MARTLET THE
UVIC LIFE
NewcampussecurityuniformsleaveUVic studentsguessing:IsitCSECorpolice? PG. 3
NEWS
'It's about time': UVic students reacttoTrudeau'sresignation. PG. 4
OPINION
Howtolockinandwinthisyear accordingtoyour2025astrology PG. 8
ASHLEY CIAMBRELLI CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Laughter and cheers shrilled through the air, echoing off the CARSA Performance Gym walls. It was December 1, and the Vikes Cheer Team were holding their first fundraiser showcase event of the school year. A younger generation of cheerleaders — hair adorned with comically oversized sparkling bows — lined the bleachers to watch their idols, the Vikes Cheer Team, take the stage.
The Vikes’ routine was the closing performance of the night, after the toddlers to teens from Island Elite Cheerleading had taken turns performing on the mats in the hours prior.
As the Vikes cheerleaders gathered front and centre, a hush fell over the room. The audience of young cheerleaders watched in awe as their uniformwearing, prop-turning idols
marched to the back right corner of the mats.
Charging onto the floor waving banners and poms, the Vikes began their chant — crisp syllable after syllable reverberating through the gym, huge smiles on their faces. When their musical track started, it was impossible to decide where to look. Flips, turns, and tosses exploded across the mats. During each stunt, another one was taking shape in the background. No second was wasted.
Little girls leaned forward in their chairs, eyes wide. Coaches held their breath. And, when the team struck their final showstopping human pyramid pose, a deafening wave of applause, whoops, and cheers rolled over the bleachers.
Not one pom had been dropped.
The cheerleaders’ smiles were no longer performative, but genuine. They’d rocked the floor, and they
were proud.
The UVic Vikes Cheer eam are provincial legends — undefeated in B.C. since 2017. But even with celebrity status and no shortage of accolades, they still operate as a recreational club at UVic, not a varsity team.
"The UVic Vikes Cheer Team are provincial legends"
The issue is national: Cheerleading still does not belong to U Sports — the governing body of Canadian university sports in Canada — so the Vikes have remained a club at UVic since the team’s inception,
despite being fierce competitors and committed student-athletes.
Vikes cheer has good reason to want to prove that competitive cheerleading is more than waving pom-poms from the sidelines of a football game — it combines agility, flexibility, strength, and fearlessness.
This year, with a roster full of rookies, significant changes to their routine, and a national competition on the horizon, the team is gearing up to reach new heights.
"YOU CAN'T WISH YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS"
Every practice begins with the team setting up a series of nine state-of-the-art cheerleading mats on the Performance Gym floor at the Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA) at UVic. As they warm up, a portable speaker system sits royally at the front of the mats,
pumping out high-energy tunes like “365” by Charli XCX, and “HOT TO GO!” by Chappell Roan, while one of the four team captains chooses the songs for their breaks.
The Vikes Cheer Team practices for over seven-and-ahalf hours each week. Captain Camryn Sartori says the practice regimen is hard, but everyone is “putting their time in.”
The beginning of practice involves a stretching warm-up, across-the-floor drills, and marking sections of the routine in groups. By the halfway point of a typical practice, the team is almost ready for a full-out runthrough of their routine. As the team gets water, Jia Curtis, an energetic back spot for the team, snatches a cordless microphone from the coach's portable speaker box.
Photo courtesy of Kate Bell.
TRIVIA
MUSIC BINGO
KARAOKE
THURSDAYS
"I feel
Local initiative seeks to map 1 000 rain gardens on southern Vancouver Island
ETHAN BARKLEY SENIOR STAFF WRITER
The Resilient Urban Systems & Habitat (RUSH) Initiative, a collaboration between different local organizations, is leading a project to map 1 000 rain gardens on southern Vancouver Island.
Rain gardens are a landscape feature that lies at a lower level than its surroundings, designed to deal with stormwater runoff from impermeable surfaces like concrete. Instead of channeling this water directly into a drain, rain gardens allow it to reach deeper into the earth, replenishing groundwater reserves and enabling them to gradually enter creeks and waterways.
These gardens are an example of green infrastructure, typically consisting of a rock or gravel bed and wetland plants that specialize in filtration, such as reeds, grasses, and sometimes bulrushes. They are deliberately constructed in areas where management of stormwater is an issue — for example, beside roads and parking lots.
