Fri 24 Sept, 1.00pm-3.00pm (est) location: online via Zoom tickets: free of charge; early registration required presented in partnership with the US Embassy, Port of Spain
Filmmakers tend to spend most of their time focusing on “film as a visual medium” but it’s just as important to remember that a powerful score can help to inspire the emotions that the creator wants their audience to experience. Incorporating this layer of storytelling into a film ultimately results in a more impactful outcome. In this open forum, audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions of veteran composer, Miriam Cutler. This is intended to be an introductory, general overview of the process of creating meaningful stories through music.
miriam cutler
Three-time Emmy-nominated composer Miriam Cutler is passionate about documentaries. Her career has encompassed work for HBO, CNN, PBS, Sundance, Emmy and Oscar-nominated films such as “Flannery”, “Dilemma of Desire”, “Not Carol”, “RBG”, “Love Gilda”, “The Hunting Ground”, “American Promise”, “Lost in La Mancha”, “Ghosts of Abu Ghraib” and many others films.
Cutler is a lab advisor for the Sundance Documentary Composer Lab, and a doc juror for Sundance, AFI, Spirit and the IDA Awards. She is a consultant who has led workshops for CNN, the International Documentary Association, Concordia and Global Media Makers. Cutler has presented workshops in Iceland, Vienna, Spain, Tbilisi/Georgia, Malaysia, Germany and at various universities, including USC, UCLA, Chapman College and Loyola Marymount. She is part of the Motion Picture Academy documentary branch and an executive committee member. She has served on the boards of the Society of Composers and Lyricists and is the co-founder of the Alliance for Women Film Composers.
announcing the ttff/21 industry line-up
trinidad+tobago film festival is proud to announce the industry programme for this year’s edition! Award-winning filmmakers and creative minds from across the globe will highlight this year’s festival, providing knowledge and insights throughout numerous masterclasses, workshops, presentations, panels and talks. This year we will also include a special Info Session and a new discussion series entitled, Ask the Veterans, an open, all-access pass to drill experienced film industry professionals on all aspects of their work.
Online industry events will be free and live-streamed via the ttff Facebook page, YouTube channel and also the festival website. For workshops and masterclasses that will take place via Zoom, tickets must be paid for in full and in advance, and Zoom links will be sent in advance of event commencement. To buy tickets, scroll down to the events below for specific ticket links. They can also be purchased via bank transfer or in person at our office at 22 Jerningham Ave.
Please email Teneille at admin@filmco.org to register for any of the industry sessions, whether free or ticketed.
If you purchase three or more industry events simultaneously, you will be entitled to a discount of 30% off the total ticket price! *Note: this discount is not for FILMCO members, filmmakers with a film in the festival or students.
FILMCO members, filmmakers with a film in this year’s festival and students with valid photo IDs can receive a 50% discount on all workshops and paid masterclasses!
Fri 24 Sept, 1.00pm-3.00pm (est) location: online via Zoom tickets: free of charge; early registration required presented in partnership with the US Embassy, Port of Spain
Filmmakers tend to spend most of their time focusing on “film as a visual medium” but it’s just as important to remember that a powerful score can help to inspire the emotions that the creator wants their audience to experience. Incorporating this layer of storytelling into a film ultimately results in a more impactful outcome. In this open forum, audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions of veteran composer, Miriam Cutler. This is intended to be an introductory, general overview of the process of creating meaningful stories through music. Email us at admin@filmco.org to book your place.
ask the veteran: producer/ publicist, Kathleen McInnis
Mon 27 Sept, 3.00pm-4.30pm (est) location: online via Zoom tickets: free of charge; early registration required presented in partnership with the US Embassy, Port of Spain
In this open forum, audience members will be given the In recent years, film festivals have become the go-to exhibition stop for independent filmmakers, many of whom would struggle to find distribution and audiences otherwise. But, with so many film festivals all over the world, and with clear hierarchies in the festival circuit, choosing which ones you should send your film to, and in what order, needs to be considered as part of an overarching strategy that can guide your decision making as you seek to release your film. In this open forum, audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions of veteran producer, Kathleen McInnis. This is intended to be an introductory, general overview, in which Kathleen will explain the importance of planning your festival strategy from the script development stages of a project. Email us at admin@filmco.org to book your place in this open class.
directing the Caribbean narrative feature with José María Cabral
Wed 22, Thurs 23, Fri 24 Sept, 1.00pm-2.30pm (est) location: online via Zoom tickets: TT$900/ US$13; early registration required brought to you with the support of FilmTT
Directing is an art, one that requires many skills. How does one direct and craft an enduring narrative, as a Caribbean filmmaker? An authentic Caribbean story that explores universal themes can be impactful to a global audience, but what is the most efficient way to tell it? Having a clear vision of the film you want to make, confidence in your voice as a storyteller and a thorough understanding of universal themes that will resonate with global audiences are all vital to telling a memorable story.
In this three-part masterclass, Dominican José María Cabral, director of “Jaque Mate” (“Checkmate”) and “Carpinteros” (“Woodpeckers”), will take participants through the art and process of directing, from the perspective of a Caribbean storyteller working in the Caribbean space. He will delve into topics such as knowing your voice and how to develop your style as a director; understanding the stories you want to tell; evaluating a script; production design; cinematography; using the resources you have; collaborating with your team; and working with actors.
*Eligibility: participants must be practising filmmakers of narrative films (note: this is not an introductory course). **Payment plans are available for this masterclass. Email Teneille at admin@filmco.org for more info.
Non-fiction filmmakers know that the documentary is often made in the editing room. Documentary editors are one of the key members of the non-fiction filmmaking team and are regarded as co-auteurs of many films, sometimes sharing credit with the director. With an abundance of visual and audio material, how does an editor go about constructing a documentary that will lead to a strong and memorable film? In this two-part masterclass on documentary editing, renowned film editor, Carla Gutierrez – whose films include “RBG”, “Pray Away” and “When Two Worlds Collide” – will discuss creative approaches to documentary editing. She will explore the subject of structure, which can be challenging for filmmakers working in the documentary genre, as well as other key elements of documentary storytelling.
