Ninth Floor ( 2015 )

Ninth Floor (2015): A Descent into Chaos and Systemic Failure

Ninth Floor, a 2015 documentary directed by Mina Shum, is a harrowing and deeply unsettling examination of the Sir George Williams University affair of 1969. More than just a recounting of a historical event, the film serves as a powerful indictment of systemic racism, institutional negligence, and the devastating consequences of unchecked power dynamics. Through archival footage, interviews with key figures, and a nuanced narrative approach, Shum masterfully reconstructs the events leading up to the infamous incident, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about Canadian society and the ongoing struggle for racial justice.

Historical Context: A Time of Turmoil

To fully appreciate the impact of Ninth Floor, it’s essential to understand the broader social and political climate of the late 1960s. The Civil Rights Movement in the United States was at its peak, influencing similar movements for racial equality worldwide. Black Power ideologies were gaining traction, challenging traditional approaches to integration and demanding self-determination. Canada, while often perceived as more tolerant than its southern neighbor, was not immune to these racial tensions. Black students in Canadian universities, often isolated and facing subtle but persistent forms of discrimination, began to organize and demand change. This context is crucial to understanding the motivations and frustrations that fueled the events at Sir George Williams University.

The Incident: A Reconstructed Timeline

The core of Ninth Floor revolves around the protest at Sir George Williams University, now Concordia University. The conflict stemmed from allegations of racial bias against Perry Anderson, a black lecturer in the biology department. Students, predominantly from the Caribbean, accused Anderson of consistently grading black students unfairly, exhibiting prejudice, and creating a hostile learning environment. After repeated attempts to address these concerns through official channels failed, students resorted to a sit-in on the ninth floor of the university's computer center. What began as a peaceful protest quickly escalated into a chaotic confrontation, culminating in a fire that caused significant damage and led to multiple arrests.

The film meticulously pieces together the timeline of events:

Key Figures: Voices of Experience

Ninth Floor derives its power from the direct accounts of individuals who were intimately involved in the events. The film features interviews with former student protesters, university administrators, lawyers, and historians, each offering their perspective on what transpired. These voices provide a multifaceted understanding of the complexities of the situation, challenging simplistic narratives and revealing the deep-seated tensions that fueled the conflict.

Themes and Interpretations: A Deeper Dive

Ninth Floor is more than just a historical recounting; it’s a film that explores several crucial themes:

• Systemic Racism: The film argues that the events at Sir George Williams University were not isolated incidents but rather a symptom of deeply ingrained systemic racism within Canadian institutions. The students' frustrations stemmed from a lack of representation, a feeling of marginalization, and a perception that their concerns were not being taken seriously. The university's initial response, or lack thereof, further exacerbated the situation.
• The Power of Collective Action: The sit-in was an act of collective resistance, a desperate attempt by students to force the university to address their grievances. The film highlights the power of collective action in challenging injustice, while also acknowledging the potential risks and consequences associated with such actions.
• The Fragility of Peaceful Protest: What began as a peaceful sit-in quickly spiraled out of control, highlighting the fragility of peaceful protest when confronted with systemic resistance and the potential for violence. The film raises questions about the role of the police and the media in escalating the situation.
• The Burden of Proof: One of the central debates surrounding the Sir George Williams University affair concerns the burden of proof. The students accused Anderson of racial bias, but the university demanded concrete evidence. The film explores the challenges of proving racial discrimination, which is often subtle and difficult to quantify.
• The Role of the Media: The media played a significant role in shaping public perception of the events. The film critiques the media's portrayal of the students as violent and irrational, arguing that this biased coverage contributed to the negative backlash they faced.
• Institutional Betrayal: The film powerfully illustrates how the university, an institution supposedly dedicated to education and justice, failed its students. The lack of support, the dismissive attitude towards their complaints, and the eventual police intervention are all portrayed as acts of institutional betrayal.

Documentary Techniques: Shaping the Narrative

Mina Shum employs a variety of documentary techniques to effectively tell the story of the Ninth Floor incident. These techniques contribute significantly to the film's emotional impact and its ability to engage viewers on a deeper level:

Reception and Legacy: A Lasting Impact

Ninth Floor was widely praised upon its release for its insightful exploration of a controversial and often overlooked chapter in Canadian history. Critics lauded Shum's nuanced approach, her commitment to presenting multiple perspectives, and her ability to connect the events of 1969 to contemporary issues of racial justice. The film won several awards and has been used as an educational tool in universities and community organizations. It prompted renewed discussions about systemic racism in Canada and the importance of addressing historical injustices.

The film's legacy extends beyond its critical acclaim. It serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to marginalized voices, challenging systemic inequalities, and holding institutions accountable for their actions. The events depicted in Ninth Floor resonate with ongoing struggles for racial justice around the world, underscoring the enduring relevance of the film's message.

Conclusion: A Necessary Conversation

Ninth Floor is not an easy film to watch. It confronts viewers with uncomfortable truths about the history of racism in Canada and the ways in which institutions can perpetuate inequality. However, it is precisely this willingness to grapple with difficult issues that makes the film so important. By meticulously reconstructing the events of the Sir George Williams University affair, Mina Shum has created a powerful and timely documentary that demands a re-examination of Canadian history and a renewed commitment to racial justice. The film challenges us to learn from the past, to confront our own biases, and to work towards a more equitable future for all.