They also filter chemicals like 6PPD-quinone, an antidegradant used in tires, as well as other pollutants like those in cigarette
butts out of stormwater runoff, preventing them from reaching the watershed where they can have a negative impact on fish and other aquatic life.
“[The] Victoria area and Oak Bay are all at risk of flooding because of a high degree of concrete — what’s called an impervious surface. The more impervious surfaces you have, the more you need rain gardens,”
said Anne-Marie Daniel, Partner, Innovation at NatuR&D — the company that started the RUSH Initiative.
The initiative itself is a collaboration between many different organizations, including Peninsula Streams Society, the Friends of Bowker Creek Society, and the UVic Map Shop. Rain gardens look like a depressed
garden bed, typically with rocks and vegetation. Daniel said that many can be found near the Hillside Shopping Centre and Victoria International Airport, and that they are often included in new housing developments.
For the 1 000 Rain Gardens Project, the RUSH Initiative is encouraging schools in the southern Vancouver Island region to find rain gardens and map them on the RUSH website.
Victoria Drains is sponsoring the project by paying for pizza parties for any class that maps 20 or more rain gardens.
By mapping the rain gardens, the RUSH Initiative hopes to promote “rapid resilience in record time” by ensuring that community members have access to information about existing green infrastructure in their area, and highlighting areas where more gardens are needed.
“As I was doing all this volunteering … I didn't have the information I needed to know what we could do around climate change, because I couldn't get a sense of … what was needed,” said Daniel.
“We want to use the maps to motivate connected action so that people can observe, measure, and repeat actions that reliably result in
resilience to climate change and in securing long term health.”
Daniel told the Martlet that users can enter their address on the RUSH Initiative’s website and find out whether their area is at risk for flooding, heat, or rising sea levels. That way, individuals can take action to build rain gardens and other green infrastructure in areas where they are needed. “We’re all about [solutions],” she said.
While mapping rain gardens is the current project, Daniel told the Martlet that RUSH plans to map more kinds of green infrastructure and community supports — including canopy coverage, food infrastructure, storm drains, safe bus stops, and public water fountains — as well as public and inclusive washrooms.
“[That’s] not so much about green infrastructure, but rather out of support for human dignity and everybody's ability to access a drink or facilities as they need them,” she said.
The 1 000 Rain Gardens Project is ongoing, and more information can be found on RUSH’s website and NatuR&D’s instagram page.
Photo courtesy of Abigail Lalond.
Flying under the radar
ASHLEY CIAMBRELLI CONTRIBUTING WRITER
the CARSA Performance Gym walls. It was Dec. 1, and showcase event of the school year. A younger generation of cheerleaders — hair adorned with comically oversized sparkling bows — lined the bleachers to watch their idols, the Vikes Cheer Team, take the stage.
The Vikes’ routine was the closing performance of the night, after the toddlers to teens from Island Elite Cheerleading had taken turns performing on the mats in the hours prior.
As the Vikes cheerleaders gathered front and centre, a hush fell over the room. The audience of young cheerleaders watched in awe as their uniform-wearing, prop-turning idols marched to the back right corner of the mats.
GoVikesGo!
poms, the Vikes began their chant — crisp syllable after syllable reverberating through the gym, huge smiles on their faces. When their musical track started, it was impossible to decide where to look. Flips, turns, and tosses exploded across the mats. During each stunt, another one was taking shape in the background. No second was wasted. Little girls leaned forward in their chairs, eyes wide. Coaches held their breath. And,
stopping human pyramid pose, a deafening wave of applause, whoops, and cheers rolled over the bleachers. Not one pom had been dropped. The cheerleaders’ smiles were no longer performative, but genuine. They’d
The UVic Vikes Cheer Team are provincial legends — undefeated in B.C. since 2017. But even with celebrity status and no shortage of accolades, they still operate as a recreational club at UVic, not a varsity
The issue is national: Cheerleading still does not belong to U Sports — the governing body of Canadian university sports in Canada — so the Vikes have remained a club at UVic since the team’s inception, despite being fierce competitors and committed student-athletes.
that competitive cheerleading is more than waving pom-poms from the sidelines of a football game —it
changes to their routine, and a national competition on the horizon, the team is gearing up to reach new heights.
the team gets water, Jia Curtis, an energetic back spot for the team, snatches a cordless microphone from the coach's portable speaker box.
while the Pitch Perfect the speakers. Mishan Sheere and the team’s other head coach, Kate Bell, laugh, saying, “Jia obviously not shy-a,” before turning back to their notes.
most of the team is springing around the mats. They’re ready to give the next run their all.