*Eligibility: participants must be practising filmmakers or editors of documentary films (note: this is not an introductory course). Click here to buy your ticket.
music + meaning: telling your story through musicwith composer, Miriam Cutler
Sat 25, Sun 26 Sept, 1.00–3.00 p.m. (est) location: online via Zoom tickets: free of charge; early registration required presented in partnership with the US Embassy, Port of Spain
While film is often considered “a visual medium”, an audience’s emotional connection to the world and story of the film can be deeply enriched by a well-executed film score and soundtrack. Understanding just how music can make an impact on audiences is an essential part of creating a memorable film.
In this two-part masterclass, composer Miriam Cutler will guide participants through the process of creating meaningful stories through music, by referencing video/film material submitted by selected participants. Filmmakers and composers will submit 1–2 minute clips of their own work, to use as case studies for discussion and learning.
This is a free masterclass, open to both documentary and narrative filmmakers and television producers. Email us at admin@filmco.org to submit your work and book your place in both sessions. Deadline for application is Friday 4 September.
*Eligibility: participants must be practising filmmakers or composers for documentary or narrative films and television (note: this is not an introductory course).**Pre-requisite requirements: participants must submit 1–2 minute video clips of their own edited or composed work in film or television.
designing your film festival strategywith producer/ publicist,Kathleen McInnis
Tues 28 Sept, 3.00pm-4.30pm (est) location: online via Zoom tickets: free of charge; early registration required presented in partnership with the US Embassy, Port of Spain
As any independent filmmaker knows, endless time and effort are dedicated to the pre-production, production and post-production stages of any film project. However, a crucial stage of the process which is often overlooked is designing your film festival strategy.
In this masterclass, producer Kathleen McInnis will explain the importance of planning your festival strategy from the script development stages of a project. She will give participants insight into the international festival circuit and explain how filmmakers can strategically use festivals to achieve their goals, even in this pandemic landscape. Out of the projects selected to participate, two will be chosen as case studies.
This is a free masterclass, open to both documentary and narrative filmmakers. Email us at admin@filmco.org to submit your work and book your place. Deadline for applications is Friday 4 September.
See Kathleen’s bio in the Ask the Veterans section.
*Eligibility: must be a practising filmmaker of either documentary or narrative films (note: this is not an introductory course).**Pre-requisite requirements: participants must submit a logline and synopsis or treatment for a current film project in development, production or post-production.
Being an entrepreneurial filmmaker is tough. When it comes to raising funds for a micro- or low-budget short or feature, creatives use multiple different methods but most aren’t exactly sure of the best way to get their film made while sustaining a career in the industry. Our facilitator, Pip Piper, has extensive experience as a professional indie filmmaker. He has come up with innovative ways to create and execute films of substance; and has continued to do so throughout the years. This two-part workshop will explore the key components every entrepreneurial filmmaker needs to create a sustainable, professional life. It will look at building positive working partnerships and networks locally, regionally, and in time, internationally; and how to develop highly creative projects that have a clear path to an audience. This workshop is intended to be informative and interactive.
As all screenwriters know, there is no easy path to breaking into the film and TV industry. While there are many talented writers across the globe, what usually sets the successful apart is insider knowledge and endless hard work. Knowing and utilising the many different paths to ‘breaking in’ can give a screenwriter the edge needed to actually create a sustainable career, whether you’re from the Caribbean or anywhere else. Screenwriter/actress, Kyra Jones, has a wealth of information to share with motivated screenwriters who would like to take their careers to the next level. After winning multiple competitions over the last few years, she has secured herself representation by the well-regarded Echo Lake Entertainment and has recently been staffed on two TV shows. In this workshop, Kyra will share her wealth of experience, focusing on the fundamentals required to win a screenwriting or pitch competition, insight into what readers and judges may look for, and essential strategies for submitting to festivals.
Fri 24 Sept, 5.00–7.00 p.m. (est) location: online via Zoom tickets: TT$300/ US$45, early registration required
Seasoned narrative filmmakers know the tremendous amount of value a talented production designer adds to the team. These creatives may not be as well known as directors, producers and writers but the role a production designer fills is essential to a well-produced film. But what exactly does a production designer do? And could it possibly be another career option for artists? In this two-hour workshop, production designer Alexis Johnston-Benamou will break down exactly what it takes to fill this leading role. She will touch on topics such as dissecting a script; collaborating with the director to understand their vision and inspiration; creating a visual language environment and gathering inspiration (a mood board); constructing a team; interdepartmental cohesion and creating a complete environment; and working within specific expectations.
Filmmaking is a complex, collaborative undertaking. It involves many different layers of rights that relate to different elements of production, all of which need to be licenced, documented and transferred for a producer to claim ownership of a film. Having creative rights to literary or artistic work is necessary if you aim to prevent others from using your work without permission. In this one-hour presentation, lawyer Cindy F. Daniel will answer important questions about why copyright is important to filmmakers; how copyright permissions impact budget and how filmmakers can protect and enforce copyright. She will also provide case studies on copyright conflict in film and television.
Distribution is a key element of filmmaking, providing an avenue for films to be seen by an audience and to earn revenue. In today’s ever-changing industry, it’s important for filmmakers and producers alike to stay up to date with the latest opportunities. FILMCO currently distributes upwards of 150 film and television titles and has brokered deals with regional and international companies such as TTT, ShortsTV and PAVILION+, not to mention having launched their own platform, FILMCO2GO, in February 2021. In this presentation, FILMCO’s interim executive director and co-founder, Mariel Brown, will delve into the distribution workings of FILMCO, discuss distribution in the online space, deliverables and promotional materials, as well as answering questions from filmmakers about the opportunities and options in today’s film distribution landscape.
