The Canadian Labour International Film Festival (CLiFF) is a chance for workers to showcase their struggles, lives, successes and working conditions. Activists have an easier time than ever accessing cameras and editing software that allows them to tell their own stories but finding a place to show these narratives is becoming increasingly difficult. CLiFF doesn't just show films, but it also encourages workers to make their own.

From unionized workers abroad to un-unionized workers in Canada, CLiFF screens the stories of youth activists, trade union members, educators, artists, allies and other workers. The festival is hosted in 50 communities across Canada.

Graffiti is a meaningful form of artistic protest that can reach a populous audience who might not otherwise be aware of an issue. But when your issue is the environment, using chemical spray paints as a medium can defeat the message. For many activists, sustainable street art is the answer.

Moss art

To make moss art, get a blender set up and ready to go. Pour 700ml of lukewarm water into the blender, then Crumble three handfuls of moss (can be found between the cracks in pavement, on drainpipe covers, urban backyards, anywhere it's damp and shady) in the water.

The Rukus society has produced this graphical guide to making balloon banners that will take your message to the higher ups. The guide is intended to help activists coordinate a screen or fabric banner suspended by two weather balloons. For different sized banners, the same principles apply but the preparation, cost, timeline and amount of gear should be adjusted.

What kind of banner you make depends on its purpose: is it for an outdoor rally or inside protest, do you need it to last or can it be disposable? Banners have to clearly communicate a message. Whether you're painting a banner to attract media attention or designing something just to be political, this guide will help you make the best banner possible.

It will cover:

What is your message
What materials you need
How to make it
How to carry it

Messaging

M60: Montreal 60 Second Film Festival

Presents "CHANCE"

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Théâtre Rialto, 5723 avenue du Parc 7:30 pm / $8

Montreal's shortest film festival is back for its fourth year, presenting more than 70 one-minute movies on the theme of CHANCE.

On July 13, the only chance for Montreal's filmmakers to sign up for the city's fourth annual festival of one-minute films. M60, the Montreal 60 Second Film Festival, has no judges, no jury, no prizes and no submission fees. It accepts filmmakers on a first-come, first-served basis, welcoming amateurs and professionals alike. But there's only one way to take part - by registering at our party on July 13. Once filmmakers have registered, they will learn the (top secret!) theme of this year's festival - and have one month to complete their movies.