Teammates lunge for their pom-poms, signs, and
joining the charge at the back of the mats, waiting in buzzing silence to begin.
Bell’s motto when it comes to drilling the routine is, “you can't wish your way to success.”
A collegiate competitive cheer routine contains an ensemble of stunting, tumbling, pyramid, and chant, and runs at about two and a half minutes. The team shouts out their counts throughout to keep their timing, chanting aggressively: “1—3—5—7, 1—3—5— 7, 1—3—5—7.”
This chorus bounces across the plastic bleachers of the CARSA Performance Gym until the team hits
At the end of each practice, the team stands in a circle, clapping four times symbolizing the team’s fourteen years of operation, before grunting and doing a rowing motion in honour of being a Vikes athlete.
Practices weren’t always so functional or wellorganized. Back in 2010, the team’s founding year, they practiced in the McKinnon Gym on three uneven mats that barely stuck together. Thanks to self-funding, fundraising events, and the strong community of alumni, the equipment and the team’s reputation has grown exponentially.
This strong network is partly thanks to the coaches, who’ve helped keep the sport alive at UVic despite
The head coaches of the team, Bell and Sheere, are also UVic alumni, and even tried out for the team
later, their love and dedication to the team remain. Bell says that her friendship with Sheere and her commitment to coaching the Vikes are “the one thing in [her] life that's been consistent for the past 14 years.”
Bell and Sheere are both volunteer coaches while also holding full-time jobs. While this presents obvious challenges, they’re committed to the team because it’s a passion, and a community they love to be part of.
Bell, recently married, had her honeymoon in November. She says she feels “so guilty though. I [had] to miss three practices.”
"YOU CAN'T WISH YOUR WAY TO
Every practice begins with the team setting up a series of nine state-of-the-art cheerleading mats on the Performance Gym floor at the Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA) at UVic. As they warm up, a portable speaker system sits royally at the front of the mats, pumping out high-energy tunes like “365” by Charli XCX, and “Hot to Go!” by Chappell Roan, one of the four team captains chooses
The Vikes Cheer team practices for over seven and a half hours each week. Captain Camryn Sartori says the practice regimen is hard, but everyone is “putting
The beginning of practice involves
marking sections of the routine in groups. By the halfway point of a typical practice, the team is almost ready for a full-out run-through of their routine. As
“We're so lucky that they do it,” says Captain Anika Mistry, a lively base for the team, emphasizing how important strong role models as coaches are in women-dominated sports. “They’re such great people
Coach Sheere also runs the first competitive cheerleading gym in Victoria — Island Elite Cheerleading — which she opened with Bell in 2015.
simple blue long-sleeve shirts with black gym shorts. A few years ago, Bell redesigned the uniforms to give the team a professional edge with a coordinated skirt and long-sleeve top in white and royal blue colours with matching coloured bows. Now, at competitions, the athletes feel the prestige — and the pressure — that comes from being a Vikes athlete.
“We always joke we feel famous sometimes, because little kids or random people will come up to you … just because you're a Vikes cheerleader,” says Sartori.
Sartori, who grew up on the mainland, says that as a high schooler she’d always dreamt of being a Vikes cheerleader.
“I didn't choose UVic solely glad I did,” she says. Mistry, who’s been on the a similar story. there,’” she said.
“I FEEL LIKE AN OLD ALREADY”
Cheer is, surprisingly, one contact sports when it comes The combined skills and stunts leave little room for physical risks — cheer demands that matches its high-stakes
As Captain Beth Maddison on top of people.” In an environment coordination and serious necessary to be a competitive Mistry says, “I feel like people lot of athleticism.”
Although Bell and Sheere accreditation a cheer coach are inevitable when such dangerous performed.
“It's not like you reach a Maddison says.
Despite the lack of awareness cheerleading, the sport has the mid 1980s in Canada, Later, in 2004, both the International and Cheer Canada were founded. been within the past few 2000s — that competitive collegiate in both popularity and volume. newness, the sport is still being safety rules are ever-changing, athletes on their toes.
“There's a lot of moving Bell says. “One person out someone falling, or a stunt they’ve fallen previously when Instead, they throw their the pressure isn’t just to avoid satisfy the crowd.
thrown into the air, says, on yourself for the stunt to up there. You're the one that's Due to the high risk involved
baskets’ where people could It's a very very real reality.”