Sound: what would a film or TV series be without it? It’s the narrative element that moves audiences and transports them to another world. Yet until you work with a sound recordist, it’s difficult to fully appreciate the intricacies of this craft. In this live online event, veteran sound recordist Cedric Smart will teach participants about successful sound recording. Smart will go through topics and areas such as hybrid pre-production, equipment knowledge, kit basics, budget, working with the sound department and production. Participants will have the opportunity to pose questions during the presentation and benefit from Smart’s extensive knowledge and experience.
How is the term Intellectual Property applicable to music? When it comes to legalese, do you know the difference between protected music and music in the public domain? How about the difference between using an original musical score, pre-existing musical compositions, or sound recordings? Among the plethora of details, a filmmaker must remember when producing a film, legal requirements for music licensing have proven to be one of the more tricky areas for local producers to grasp. There are various types of music licences used in film production, and in this one-hour presentation, IP Specialist Fabien Alfonso will clarify the details of music clearances in film and further highlight the adverse effects of not obtaining such clearances.
In the digital age, and especially during pandemic times, creatives are increasingly looking for simpler ways to earn revenue in the online space and to minimise time spent doing mundane yet necessary tasks. Republic Bank Ltd’s new digital banking platform can provide the solutions you need as a creative to operate your business more efficiently. In this one-hour session, a team member from Republic Bank Ltd will explain the new digital banking solutions: Republic Online and Republic Mobile. The presenter will touch on multiple features, including the easily accessible third party transfers to local and international banks, Cardless Cash and ENDCASH.
There are many reasons productions choose to shoot their films in Trinidad and Tobago, but one of the most beneficial elements of filming in T&T is the Production Expenditure Rebate Programme, offered by the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (FilmTT). This programme can save producers money by offering significant “cash back” percentages to both local and international producers. In this one-hour session, FilmTT’s facilitation officer, Regina Seabrun, will explain the different rebate programme tiers; which types of productions qualify; which production expenses qualify; how to calculate rebates; how to apply for the rebate and everything in between.
Visual artist, filmmaker and curator, Zak Ové has built a career around a visual iconography that is both recognisably Caribbean and seems at home in a variety of international spaces. Elder son of filmmaker Horace Ové, Zak is also actively involved in documenting and preserving his father’s legacy. In this ttff talk, art writer and educator, Marsha Pearce, and cultural activist, Atillah Springer will delve into Ové’s creative practice as well as his role in preserving his father’s substantial legacy.
Three-time Emmy-nominated Canadian filmmaker and artist Michèle Stephenson draws on her Panamanian and Haitian roots to tell stories. In this in-depth discussion, we will plumb her mission to elucidate the experiences of marginalised communities of colour, and explore her creative routes to creating compelling films.
the Caribbean gaze: authenticity versus universality Wed 22 Sept, 5.00pm-6.30pm (est) location: Facebook Live, YouTube Live, ttfilmfestival.com tickets: free moderator: Mariel Brown panellists: Asha Lovelace, Gabrielle Blackwood, Ian Harnarine, Justine Henzell Please click here to view the panellists.
Creating a unique and authentic story that connects with audiences across the globe is a challenge for any filmmaker. If your desire is to produce an original yet honest film you must develop a new and interesting world and, at the same time, tell a story that your and other cultures can relate to and that feels authentic. Panellists from across the region will go in-depth in this 90-minute discussion on how to remain authentic in your work as a Caribbean storyteller while creating material that resonates with an international audience.
Understanding the creative side of producing a great film is not always enough to ensure success. Investors need to feel confident in the filmmaker’s ability to return a profit. Understanding the business side of filmmaking is a valuable asset when approaching investors for your film. This knowledge can also help to secure you a continued career in the industry. This 90-minute discussion will address both the filmmaker and the investor’s point of view on “risk in filmmaking”. The experienced panel will give insights from these different perspectives on how successful filmmakers turn investments into profit and explain why it’s so important to take the risk and invest.
Because of our multicultural history, the Caribbean has evolved to become a region overflowing with diversity and creativity. While there are similarities between the nations, each country has its own uniquely expressed culture and entanglement of traditions and practices brought by different settlers, whether free, enslaved or indentured. We can be protective of the artistic forms and practices that we’ve developed over the years because they tell a story of our roots, evolution and possible future. But, given that we are a region built on “appropriation”, whether forced or organic, can we argue against cultural appropriation? In this 90-minute conversation, journalist Franka Philip will delve into the effects of cultural appropriation across the Caribbean while giving her own insight into the topic.
For almost all of its history, men have dominated the film and TV industry. The representation of women on screen and behind the scenes is a direct corollary of that domination. But the global MeToo movement has brought these inequalities into sharp focus. This notwithstanding, the famed Bechdel test is still consistently failed, as women are presented through the lens of the male gaze. In this 90-minute session, panellists will take an in-depth look into the problematics of the ubiquitous male gaze in contemporary and Caribbean cinema; they’ll discuss how this shapes societal perception and the possible routes to transformation.
ttff/21 panels are brought to you with the support of Shell Trinidad and Tobago Ltd
Get to Know Composer Dominique Le Gendre
“Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes… There is no Force, dinosaurs do not walk the Earth, we do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe.”
Director Steven Spielberg describes his long time collaborator, composer John Williams
Music is one of those intangible things that can transform how audiences interpret and experience a film. In this way, film score composers are like conductors, directing the way that audiences feel and extracting emotion. Join us for our next ttff talk, when we’ll be sitting down for an intimate and wide-ranging discussion on creativity, inspiration, and finding the right note, with composerDominique Le Gendre.
