear Jackie
Doxa Film Festival 2022
Jackie Robinson broke the colour barrier when he joined the Montreal Royals in 1946, becoming the first Black professional baseball player. Montreal (and Canada) hung their hat on this claim-to-fame for decades — undeservedly.
The film illustrates how people in Montreal like to think they are not racist or are less racist than others. However through the many heart-wrenching firsthand account interviews, the facts say otherwise.
Ivan Livingstone, a retired teacher and former star athlete himself, shares his stories of racism that he has experienced in Canada. He is an endearing older gentleman that deserves a documentary all to his own. Pat Dillon-Moore, a radio host, talks eloquently and directly about police racism.
Charlene Hunte of the Union United Church food bank of Montreal, also shares her own painful experiences. The Church, which is located in the famous Little Burgundy (Montreal’s historically Black neighbourhood) is a place where Jackie Robinson himself once frequented.
It’s through these Black voices — expressed truthfully, articulately, with dignity, and from the heart — that Canadians can learn the true history of their country. — Charlie Smith of the Georgia Straight
Written and directed by Henri Pardo, Dear Jackie presents an important and often neglected issue of racism forward in spite of the historic badge that Montreal and Canadians like to flaunt. Racism is still an issue. Racism still continues today. We must be aware for change to occur. Thank you Henri and CatBird Productions for bringing this to light.