Currently, if a serious injury at CARSA, the coaches use necessary, call campus security club status means they don’t clinic just down the hall. Unfortunately, as a recreational injuries (big or small) at practice mean the team is encouraged physiotherapy clinics, or the on campus.
When Maddison received went to the CARSA sports was denied concussion testing. receive rehabilitation services to reliable medical care.
Recognition as a varsity team access to critical resources like which would help to ensure well-being.
Beyond acute injuries, athletes takes on their bodies day-to-day.
“I feel like an old woman
solely for cheer, but I'm so the team for three years, has
OLD WOMAN
one of the more dangerous comes to serious injuries. trust required to execute error. And it’s not just the demands a mental toughness high-stakes environment.
Maddison says, “We stack people environment like this, group serious athleticism are both competitive cheerleader. people don't understand the
Sheere both have the highest coach can have in B.C., injuries dangerous stunts are being
maximum point and then
awareness for competitive actually been around since Canada, starting in Nova Scotia.
International Cheer Union founded. However, it’s really decades — since the mid collegiate cheer has exploded volume. Due to this relative being molded, so skills and ever-changing, keeping coaches and parts in a cheer routine,” out of place could result in stunt failing.”
when performing a stunt. bodies full force into the
avoid falling — it’s also to
“you put a lot of pressure hit because you're the one that's seen by the crowd.” involved in cheerleading, Bell
could end up [seriously injured].
reality.” injury occurs during practice use their first aid and, if security for assistance, as their don’t have access to the sports
recreational sports club, any practice or at competitions encouraged to go to the hospital, the general walk-in clinic
received a hit to the head, she clinic where she says she testing. The team cannot services either, creating barriers
team would grant the team like the sports clinic services, ensure the athletes’ safety and athletes feel the toll cheer day-to-day. already,” says Mistry. “The
whole time I'm sitting in class, I'm having a hard time focusing because my back hurts.” A reliable and game-changer.
However, cheer isn’t all work — it is also a way for team members to relieve stress and practice a sport they love. When school becomes overwhelming for Sartori, she says, “I have [cheer]. I can put all my positive energy into this.”
Despite this, cheerleading at the collegiate level takes its toll, too. Bell remembers her days cheering at UVic as being “so busy that you can't even think straight.”
Now, over a decade later, not much has changed — the athletes, like many of their peers who play other sports while balancing a full course load at UVic, still struggle with time management between sport commitments, school, and the other intangibles of university life.
In cheer, funds are critical — going towards upgrading uniforms, paying competition fees, covering travel costs, buying new equipment, and more. Part of the cheer team’s semesterly duties go towards fundraising events, which are necessary to keep the additional hours, which the team could’ve otherwise used to practice or rest.
operations, but it also comes with some perks. The team doesn’t have to pay rent for practice spaces, which would otherwise cost them thousands of dollars, and they receive around $1 000 annually to help cover expenses.
Little funding also means athletes often pay outof-pocket for travel expenses, competition fees and uniform cleanings.
“WE’RE CAPABLE OF SO MUCH MORE”
Outside of performing on the sidelines of varsity sports games, the team currently lacks an outlet to show their skills in the broader UVic community.
With their styled hair, makeup and pretty costumes, it’s hard for the cheerleaders to be taken seriously as athletes, rather than being seen as a supporting act.
According to Mistry, what UVic sees of the Cheer Ceam is their safe, game-day material, not their competitive routine.
“We're capable of so much more, but we don't have
Not only is the team the reigning provincial champ for seven years running, in the past ten years the Vikes cheerleaders have taken home three provincial titles,
hungry for varsity status, but the path to getting there is long and winding.
Nicole Greengoe, Executive Director of Wellness, Recreation and Athletics at UVic said in an emailed statement that “introducing a new varsity program is not a black-and-white matter.”
And grey it is. Sheere told the Martlet that this issue is “way beyond just one university.”
varsity sport, cheer would have to belong to U Sports. And, in order to be considered, a number of hoops must be jumped through, including the following: every province must recognize cheer as a sport from
Sport Organization (NSO) — with a national championship.
