Join us for a screening of Mary and Molly, a 20-minute animated film directed by Donna Loring and David Camlin, based on Loring’s 2016 play. The film follows Mary, a young woman who discovers her Penobscot ancestry and connects with her ancestor Molly Molasses to explore identity, heritage, and belonging.

Zoom Link: https://maine.zoom.us/j/88653113842?pwd=8CWy0yps6yQHCW4a1OEaDkxm75I30o.1

A panel discussion will follow the screening featuring:

David Camlin, co-director/animator of “Mary and Molly,” independent documentary filmmaker and editor from Maine whose work explores stories of human connection and historical recovery. Inspired by the truth and reconciliation process, his films invite audiences to join conversations that challenge dominant narratives and interpretations of our shared history.

Donna Loring, co-director and creator of “Mary and Molly,” Penobscot Nation Tribal Elder, Vietnam War veteran, and former Tribal Representative to the Maine State Legislature, is an author, playwright, and nationally award-winning radio host. She is recognized for her decades-long leadership in advancing Wabanaki sovereignty, preserving Indigenous history, and advocating for justice.

Bunny McBride, writer/anthropologist, is an award-winning author and exhibit curator, whose work has focused on indigenous peoples, Native American women’s history, and nature conservation. Since 1981, she has worked on a range of issues and projects with Wabanaki peoples in Maine — including the Aroostook Band of Micmacs’ successful federal recognition effort. Her books concerning the Wabanaki include Women of the Dawn, Molly Spotted Elk: A Penobscot in Paris, Indians in Eden, Asticou’s Island Domain, From Indian Island to Omaha Beach: The D-Day Story of Charles Shay, Penobscot War Hero, and Our Lives in Our Hands: Micmac Indian Basketmakers, as well as dozens of articles and book chapters. Published in a wide array of national and international print media, she has also written about Chinese people in the aftermath of the communist Cultural Revolution, Tuareg camel nomads in the Sahara, Sami reindeer herders in arctic Scandinavia, and Maasai cattle herders in East Africa, as well as endangered species – from gorillas in Rwanda to lemurs in Madagascar, to whales in Maine’s coastal waters.

Darren Ranco (moderator), associate professor of Anthropology and chair of Native American Programs at the University of Maine and a citizen of the Penobscot Nation, specializing in Indigenous environmental diplomacy and research ethics. He has a Masters of Studies in Environmental Law from Vermont Law School and a Ph.D. in Social Anthropology from Harvard University.

Note: This film contains offensive language and references sexual assault. It may not be suitable for children.