Students celebrated in the community

The Quinte Arts Council (QAC) hosted its 3rd annual Docs, Dinner & Drinks event in April 2024, a sold out celebration that brought together the community to appreciate the art of documentary filmmaking. This year’s event, held at The QAC Cultural Hub, was a testament to the creativity and dedication of students from Loyalist College’s Film, Television, and Digital Content Creation program.

The evening began with a busy reception at The QAC Cultural Hub, where attendees were greeted with drinks provided by Meyer’s Creek Brewing Company. The guests for this gathering were welcomed by the board chair Brit Johnston who set a warm and inviting tone for the night, allowing guests to mingle and connect in a relaxed atmosphere. 

The highlight of the evening was the screening of documentary films entirely produced by Loyalist College students.These films offered a unique perspective on the community, showcasing the world through the eyes of the students. The documentaries were presented at Theatre in the Wings, a venue that provided an intimate setting for the audience to fully immerse themselves in the stories being told.

Among the featured documentaries were “Cutting Rhythm,” “Melted Together,” “Skating to Success,” and “Zamboni Driven.” Each film highlighted different aspects of life and community, reflecting the diverse interests and talents of the student filmmakers. The audience was captivated by the depth and quality of the films, which demonstrated the students’ ability to convey powerful narratives through their work.

The evening concluded with a dinner celebration at Dinkel’s Restaurant, where attendees had the opportunity to further discuss the films and forge meaningful connections. This dinner was not only a celebration of the students’ achievements but also a chance to recognize the importance of collaboration and artistic expression within the community.

The event was generously sponsored by Loyalist College, whose support was instrumental in making the evening a success. Special thanks were extended to Mark Kirkpatrick, President of the College, and Marian Henson for their unwavering support. Additionally, the presence of several key individuals from Loyalist College added to the event. These included Sandra Dupret, SVP Students; Jennifer Maracle, Executive Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Reconciliation; Karen Baldwin, Dean – Media, Business, and Access; Brittany Munro, Acting Associate Dean, Media and Access; and Kristin and Katherine from the Loyalist College’s Indigenous Centre, Tsi Titewaya’taró:roks.

The success of the event was also due to the efforts of Rick Moulton and Paul Papadopolous, who played crucial roles in organizing and coordinating the evening. 

The 3rd annual Docs, Dinner & Drinks event was a resounding success, highlighting the talent and creativity of Loyalist College students while fostering a sense of community and collaboration. The Quinte Arts Council looks forward to continuing this tradition and supporting the arts in the years to come.