When: 1pm AST, 21 April 2021 Where: Facebook Live @ttfilmfestival
Dominique Le Gendre composed and produced music for all 38 Shakespeare plays for the audio collection, The Complete Arkangel Shakespeare. Her musical trajectory spans performance, musical direction, teaching, curation, producing music events and compositions for theatre, dance, art installations, film, television and radio drama for BBC Radio. She is a former Associate Artist of the Royal Opera House, her chamber music and operas have been commissioned and performed by numerous ensembles including the Royal Opera House Soloists, Philharmonia Orchestra, Manning Camerata, Tête-a-tête Opera, Ibis Ensemble, Metamorphosis Dance and Natalia Dopwell. Her musical-theatre work, Jab Molassie with libretto by Bassist Caitlyn Kamminga was produced by Calabash Foundation for the Arts, premiering at the Little Carib Theatre. Dominique trained as a classical guitarist in Paris with Ramon de Herrera while composing music for experimental films and assisting Haitian filmmaker Elsie Haas on her documentary La Ronde des Vaudou. She is the artistic director of the UK arts charity StrongBack Productions.
ttff talks is geared towards inspiring and motivating film and television practitioners in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean, by creating a forum for in-depth and wide-ranging one-on-one conversations about the art and creativity, business, joys and challenges of working in the film and television industry.
And the ttff/20 Winners are…
trinidad+tobago film festival announced ten winning films across its two award categories (jury prizes and special awards) at our virtual awards ceremony held on Monday 14 September on Facebook Live. The juries comprised several international film industry professionals, and films selected for the juried competitions were rigorously discussed, dissected and unanimously agreed upon by the festival’s programmers before being selected for competition.
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM
Coast Land, directed by Alexander Arjoon Our Own House, directed by Vanessa Bergonzoli, Jeremy Kaplan and Tyler Robinson Atordoado, Eu Permaneço Atento / Stunned, I Remain Alert, directed by Henrique Amud and Lucas H. Rossi dos Santos The Onyx Butterfly, directed by. Yasmin Evering-Kerr Unbroken, directed by Gabrielle Blackwood
WINNER: Unbroken, directed by Gabrielle Blackwood
BEST DOCUMENTARY MED LENGTH FILM
I Don’t Call it Ghetto, directed by. Miquel Galofré No Island Like Home, directed by Giulio Gobbetti and Jan Stöckel Men sa lanmè di (Thus Spoke the Sea), directed by Arnold Antonin
WINNER:I Don’t Call it Ghetto, directed by. Miquel Galofré
BEST NARRATIVE SHORT FILM
Irma, directed Lisa Cruz Mortenol, directed by Julien Silloray Ma dame au Camélia (My Lady of the Camellia), directed by Édouard Montoute Ici C’est Paris (Paris Is Here), directed by Léa Magnien and Quentin Chantrel Pure Service, directed by Reyda Gay Yellow Girl and Me, directed by Isabella Issa Timoun Aw (Your Kid), directed by Nelson Foix
HONOURABLE MENTION: Irma, directed by Lisa Cruz WINNER: Mortenol, directed by Julien Silloray
BEST NARRATIVE MEDIUM LENGTH FILM
Get Free!, directed by Akkel Charles Mightier dan de Sun, directed by Trevon Christopher Jugmohan Zeen?, directed by Calyx Passailaigue
HONOURABLE MENTION: Get Free!, directed by Akkel Charles WINNER: Zeen?, directed by Calyx Passailaigue
BEST NEW MEDIA WORK
Murciélago (Bat), directed by Claudia Claremi Centella (Firefly), directed by Claudia Claremi Looking for ‘Looking for Langston’, directed by Ada M. Patterson The Whole World is Turning, directed by Ada M. Patterson
WINNER:Centella (Firefly), directed by Claudia Claremi
BEST STUDENT FILM
Carmencita, directed by Nayibe Tavares-Abel Endless Love, directed by Duda Gambogi Carne e Casca (Meat and Shell), directed by Dani Drumond La Pieza de Casseus (The Raging Dance of Casseus), directed by Camilo Mejía Waiting In Strange Times, directed by Kristof West Wicket, directed by Harsh Khurana
HONOURABLE MENTION: Carmencita, directed by Nayibe Tavares-Abel WINNER: La Pieza de Casseus (The Raging Dance of Casseus), directed by Camilo Mejía
BEST FILM AS DECIDED BY A YOUTH JURY
Avatara, directed by Nadav Harel Choosing Destiny, directed by Angelo Berkeley and Shemaiah Trotman Isla Serena, directed by Leonel González K.I.N.G, directed by Rashad Frett Mortenol, directed by Julien Silloray Yellow Girl and Me, directed by Isabella Issa
WINNER: Mortenol, directed by Julien Silloray
BEST TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO FILM
Get Free!, directed by Akkel Charles I Don’t Call it Ghetto, directed by Miquel Galofré Mightier dan de Sun, directed by Trevon Christopher Jugmohan Waiting In Strange Times, directed by Kristof West
WINNER:I Don’t Call it Ghetto, directed by Miquel Galofré
BEST DOCUMENTARY, FEATURE LENGTH
501 Not Out, directed by Sam Lockyer A media voz (In a Whisper), directed by Patricia Pérez Fernández and Heidi Hassan Servidão (Servitude), directed by Renato Barbieri Stateless, directed by Michèle Stephenson
WINNER: Servidão (Servitude), directed by Renato Barbieri
BEST NARRATIVE, FEATURE LENGTH
La Imagen del Tiempo (Timeless Havana), directed by Jeissy Trompiz Malpaso, directed by Héctor M Valdez
WINNER: Malpaso, directed by Héctor M Valdez
Congratulations to all the winners!
meet the ttff/20 juries
This year, the ttff will award ten juried prizes. Films in juried competitions are rigorously discussed and dissected before being selected by the ttff/20 programming team, and must be unanimously agreed by the three programmers. The shortlist of films in competition is sent on to the various juries, who then watch and deliberate on all the films before coming to a final agreement. The best Trinidad & Tobago film will be decided based on the aggregated results of the combined juries.
