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A college-led initiative blending literature and sustainability, Trinity Reads concluded its fall term on November 22 with a screening of Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke (1997) at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), followed by a discussion with University of Toronto alumna and author Zalika Reid-Benta. The event underscored the interconnectedness of environmental stewardship, cultural identity, and the role of youth in shaping a sustainable future.
Bridging Climate Action and Cinematic Storytelling
The evening began with a pre-screening discussion facilitated by Rafia Salam of Skills for Change’s Youth Climate Action Initiative. Representatives Sunita Lall, Kiethan Theva, and Abdishakur Aligure emphasized the importance of framing sustainability as “innovative, creative, and inspiring,” reflecting a shift in perspective among younger generations. The Toronto-based group ignited a conversation about the vital connection between land and the role of Toronto’s youth in addressing the ongoing climate crisis.
This dialogue served as a powerful prelude to Princess Mononoke, a film deeply rooted in Japanese mythology, history, and a reverence for nature. The film’s narrative, following an exiled prince and a girl raised by animal spirits, explores the consequences of disrespecting the land and its protectors. As one character poignantly stated, “You cannot alter your fate. However, you can rise to meet it if you so choose.” The film’s metaphorical depth encourages viewers to contemplate the challenges of the current climate crisis and our collective preparedness to confront them.
Exploring Diasporic Identity and Land Connection Through Literature
Following the screening, attendees moved to TIFF’s upper-floor lounge for a mixer and author talk featuring Reid-Benta, whose novel River Mumma is among five shortlisted books championed by Trinity Reads throughout the year. The discussion, hosted by Trinity’s Director of Literary Programming Leanne Toshiko Simpson and Trinity Reads student organizer Adaora Olisa, centered on Reid-Benta’s exploration of Alicia, a young Black woman navigating cultural identity and her connection to a Jamaican water deity in Toronto.
Reid-Benta articulated a crucial link between spirituality, ancestral connection, and the land itself. “There is no way to write about spirituality and connection to your ancestors and not write about your connection to the land,” she explained, emphasizing the unique spiritual and cultural ties held by immigrant and diasporic communities to both their ancestral homelands and their adopted land in Toronto. These themes resonated strongly with the environmental and cultural concerns at the heart of Princess Mononoke, highlighting the core values of Trinity Reads and its commitment to land, community, and creative innovation.
Looking Ahead to the Trinity Reads Panel and Bookfair
Reid-Benta’s talk represents the second event featuring a shortlisted author, building momentum toward the Trinity Reads panel and bookfair scheduled for the evening of January 29 in Seeley Hall. As a college-led initiative, the Trinity Reads Campaign is poised to continue fostering a vibrant campus community through engaging, sustainable, and mindful events in the new year.
Photo Credit: Scott Dion.
