Film Screening: Michèle Stephenson's True North

In celebration of Mois de l’histoire des Noirs (Black History Month), the Alliance is honored to partner with the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago and the Quebec Government Office for a screening of Haitian-Panamanian filmmaker Michèle Stephenson’s 2025 documentary True North.

Stephenson’s moving documentary centers on the 1969 Sir George Williams affair protests against systemic racism at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec, when a group of Haitian-Canadian students occupied a ninth-floor computer lab. By turns searing and galvanizing, True North furthers the director’s ongoing investigation into the Black experience throughout the Americas and the historical pressures that shape it. Alternating between intimate interviews with those who lived through the protests and startling archival footage—including powerful statements from activist and future Dominica Prime Minister Rosie Douglas—True North is a moving tribute to the valiant young people who dared to stand up for their rights and forged an impactful contribution to the story of Black liberation.

Guests will enjoy complimentary Québecois beer and maple treats (just in time for the temps des sucres!) before the screening.

Doors at 6:00 p.m. for a complimentary beer reception. Program at 6:30. Please enter via 54 W Chicago Ave. Non-alcoholic options will be available.

About the Filmmaker

Michèle Stephenson is a documentary filmmaker who was born in Haiti and now lives in Brooklyn. With Joe Brewster, she’s directed documentary shorts including The Changing Same (18) and Black Girls Play: The Story of Hand Games (23) and the features American Promise (13) and Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project (23). Her solo directorial efforts include the feature Stateless (20). True North (25) is her latest film.

Get Here

The Alliance Franaise de Chicago is one block from the CTA Red line stop at Chicago Ave. Best bus routes are the 22 on Clark and the 66 on Chicago Ave. A Divvy station is located in front of the 54 W Chicago Ave entrance.

Parking Information

$12 for 12 hours at InterPark at 100 W Chestnut St. Validation is available at reception.

Please be advised that students, members, and attendees at cultural events or programs may be photographed, and these images may be used for marketing purposes.