We’re honoured to present this year’s jury members.
narrative jury
Ian Harnarine Ian Harnarine earned his MFA from NYU’s Graduate Film School. His film “Doubles With Slight Pepper” won a Genie Award for best live-action short drama from the Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television, along with the 2011 Best Canadian Short Film Award at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). It was screened out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival. His work for “Sesame Street” was nominated for an Emmy. Harnarine was one of Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 New Faces of Independent Film” and has been profiled in the New York Times.
Jaie Laplante Jaie Laplante has led Miami Dade College’s Miami Film Festival as executive director and director of programming for the past decade, overseeing the Festival’s international growth and influence. Additionally, he is the director of MDC’s Tower Theater Miami, the highest-grossing year-round art cinema in South Florida. In 2018, Laplante received the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Isabel la Católica from Felipe VI, King of Spain, for his career work in the exploration of contemporary Spanish and Spanish-language cinema in the state of Florida.
Robert Maylor Rob Maylor is the CEO and founder of Mental Telepathy Pictures. The company’s first production “Sprinter,” directed by Storm Saulter, won three awards at the 2018 American Black Film Festival (Best Feature, Audience Award and Best Director) as well as awards from around the globe; Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith were executive producers. Rob began his career working with the late powerhouse attorney Johnnie Cochran and went on to hold Hollywood industry positions at United Talent Agency, Mark Burnett’s One Three Media and Mark Cuban’s Magnolia Pictures. He received his formal training at Princeton, William & Mary Law School, and the University of Southern California’s Peter Stark Producing Program, where he received a MA in Fine Arts.
documentary jury
Leslie Fields-Cruz Leslie Fields-Cruz is the executive director of Black Public Media, and the executive producer of the award-winning series “AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange”. Leslie serves on the board of directors for New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) and New Era Creative Space, a local community arts center in Peekskill, NY.
Shola Lynch Shola Lynch is a Peabody and Emmy award-winning filmmaker, and a 2016 member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. She makes films about audacious women – and in particular black women. She is best known for her documentaries, “Chisholm ’72: Unbought & Unbossed” (2004) and “Free Angela & All Political Prisoners” (2012). She is currently working on her first scripted film and the lead character is, of course, a woman. Lynch is also the curator of the Moving Image & Recorded Sound Division archive at the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
Chris Metzler Since graduating from USC with a degree in business and cinema, Chris Metzler’s film career has taken him from the depths of agency work, to coordinating post-production for awful American movies seen late at night in Belgium. His filmmaking work has resulted in him criss-crossing the country with the aid of caffeinated beverages and creating award-winning documentaries such as “Plagues & Pleasures on the Salton Sea”, “Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone” and, most recently, “Rodents of Unusual Size”. Metzler also serves as the associate director of programming for the all documentary film festival, SF DocFest, in San Francisco, California.
new media jury
David Gumbs David Gumbs is an award-winning interdisciplinary artist from Saint Martin, based in Martinique. Recent works include the Currents New Media digital festival in Santa Fe, and the touring exhibition “Relational Undercurrents”, a major survey of Latin American and Caribbean Art, in the United States.
O’Neil Lawrence Chief curator at the National Gallery of Jamaica, Lawrence has curated over 35 exhibitions including the critically-acclaimed “Seven Women Artists” (2015), “Masculinities” (2015), “I Shall Return Again” (2018) and “Beyond Fashion” (2018). His research interests include race, gender and sexuality in Caribbean and African diaspora art and visual culture; memory, identity and hidden archives; photography as a medium and a social vehicle; Caribbean and general art history and museums and other public cultural institutions. He has contributed essays to publications on Caribbean art and sexuality, most recently Beyond Homophobia (UWI Press 2020). He is currently on the Advisory Council of the Caribbean Art Initiative.
Marsha Pearce Marsha Pearceis a scholar, writer, educator, and curator based in the Caribbean. She holds a BA in Visual Arts and a PhD in Cultural Studies. Pearce is a lecturer and Visual Arts Unit coordinator at the Department of Creative and Festival Arts, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus.
student films jury
Analisa Chapman Analisa Chapman is one of the founding directors of the film production company, Have A Bawl Productions. She has had diverse experience as a producer, traversing film, radio and theatre; and is the president of the Jamaica Film and Television Association (JAFTA). By day she is an intellectual property and entertainment attorney.
Fanny Huc Fanny Huc is the programming manager at the International Film Festival of Panama. She is also part of the Panalandia Film Festival programming team and collaborated in the first Panama Animation Film Festival. Huc has participated in multiple independent films as well as productions for mainstream media including the BBC, VH1, MTV, Netflix and others.
Eloise Van Wickeren Eloise Van Wickeren was born and raised in Curaçao. After receiving her MA from the University of Amsterdam, she moved back to her island to apply her skills there. She has had extensive experience in filmmaking in Curaçao, writing and directing several documentaries and short films, but also doing location management for both feature films shot on the Island – “Tula: The Revolt” and “Double Play”.
ttff/20 industry programme
trinidad+tobago film festival is proud to announce the industry programme for this year’s edition! From the Caribbean to Latin America, Europe to North America, our masterclass and workshop facilitators, presenters and panelists are a diverse, international and award-winning group of filmmakers.
Online industry events and training will be offered as panels and presentations, which will be free and live-streamed via the ttff Facebook page; or workshops, which will be ticketed and take place via Zoom. For Zoom workshops, tickets must be paid for in full and in advance, and Zoom links will be sent in advance of workshop commencement. All workshop tickets are available at ttfilmfestival.com (see event-specific ticket links below). They can also be purchased via bank transfer or in person at our office at 22 Jerningham Ave.
Please email Catherine at admin@filmco.org for information on payment options and discount codes. FILMCO members, filmmakers with a film in this year’s festival and students with valid photo IDs can receive a discount on all workshops.
*If you sign up for three or more ‘paid-for’ industry events at once, you will be entitled to a total discount of 30% off the ticket price.
ttff’s online industry events are made possible thanks to the support of Shell Trinidad and Tobago Ltd.
