Steadfast: The Messenger and the Message premiere at the National Gallery of Canada
By Olivia Barrett
The National Gallery of Canada was buzzing with excitement as guests gathered at the Ottawa premiere of Steadfast: The Messenger and the Message on October 5, 2022.
The film previously had two screenings in Toronto, where Jean Augustine began both her life in Canada and her political career as a Member of Parliament for the Etobicoke-Lakeshore ward. Fahim Hamid Ali, the director of Steadfast, said, “Ottawa was obviously very important,” for hosting a premiere, as Augustine spend numerous years involved in Parliament.
Before the film began, regional RBC president Marjolaine Hudon, interim National Gallery director Angela Cassie, and host Fred Sherman gave speeches honouring Augustine’s accomplishments and the amazing work of the creative team behind the film.
As the film closed, it was met with a standing ovation for both Augustine and the film. Ali made a speech thanking everyone for attending and reminding the audience of Augustine’s lasting impact on Canada.
During his speech, Ali commented on working with Augustine for three years on this project and how grateful he was to work with such an inspirational figure to all Canadians.
“Jean’s story is our story,” Ali said.
After his closing speech, guests were invited to the atrium for the reception, where they were surprised with an appearance from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, escorted in by Augustine.
Augustine introduced Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and honoured his attendance at the event. She said, “it is important for us to have him here at this, not because he was a star in the movie, but because of his commitment to diversity, to equity, to inclusion.” Augustine praised Trudeau, as he “[ensures] that Canada is the kind of country, … that each and every one of us can reach our full potential; regardless of where our start was.”
Trudeau commended Augustine for her leadership and strength, among many other qualities. He talked about how Augustine’s story is a “classic Canadian immigrant story,” but that there is no one quite like Augustine.
“No matter how many times it is repeated, there is only one first Black woman elected to parliament,” Trudeau said.
Guests took photos with Trudeau and Augustine, and they were able to talk to her about her career as the event came to a close.
Steadfast: The Messenger and the Message’s next premiere will be in November in St. George, Grenada as an homage to Augustine’s roots.
Watch the video
Dr Jean Augustine and the Rt Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada – YouTube
Olivia Barrett is a Bachelors of Journalism and Humanities student at Carleton University. Her interests include photography and poetry which she uses to explore social justice issues and other intriguing fields. She also loves learning about history and ancient religions. Olivia writes on social issues, well-being, and out of curiosity.