Carnival: They Can’t steal our Joy

In the 18th century, enslaved Africans on an Island in the Caribbean revolted to fight for their freedom by using their forbidden cultural rituals and folklores, that creative resistance movement is the current day , “Caribbean Carnival”. During the rebellion, there was a Massacre of many ex-enslaved people, but they fought back with Joy. Carnival: – You Can’t Steal Our Joy, follows the personal journey of an Africa-Canadian Filmmaker (Ian Mark K). Ian has been wondering why so many Caribbean and African diasporas find bundles of joy in celebrating carnival year after year and it’s for all ages in the black community. On his journey, Ian discovers the little-unknown history embedded in Carnival, how the traditional rituals were kept alive even under the years of enslavement and instead of choosing deadly weapons to fight back, they used their bodies, dance, drums, and music to quest for their liberation. Told through the voices and perspectives of those who keep the tradition alive, make it happen, in this film we witness a celebration of resistance and freedom. Filmed in five countries, this film brings the conversation home of how the Caribbean carnival has spread in over 85 cities worldwide and reveals why it is culturally and economically relevant today as it was when created, 200 years ago.

Film page: Carnival: They Can’t steal our Joy