BELFAST — Midcoast Maine Reparations Collective presents Lights, Camera, Educate, a 5-part film series that centers black history, celebrates artists of color, and raises money for Black land ownership in Maine. Viewing the films is free, but the organizers ask that guests bring a donation for the fundraiser if possible.

There will be a showing of the film 13th at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 29 at The First Church.

At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 5, the group will screen Hale County This Morning This Evening at the UU Church.

On Wednesday, February 9 at 6:30 p.m., the group will show If Beale Street Could Talk at The First Church.

At 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 16, there will be a showing of For Ahkeem at The UU Church.

The last film has yet to be announced, but will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 26 at The First Church.

The First Church is located at 8 Court Street, Belfast, ME 04915. The UU Church is located at 37 Miller St, Belfast, ME 04915.

After each film, the group invites attendees to stay for a brief discussion circle to share the emotions and observations you experienced in each film. This event is a fundraiser for the Rise and Shine Youth Retreat to fund Onederland Park, Maine’s only Black owned, led, and focused earth-based learning and healing center that directly caters to and meets the cultural needs of the BIPOC community in Maine and beyond.

Since 2014, Rise and Shine Youth Retreat has been fostering meaningful relationships between black people and nature through cooperative living, wellness retreats, residences, and outdoor exploration and celebration. Rise and Shine is currently fundraising $1.2 million for land acquisition.

Lights, Camera, Educate is sponsored by the following local Belfast businesses: The Belfast Co-Op, The Green Store, People Places Things and Old Professor’s Bookshop.

Due to COVID, masks will be required at each event. The events will require RSVPs as there is limited space available. Midcoast Maine Reparations Collective asks that everyone register on bit.ly/lightscameraeducate or call or text (207) 573-0678. To get involved with MMRC or to join their mailing list, email midcoast.maine.reparations@gmail.com.