In a world where all the gatekeepers seem to want to say “No,” it’s sometimes difficult to survive as a producer and get your projects out into the world. This intensive five-part masterclass on the art of creatively and sustainably producing your film will be facilitated by acclaimed UK film and television producer, Lee Thomas.
This workshop is no longer available. Thank you for your interest.
Workshops
Build Your Film’s Website with the Magic of WordPress
with Shaun Rambaran
10 September, 12.30pm–2.30pm and 3.30pm–5.30pm Tickets: $240 TTD / $35 USD Online via Zoom
Websites have become an essential tool in a film’s promotional kit, but they can often cost a fortune to produce. Join web developer Shaun Rambaran as he gives this essential wide-ranging lesson in preparing and running your own website using WordPress.
This workshop is no longer available. Thank you for your interest.
Lighting is fundamental to film: it creates mood and atmosphere, and adds to a sense of meaning. In this two-day online workshop led by narrative film director Robert Macfarlane, participants will learn how to cost-effectively achieve professional lighting systems for their projects.
In this all-day workshop, facilitator Ryan C. Khan will explore the key elements of a good trailer – what aspects of the story to leave in and leave out; graphics; the right music; and essential information to include in all trailers.
Understanding the role of the film’s director of photography, and the various departments the dp works with, is invaluable before beginning a project. This foundational three-hour workshop, led by Jamaican director and dp Gabrielle Blackwood, will discuss the role and process of the director of photography, both on and off set.
This workshop is no longer available. Thank you for your interest.
Presentations
Social Media Marketing for Filmmakers
with Neala Bhagwansingh
10 September, 12.00pm–1.30pm Online via Facebook Live @ttfilmfestival
Love it or hate it, social media has become a valuable tool for independent filmmakers. In this ttff/20 presentation, practitioner Neala Bhagwansingh will share invaluable tools and tips for harnessing the power of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to drive interest and investment in you and your film projects.
This presentation is no longer available. Thank you for your interest.
Navigating Contracts and Clearances
with Dionne Mcnicol-Stephenson and Cindy F. Daniel
10 september, 9.30am–11.30am Online via Facebook Live @ttfilmfestival
If the words ‘contract’ and ‘clearance’ keep you staring at the ceiling at night, you’re not alone. This enlightening two-hour session led by facilitators Dionne McNicol-Stephenson and Cindy F. Daniel will guide listeners through the main types of film contracts including the often-misunderstood collection of music clearances and rights.
This presentation is no longer available. Thank you for your interest.
Getting Ready for Distribution
with Patricia Martin
11 September, 9.30am–11.30am Online via Facebook Live @ttfilmfestival
Sales agents, distributors and digital outlets expect more than just an HD master to release a film. ttff/20 is pleased to present this integral talk on distribution facilitated by Patricia Martin of Habanero Film Sales in Brazil, in which Martin will explain why filmmakers must start budgeting and preparing their team for distribution long before heading out to film.
This presentation is no longer available. Thank you for your interest.
ttff Talk with Orlando von Einsiedel
ttff talk with Academy Award-winning filmmaker, Orlando von Einsiedel 12 September, 10.30am–11.30am Online via Facebook Live @ttfilmfestival
In this, our first ever ttff talk, we’ll be sitting down for a wide-ranging discussion with Academy Award-winning documentary director, Orlando von Einsiedel, on documentary filmmaking, curiosity and finding compelling stories in some of the world’s most dangerous places.
This presentation is no longer available. Thank you for your interest.
Every year, the ttff presents filmmakers’ panels, which provide an opportunity for local, regional and international filmmakers to come together to discuss the shared experience of making films within an independent industry context.
Filmmaker Panels
Narrative Filmmakers Panel
with Shola Amoo (‘The Last Tree’), Akkel ‘Lee’ Charles (‘Get Free’), Isabella Issa (‘Yellow Girl and Me’), Calyx Passailaigue (‘Zeen?’), and Héctor M. Valdez (‘Malpaso’) 9 September, 11.00am–12.30pm Online via Facebook Live @ttfilmfestival
Documentary Filmmakers Panel
with Henrique Amud (‘Stunned, I Remain Alert’), Gabrielle Blackwood (‘Unbroken’), Sam Lockyer (‘501 Not Out’), Shari Petti (‘Jump!’), and Michèle Stephenson (‘Stateless’) 12 September, 1.00pm–2.30pm Online via Facebook Live @ttfilmfestival
In Competition: Feature-Length Narrative and Documentary Films
Chosen from the Caribbean section which comprises feature-length films from the Caribbean, the diaspora, and films by international filmmakers made in and about the region, the narrative and documentary films in competition for the Best Feature-Length Narrative Film and Best Feature-Length Documentary award are:
narrative films:
La Imagen del Tiempo (Timeless Havana), dir. Jeissy Trompiz Malpaso, dir. Héctor M Valdez
documentary films:
501 Not Out, dir. Sam Lockyer A Media Voz (In a Whisper), dirs. Patricia Pérez Fernández and Heidi Hassan Servidão (Servitude), dir. Renato Barbieri Stateless, dir. Michèle Stephenson
Image: production still from ‘Stateless‘, directed by Michèle Stephenson
synopses
narrative films
La Imagen del Tiempo (Timeless Havana) Directed by Jeissy Trompiz/ 2019/ Cuba/ 70 minutes
Shot through the eyes of Felipe, a tortured film director trying in vain to create the authentic portrayal of love that his grandfather so easily captured in his amateur films of decades prior, his lens follows Edel and May, actors playing the characters Alejandro and Rita, strangers with different motives looking for the same girl. Their search meanders through a chaotic Havana that gets them simultaneously nowhere and entangled. Likewise, Felipe’s film meanders from scene to scene lacking a coherent thread and conclusion and leaving him unsatisfied. He is incapable of capturing the compassion in his takes that his grandfather did until he realizes that – unlike himself – his grandfather had the capacity for love. With his new-found awareness, he sets his characters free from their hopeless search.
