Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival marks its 20th anniversary edition with the world premiere of DANM
The Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival (TTFF/26) will open its landmark 20th anniversary edition on Tuesday 22 September with the world premiere of DANM, a psychological horror written and directed by T&T’s Teneille Newallo.
The opening night gala begins at 6pm with a cocktail reception at the Central Bank Auditorium, followed by the premiere screening and Q&A with director Teneille Newallo from 7pm. The evening continues with an after-party at Island Beer Chill & Grill from 10pm.
Set on Divali, the darkest night of the year, DANM follows Crystal, a grieving Trinidadian mother who returns to a former plantation – now a museum – to uncover the truth behind her late mother’s research into their family history. Her search for answers spirals into a terrifying fight for survival as she is trapped inside the estate with her estranged family and haunted by a presence that preys on her deepest wounds.
Inspired by Trinidad and Tobago’s folklore and history, DANM reimagines the legend of La Diablesse as a chilling meditation on motherhood, identity, and inherited trauma. Written, directed, produced, and led by Caribbean women, the film blends supernatural suspense with cultural history to tell a haunting story about the enduring power of the past and the price of the secrets we inherit.
Festival Director Mariel Brown said, “Teneille has been participating in TTFF since the earliest days of the festival, so to see her growth as a screenwriter and director is a great source of pride. We’re so excited to screen her feature directorial debut on the opening night of our 20th anniversary edition.”
DANM screenwriter and director Teneille Newallo said, “Since the beginning of my filmmaking career, it has been a dream of mine to have one of my films selected as the opening night gala presentation at TTFF. To be given that opportunity for the festival’s 20th anniversary fills me with immense pride and excitement. It is an honour to showcase our one hundred percent Trinbagonian cast and share a story that is authentically Caribbean with audiences. I am deeply grateful that DANM is part of this historic milestone.”
Opening the festival’s 20th anniversary edition, DANM sets the tone for a milestone year celebrating two decades of Caribbean storytelling.
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW VIA Island E Tickets
🐣 Save 20% with our early bird price – $192 – through 26.08.2026
🎟 Regular price $240
💃🏽 Dress code: In the spirit of La Diablesse – white, black and a hit of red!
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