“IT’LL BE ANYONE’S
GAME”
The official cheer competition season starts in January, with one competition in B.C., before the big leagues in Brampton, Ontario take place in February. Recently, the Vikes team welcomed a new male
experience, shows up to practice with a smile and a pledge to learn and be a part of the community.
than a higher testosterone count. Having a male cheerleader means that Vikes Cheer now only slightly impact their routine, but will also change the division they compete in at nationals.
This season, the pressure will be on, as 18 out of 26 members are rookies. With many new feet on the mat, it’s up in the air whether
In just under a month, the Vikes cheer team will attend the Power Cheerleading Athletics (PCA) Cheer Canada Collegiate Nationals competition
previously organized by an independent event producer, is being run for the second time this year under Cheer Canada — newly minted as a National Sport Organization — which Sheere says makes it a “true collegiate nationals," and brings cheer one step closer to recognition from U Sports Canada.
The PCA marks a stark growth for Canadian collegiate teams to compete coast-to-coast, exclusively with each other, but the rules have changed slightly, too. This year, the tumbling routine is weighed more than the Vikes are used to, with the chant portion making up only 35 per cent of their score. This puts the odds against them, as the chant was always one of their top skills. Now, the competition requires only one chant performance, compared to two of the tumbling routine.
“We don't know exactly how it's gonna pan out. It'll be anyone's game,” says Bell.
Vikes Cheer will compete in the Premier division — the highest level. Mistry is optimistic, saying, “I still think we can hold our own,” despite never having competed against some of the East Coast teams before — and never in the co-ed division. All four captains are excited and nervous to see how this competition will round out.
an athlete is feeling, they know that, once they’re on the mats, they have the support of the people around them to lift them up physically and mentally — and catch them when they fall.
Maddison says, “even though you might not be close with everybody, you know they're going to be there for you.” Bell encourages the athletes to cherish this time because they can only compete at a collegiate
old,” she adds.
After graduation, most current Vikes cheerleaders will also inevitably retire. Some will coach cheerleading or join Victoria’s all-star Worlds team at Island Elite, which is open for all ages. Some will maintain their legacy by giving donations that the team desperately needs.
But for now, the Vikes Cheer Team has a competition to win. By channeling their provincial winning streak into their work at nationals, the team hopes to prove their worth as competitive athletes — and make strides toward one day, hopefully, gaining varsity recognition from U Sports.
Go Vikes Go!
If you woke up Jan. 1 already feeling nauseous, irritated, or completely over it, the Martlet has found the culprit: astrology. Or maybe it was just your New Year's hangover? Either way, 2025 astrology can give us insight on not only how to survive this year, but how to blossom with the cosmos.
2025 starts off with a cosmic fistfight between Jupiter and Saturn from January to March. Jupiter — which rules growth — is in Gemini, favouring expansion through quick wit, considerate communication, and multi-tasking. Saturn, on the other hand, is responsible for discipline and tradition, and has been in Pisces since 2023. As Pisces is the oldest of the Zodiac signs, you can expect full-circle endings to
outdated structures in your life.
As these two planets stare each other down, the need for growth will be in direct conflict with traditional structures. Publicly, this may manifest in political unrest, as old structures refuse to go without a fight. Personally, you may find old demons you thought you’d dealt with rearing their ugly heads.
To get the most out of these tough transits, embrace Jupiter’s expansive energy, and continue to clear out the old and welcome the new. While instability may cause an activated nervous system, understand that this turbulence is the shake-up we need to shed stubborn Saturn’s skin.
Additionally, we will be experiencing a Mars retrograde, which began in December last year and will end on Feb. 23, 2025. Mars — the ruler of passion, aggressions and movement — has been
backsliding, leaving our impulse control in the dust. Retrogrades, which occur when a planet is moving backwards, are a time to reflect on yourself and the past. Mars is retrograding back to its position from September 2024, so you may find themes or people you encountered during that time returning. Reflect on what lessons you learned — or didn’t — during that time, and get friendly with the skeletons in your closet. They might just hold valuable wisdom that leads the charge forward once Mars goes direct.
March 15 greets us with the first Mercury retrograde of 2025, which will last until April 7. Mercury, the planet of communication and travel, will be retrograding into Pisces briefly to put the final nail in the coffin of outdated patterns. Expect travel delays, miscommunications,
and technological glitches. Put effort into intentionally listening instead of talking.