Malpaso Directed by Héctor M. Valdez/ 2019/ Dominican Republic, Haiti/ 80 minutes
Candido and Braulio are twin brothers growing up near the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. While Candido stays home secluded due to his albinism, Braulio helps his grandfather sell coal in the market. Their life takes a turn for the worst after the unexpected death of their grandfather. Now Braulio will need to look after his brother while attempting to make ends meet in the border town market. All the while, Candido dreams of the eventual return of their absent father.
documentaries
501 Not Out Directed by Sam Lockyer/ 2019/ Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom/ 108 minutes
Over 25 years on from Brian Lara’s world-record-breaking innings for Warwickshire at Edgbaston in the UK, brand-new documentary “501 Not Out” tells the story of cricket’s first global superstar.
Exploring Lara’s remarkable ascent in 1994, the film celebrates his development in Trinidad and features interviews with iconic names from the world of cricket. These include his former international and county teammates from the historic treble-winning season, his friends and coaches in the Caribbean, fans who witnessed the marathon knock first hand and those inspired by his heroics. Notable contributions come from Sir Curtly Ambrose, Allan Donald, Dermot Reeve, Gladstone Small, Dennis Amiss, Jonathan Agnew, Ian Bell, Deryck Murray, Bryan Davis and Trini Posse Group co-founders Nikki Borde and Nigel Camacho.
Featuring rarely seen archive footage and stills, the film also examines the wider impact of Lara’s arrival and success at Warwickshire, coming so soon after his test record 375. “501 Not Out” brings an amazing story to life on the big screen for the very first time.
A Media Voz (In a Whisper) Directed by Patricia Pérez Fernández and Heidi Hassan/ 2019/ Cuba, France, Spain, Switzerland/ 80 minutes
Two childhood friends entering their forties, facing the challenges of emigration, try to rebuild their lives far away from Cuba. An intimate and revealing auto-ethnographic documentary about uprootedness, motherhood, love of film, and freedom. Told through the audiovisual correspondence between two filmmakers and Cuban emigrants, it is a story of friendship and exile.
Servidão (Servitude) Directed by Renato Barbieri/ 2019/ Brazil/ 72 minutes
A feature-length documentary about contemporary slave labour focusing on the Brazilian Amazon, “Servidão” follows the work of the Special Mobile Inspection Group of the Ministry of Labour. Through the testimony of modern abolitionists and rural workers it explores the links between contemporary slavery and a cruel slave-holding mentality that has existed in Brazil for five centuries. With narration by Negra Li, it is an important record of one of Brazil’s greatest ills.
Stateless Directed by Michèle Stephenson/ 2020/ Canada/ 95 minutes
In 1937, tens of thousands of Haitians and Dominicans of Haitian descent were exterminated by the Dominican army, on the basis of anti-black racism. Fast-forward to 2013 and the Dominican Republic’s Supreme Court strips the citizenship of anyone with Haitian parents, retroactive to 1929, rendering more than 200,000 people stateless. Director Michèle Stephenson’s new documentary follows the grassroots campaign of a young attorney named Rosa Iris, as she challenges electoral corruption and fights to protect the right to citizenship for all people.
Images: production stills from ‘Malpaso’, directed by Héctor M Valdez, and ‘Stateless’, directed by Michèle Stephenson
In Competition: Trinidad+Tobago Films and Youth Jury
Every year, ttff highlights homegrown talent and excellence by awarding prizes for Best Trinidad+Tobago Film. In competition for this year’s prize are the following films:
Get Free!, dir. Akkel Charles
I Don’t Call it Ghetto, dir. Miquel Galofré
Mightier dan de Sun, dir. Trevon C. Jugmohan
Waiting In Strange Times, dir. Kristof West
The Youth Jury views and considers for award recognition, films which focus on young protagonists dealing with coming-of-age issues, challenges and triumphs. These are the films in competition for the Best Film as Selected by the Youth Jury:
Avatara, dir. Nadav Harel
Choosing Destiny, dirs. Angelo Berkeley and Shemaiah Trotman
IslaSerena (Serene Island), dir. Leonel González
K.I.N.G, dir. Rashad Frett
Mortenol, dir. Julien Silloray
Yellow Girl and Me, dir. Isabella Issa
synopses
Best Trinidad+Tobago Film
Get Free!
Directed by Akkel Charles/ 2019/Trinidad and Tobago/ Narrative Medium/ 37 minutes
Twenty-one-year-old Iris’ life is endangered as her ex-boyfriend returns to seek unwanted closure. A series of events unfold as we see what was, and what still is, between them. A raw, realist exploration of violence against women.
I Don’t Call it Ghetto
Directed by Miquel Galofré/ 2019/ Trinidad and Tobago/ Documentary Medium/ 42 minutes
Single, divorced, mother-of-three, police officer Onika James-Turner has had a life filled with challenges, obstacles and heartache. In “I Don’t Call it Ghetto”, we see how her difficult past has only made her stronger, impelling her to reach for a different life, one in which she could help her community. We witness the great pride she takes in the work that she does, and how she is driven by the desire to be “part of the solution and not part of the problem”. Her three children are the centre of her life and a new husband gives her strength. But she still faces the challenge of raising a teenage son in an area known for crime and must work hard to build trust in her role as a police officer.
Mightier dan de Sun
Directed by Trevon C. Jugmohan/ 2020/ Trinidad and Tobago/ Narrative Medium/37 minutes
Ten years in the making and filmed in Trinidad and Tobago with a team of home-grown professionals, “Mightier dan de Sun” is the story of an Indian couple with nothing to lose. In combination with mental illness and supernatural forces, alcohol becomes a catalyst for unfortunate events.
