For our second CTMS Film Night this month, we present Suspended and the Art of Forgiveness, a documentary that follows artist Cliff Derksen and his family as they move toward closure in the decades-long saga since the murder of Cliff’s daughter Candace in 1984.

The screening will be followed by an opportunity for discussion with writer and director Andrew Wall.

More about Suspended and the Art of Forgiveness:

The story follows Winnipeg artist Cliff Derksen as he sculpts, paints and teaches art. For Cliff Derksen, along with wife Wilma and daughter Odia, life has been anything but normal during the last 31 years. Much of their work in ceramics, writing, painting and visual installation has reflected their pain in dealing with the murder of their daughter and sister Candace in 1984. Remaining a mystery for more than two decades, an unexpected arrest was made in 2008. Mark Grant, a complete stranger to the Derksens, but a well-known convicted felon, was tried and convicted.

In 2016 Mark Grant was granted a re-trial by the Supreme Court of Canada. A surprise that would bring the Derksen’s once again to the justice system, hoping to find more answers. But it would also highlight the unusual response the Derksen’s have shown to the man convicted of murdering their daughter, forgiveness.

For Cliff in particular, each period of this long painful journey – from tragedy and death to trial and conviction to now re-trial – also marks his development as an artist. Themes of anger and loss to suspicion and justice have allowed Cliff different ways to express himself and find an inner strength to find forgiveness. Now, years after the trial and with a trail of fascinating and wonderful works, Cliff has moved into not just creating but also teaching the joy of art.

This free, in-person event takes place on Tuesday, March 24, at 7:00 p.m. in EG Hall, which is located on the third floor of Centennial Hall at the University of Winnipeg.

Runtime: 59 minutes. Produced by Refuge 31 Films.