March will feature two eclipses: a Lunar eclipse in Virgo, followed two weeks later by a Solar eclipse in Aries. A Lunar eclipse in Virgo will illuminate where an obsession with control might be holding you back, making you feel isolated from your loved ones. The Solar eclipse in Aries will then follow, revealing the consequences of unchecked impulsivity and immaturity. Focus on yourself and avoid projecting these feelings onto others. Recognize that relationships are mirrors, and a true sense of control comes from a radical acceptance of who we authentically are.
January to March 2025 is a hailstorm of astrological events, but by June the planets stabilize significantly for the rest of the year. The intense battle of old versus new will dissipate over time. Come summer, expect to see drastic changes in the public consciousness that favour a new age.
Pluto, the ruler of transformation, entered its next 20-year stint in Aquarius in November last year, bringing a massive shift from an individualistic Capricorn mindset to community-oriented thinking. As the humanitarian of the Zodiac signs, Aquarius asks us to think of ourselves as part of a greater whole,
and take action by communing with others. Previously, Pluto in Aquarius has brought the American, Haitian, French, and Industrial revolutions. Notable transits for the rest of the year are two additional Mercury retrogrades, happening from July 18 to Aug. 11, and Nov. 9 to 29. September brings double trouble with both a Lunar eclipse in Pisces and a Solar eclipse in Virgo. This Lunar eclipse may bring your attention to places in your life where you are lacking balance. Observe what narratives are ruling your wellbeing, and discern which are helpful or harmful. The Solar eclipse will ask you to confront avoidance in your life. Take accountability by sitting with uncomfortable situations or feelings.
Astrologists claim that 2021-2030 mirrors the astrology of the 1940s50s, a deeply influential time in restructuring our societal values. As you encounter the chaos of life this year, ponder your core values and envision what you want the future to be.
A new age is here, and it’s up to each of us to decide what to take forward, and what is best left behind.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Take a sneak peek at the lineup for February's Victoria Film Festival
BRIANNA BOCK VOLUNTEER STAFF WRITER
ETHAN BARKLEY SENIOR STAFF WRITER
Next month brings the Victoria Film Festival (VFF), where exciting new films from around the world will be shown in local theatres. The Martlet will be covering the event, but if you want to see for yourself what the 2025 VFF has in store, enjoy this preview of some exciting new films that will be showing in Victoria next month!
FILMS BY INDIGENOUS FILMMAKERS
This year’s VFF boasts a number of exciting films by Indigenous filmmakers, including Moloka’i Bound, Red, White & Brass, The Stand, and Sweet Summer Pow Wow
These films are directed by Darrell Dennis, whose feature debut, The Great Salish Heist , released last year.
Those interested may also want to check out Forbid den Music , a documentary about the professional relationship between Kwakwaka’wakw Chief Mungo Martin and ethnomusicologist Dr. Ida Halpern as well as Fairy Creek , which offers “an intimate look behind the scenes of the
protest, capturing the relentless struggle of the activists.”
MUSIC AT VFF 2025
The VFF is showcasing a number of movies about music this year, including: Ari’s Theme, Gloria!, Paul Anka: His Way, Soundtrack to a
Absolutely True Story, It’s All Gonna Break, Blue Rodeo - Lost Together, Forbidden Music, Midas Man, and (s)Kids
A special event on February 16, Ari’s Theme , will feature a live performance of the film’s score (composed by Ari Kinarthy) at the Alix Goolden Performance Hall, performed by Victoria Conservatory students and faculty, who also feature in the film.
FILMS AT CINECENTA
VFF is also showing a number of films at UVic’s on-campus movie screening at Cinecenta are available on its website, but a few standouts are The Penguin Lessons, Gloria!, Really Happy Someday, and Incandescence
DOCUMENTARY FILMS
number of exciting and important documentaries, exploring a range of issues. These include the ecological impact of the clothing industry, the theft of Indigenous masks by Surrealist artists in the mid-twentieth century, and the destruction of homes and communities in the West Bank.
If these topics intrigue you,
check out Dust to Dust, So Surreal: Behind the Masks, or No Other Land.
The Festival also has options for cheap tickets. They offer student rush tickets, which are six dollars for ages 19–30 with student ID. They can only be purchased at the venue, ten minutes before the screening. The Student All Panels Pass, which is $20, includes access to the Panels + Industry Lounge — for ages 19–30 with student ID.
A list of all films being screened can be found on the VFF website.