Waiting In Strange Times
Directed by Kristof West/ 2020/ Trinidad and Tobago/ Narrative Short/4 minutes
Set in Trinidad during the lockdown imposed by the government to prevent the spread of Covid-19, “Waiting In Strange Times” explores space and time during a period of boredom, uncertainty, confusion and fear.
Best Film as Decided by the Youth Jury
Avatara
Directed by Nadav Harel/ 2020/ Israel/ Documentary Short/ 25 minutes
Set in the cultural frontier zone of the Hindu Himalaya, “Avatara” (from the Sanskrit, “descent”) explores the lived religion of goddess worship (Shaktism) in a remote pastoral valley. For her farmer and herder followers, the goddess’s presence is all too real; quick to anger and ever-thirsty for sacrifices, she haunts them in their dreams and rituals, demanding complete submission as both child-like friend and motherly-punisher. In this enchanted world of magical creativity, the encounters with the goddess are transient, intuitive events that hold the key to creation and, for those lucky enough to see her, a short-lived salvation.
Choosing Destiny
Directed by Angelo Berkeley and Shemaiah Trotman/ 2019/ Trinidad and Tobago/ Narrative Medium/ 35 minutes
Two high school students are faced with life-changing choices as they try to navigate their love and the difficult circumstances that surround them. Tackling the contemporary issues of teenage pregnancy, abortion, suicide and illegal drugs, “Choosing Destiny” follows young people at a crossroads in their lives.
Isla Sirena (Serene Island)
Directed by Leonel González/ 2019/ Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela/ Narrative Short/ 15 minutes
Vivi, a young inhabitant of a fishing village, takes a trip by road and sea with her friend Vale to get to an island where, according to the stories of her dead mother, the mermaids live.
K.I.N.G.
Directed by Rashad Frett/ 2019/ United States of America/ Narrative Short/ 12 minutes
In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, a troubled boy is sent to Connecticut from the Virgin Islands to temporarily stay with his paternal aunt. In hopes of seeing his deadbeat father after broken promises, he ventures out into an unfamiliar city to find him.
Mortenol
Directed by Julien Silloray/ 2019/ Guadeloupe/ Narrative Short/ 28 minutes
Eleven-year-old Dwayne wants to avenge his older brother who was killed by an enemy gang.
Yellow Girl and Me
Directed by Isabella Issa/ 2019/ United States/ Narrative Short/ 9 minutes
Set in the Jamaican countryside, a young child named Nicole waits for her sister, Yellow Girl, to teach her how to swim. Like the water, Nicole does not resist; she flows, and nothing can stand in her way. Circumstances escalate when Yellow Girl breaks her promise and Nicole realizes that she is next in line for a lifestyle of sexual abuse. Nicole is forced to decide how far she will go in order to protect herself and her sister.
Images: production stills from ‘Mightier dan de Sun’, directed by Trevon C. Jugmohan and ‘K.I.N.G’, directed by Rashad Frett
In Competition: New Media Works
The new media section comprises avant garde and experimental film and video works from artists and filmmakers in the Caribbean and diaspora. These are the works in competition for best new media work at ttff/20:
Centella (Firefly), by Claudia Claremi Looking for ‘Looking for Langston’, by Ada M. Patterson Murciélago (Bat), by Claudia Claremi The Whole World is Turning, by Ada M. Patterson
synopses
Centella (Firefly) by Claudia Claremi/ 2019/Cuba/ 17 minutes
In Cuba the flight of fireflies, in the night, is said to be like a meeting of miniature spectres, weakened fires or wandering souls. Isabel invokes them and triggers the dance.
Looking for ‘Looking for Langston’ by Ada M. Patterson/ 2018/Barbados, Netherlands/ 16 minutes
A performative video work in search of Isaac Julien’s “Looking for Langston” (1989). A captain dreams of setting sail, in search of a mysterious, intangible, comforting vision that rests at the edge of the horizon. An exploration of desire and distance, pleasure and disappointment, secrets and surprise, “Looking for ‘Looking for Langston’” is a cruise of poetic correspondence, queering sailors and transgressing horizons.
Murciélago (Bat) by Claudia Claremi/ 2018/ Cuba/ 12 minutes
A sensory essay told through body and sound. A composition made from the trance and the vibration of macroscopic figures seen at a millimetric distance from the skin of eight people in Cuba. Inside a black hole, rapid movements fill the void. Macroscopic corporal landscapes follow one after the other to percussion in crescendo. White skin pulsates serenely and black skin wiggles, showing a face. Bright discharges explode in the air. In a slow, swaying trance, a shining eyelid reveals and then hides a liquid eye. The swelling and contracting skin of an abdomen makes deep sounds to an unrelenting beat.
The Whole World is Turning by Ada M. Patterson/ 2019/ Netherlands/ 21 minutes
A group of lovers is visited by a familiar guest. They remark on how this guest has turned, how they have turned and how the whole world keeps turning. How will they receive this turn of events?
Image: still from ‘Murciélago‘ by Claudia Claremi
in competition: short + medium length narrative films
We are delighted to announce the short and medium length narrative films in competition at ttff/20.
SHORT (up to 29 mins): Ici C’est Paris (Paris Is Here), dirs. Léa Magnien and Quentin Chantrel Irma, dir. Lisa Cruz Ma Dame au Camèlia (My Lady of the Camellia), dir. Edouard Montoute Mortenol, dir. Julien Silloray Pure Service, dir. Reyda Gay Timoun Aw (Your Kid), dir. Nelson Foix Yellow Girl and Me, dir. Isabella Issa
MEDIUM (30-59 mins): Get Free!, dir. Akkel Charles Mightier dan de Sun, dir. Trevon C. Jugmohan Zeen?, dir. Calyx Passailaigue
#ttff20 celebrating 15 years in 2020 #watchsomething#ttfilmfestival #15in2020 #caribbeanfilms #caribbeanfilmmakers
Image: production still from ‘Yellow Girl and Me’ directed by Isabella Issa