Meet the artists performing at UVic's International Guitar Night Professional musicians diversify the world of acousitc guitar at Farquhar Theatre
COOPER ANDERSON
SENIOR STAFF EDITOR
On Jan. 29, the North American tour of Brian Gore’s “International Guitar Night” (IGN) will showcase talent from around the world at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium.
Rising stars in guitar from Britain, Germany, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will perform from 7 p.m. onwards. Watch Lulo Reinhardt — an IGN favourite — and three other skilled guitarists demonstrate innovative ways to play in a variety of genres, pushing the boundaries of guitar technique and style.
The event is organized by American musician Brian Gore, who was an instrumental guitar player for many years before founding the International Guitar Night event in 1995. While running this event, he’s made a distinct transition from instrumental guitar to singer-songwriter music, and just called Seek the Love You’re Yearning under the artist name Brian Gore Guitar Poet in 2024.
Gore emphasizes the importance of sharing music with his community in a Youtube video from International Guitar Night 2014, where he performs on stage himself. In the video, he says: “Music-making was important to me starting as a teenager. It's something that I used to help me get in touch with how I thought and felt about the world,
and it’s important for me now, because it’s a way to reach out to other people.”
Today, IGN tours feature solos, duets, and quartets from a small group of talented guitar players hand-selected from across the world, with the intention of highlighting diversity and boundary-pushing talent in the world of acoustic guitar.
Meet some of the performers from the 2025 North American Tour:
LULO REINHARDT
Lulo Reinhardt is the grand-nephew of Django Reinhardt, the legendary European Sinti jazz musician. Lulo plays Latin Swing music, which he describes as “Gypsy Swing” music with Latin rhythms. A consistent and well-loved performer at IGN, Lulo Reinhardt’s goal is to make Sinti and Roma culture accessible to a wider audience.
ALEXANDRA WHITTINGHAM
Alexandra Whittingham is a classical guitarist from Britain with extensive training and experience. She has played at the Cayman Islands Arts Festival, Texas’ South by Southwest Festival, and the Rome Guitar Expo, and has an upcoming tour across Ireland with trumpeter Matilda Lloyd in April 2025.
NIWEL TSUMBU
Niwel Tsumbu’s music has been described as a “global fusion,” combining components of classical, jazz, rock, folk, rumba, and Congolese percussive style. He lives in Ireland, and has previously performed with Sinéad O’Connor, but he’s also collaborated with Cuban ensemble Buena Vista Social Club, as well as with Rhiannon Giddens and Francesco Turrisi,
with whom he created the Grammywinning record You’re the One.
SÖNKE MEINEN
Sönke Meinen is a contemporary fingerstyle guitarist from Germany who claims to create a unique concert experience with only a guitar and a barstool. His new “duo album” with guitar artist Reentko Dirks, Tales of
Winter, was released in November, and features reimaginings of childhood winter songs.
General admission is $47 if bought at the door, but note that there are also “student rush” tickets available for ten
Comics by Monty Pear (@theMontyPear on Instagram).
Illustration by Sage Blackwell.
FUN STUFF
Yearly Introspection
Visithttps://pondscumgames.blogspot.comformorepuzzleslikethisone!
ACROSS 1. "Come __ __!"
5. Goth actress
8. Protects a shirt from a messy meal 11. Egg layers 13. Sushi topper
15. Possess
16. ___ Jima, volcanic Japanese island
18. Outdated braille alphabet, abbr.
22. Actor Cage, familiarly 24. "Give me the ____ of it"... or a clue to 11-, 14-, 40-, and 46- across 30. Contains a synonym for itself inside of it
32. Young Michael Jackson's hairstyle 33. Remain of a party, usually
39. Used for chopping 40. Final resting place 45. "Scram!"
Percentage
48. Gives the go ahead
Messy type
DOWN 1. Rolling paper brand
3. Blurb about an author
4. Top Yu-Gi-Oh competition, in short
5. Cat's sound
7. One parent of a mule
8. A raised one suggests surprise
9. Des Moines is its capital
10. Not straight
12. "Thick of it" singer and Prime co-founder
18. Horned creature
19. Constricting snake
20. Barbara __, Beach Boys hit
23. Looking for, in text speak
25. BCAA in the states
26. Complex in Houston that is the home of the Astrodome
27. Roblox Sound
Go, abbr.
33. Three visited Jesus
34. Leave
35. Groups of reps at the gym
38. Tic __ Toe
40. A company's top money overseer
41. Luxury Cadillac car
43. Barnyard sound
