announcing the ttff/23 call for submissions!

FILMCO is delighted to announce the call for submissions for the 18th edition of the trinidad+tobago film festival, ttff/23! The ttff seeks to highlight excellence in filmmaking through the exhibition of fiction and documentary films and experimental works made in Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and its diaspora. The Festival therefore accepts submissions from Caribbean filmmakers in the region and in the diaspora; and international filmmakers with films from or about the Caribbean or its diaspora. Submissions must have been completed after 01 January 2021. For full submission guidelines and categories, please visit our portal on Film Freeway.

ttff/23 will include new shorts, and features, narrative films, documentaries and experimental films, which explore the Caribbean experience. Filmmakers – whether student, emerging or established – with films that fit our criteria are welcome to apply!

Our 2023 festival will be a hybrid, with a combination of online and in-person events and screenings – all in keeping with the guidelines of the Trinidad & Tobago Government.

Our training and professional development programmes will continue to be a core offering of ttff in 2023, and will include, Masterclasses (intensive workshops led by international industry professionals), filmmaker panels, introductory industry workshops and presentations, and youth-focused mentorship and training.

#lookwenah

deadlines

  • earlybird: 17.02.23
  • regular: 31.03.23
  • late: 28.04.23
  • filmmaker notification: 02.06.23

If you have any questions or concerns, please visit our frequently asked questions or drop us a line at hello@ttfilmfestival.com. You can read our full list of rules and terms here.

Submit your film to ttff/23 via FilmFreeway.

ttff programmes films under a range of sections as follows:

The Caribbean section comprises feature-length films from the Caribbean, the diaspora, and films by international filmmakers made in and about the region.

made in t+t is a developmental programming strand for new and emerging filmmakers who reside in Trinidad and Tobago, and are making films in and/ or about Trinidad and Tobago.

The Panorama section consists of short and feature-length films from world cinema. The films in this section come from North America, Latin America, Europe, India and Africa.

short + medium-length films: This section comprises films under 30 minutes in length (shorts) and films between 30 and 59 minutes in length (medium-films) from the Caribbean and its diaspora.

The New Media section comprises avant garde and experimental film and video works from artists and filmmakers in the Caribbean and its diaspora.

Student films are narrative and documentary films with a Caribbean focus made by student filmmakers (whether secondary or tertiary) in the Caribbean and its Diaspora.

and the ttff/22 winners are…!

The trinidad+tobago film festival is delighted to announce the ttff/22 award-winning films! Don’t forget, you can watch the many of these films tonight at MovieTowne (POS) at 8.00pm in screens nine and ten!

  • Best Student Film: Take Care, directed by Shun Tachizono
    • ✔️Honorable Mentions: Hide!, directed by Shaochen Wang AND Cracked, directed by Lin Que Ayoung.
  • Best Film as Decided by a Youth Jury: Lo que se hereda (It runs in the family), directed by Victoria Linares Villegas.
  • Winner of ‘Love in the 21st Century’ smartphone competition, Love natural, directed by Kristof West
  • Best Documentary Short Film: Strictly 2 Wheel, directed by Ania Freer
  • Best Narrative Short Film: Twa Fèy (Three leaves), directed by “Eleonore Coyette + Sephora Monteau
  • Best Documentary Feature Film: Paroles de Nègres (The words of negroes), directed by Sylvaine Dampierre
    • ✔️Honorable Mention: Mafifa, directed by Daniela Muñoz Barroso
  • Best Narrative Feature Film: Cette Maison (This House), directed by Miryam Charles
  • Best Trinidad + Tobago Film: King David, directed by Walt Lovelace


CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

Films in juried competitions are rigorously discussed and dissected before being selected by the programming team, and must be unanimously agreed by the five programmers. They are then watched, scored and debated by the relevant jury, with the winning films ultimately being those which receive the highest aggregate scores. We extend heartfelt thanks to all our esteemed jury members!

#seeyuhself #ttfilmfestival #ttff22

Chee$e to show at NALIS Amphitheatre!

Thanks to the folks at MOVA Productions, we’re delighted to be able to put on another screening of Damian Marcano’s award-winning film, ‘Chee$e’. Here are the deets:

  • where: NALIS Amphitheatre
  • when: 23 September, 7.00pm
  • tickets: free of charge (but we need you to sign up here!)

#seeyuhself #ttff22 #seeitlive

ttff talk with Christopher Laird + Dr Bruce Paddington

ttff talks are in depth and insightful conversations with creative masters on their creative journeys, inspiration, challenges and personal philosophies. ttff talks are presented with the support of The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago.

Logistics

date: Friday 23 September, 2022
time: ​​4.30pm–5.45pm
location: NALIS (AV Room)
rsvp: Sign up here!
tickets: free
moderator: Maria Nunes

about Christopher Laird

Christopher Laird is Managing Director, co-owner and co-founder of Banyan Ltd. He has produced more than three hundred documentaries, dramas and other video productions during his forty-year professional career. His genius has been recognized and rewarded with many national, regional and international awards. He is responsible for establishing the Caribbean Film and Video Archive which is (arguably) the largest collection of Caribbean culture on video. In 2003, he founded, with Errol Fabien, the Region’s first all-Caribbean free-to-air television station, Gayelle. In 2009 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of the West Indies.

Christopher has worked closely with Caribbean Tales for more than ten years, receiving the CaribbeanTales Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. His film NO BOIS MAN NO FRAID opened CTFF 2013. Currently, CTWD distributes all Banyan’s catalogued content.

about Dr Bruce Paddington

Bruce Paddington (PhD) is a filmmaker, lecturer, academic and film festival curator. He was a senior lecturer in film at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, and the co-founder of the Bachelor of Arts Film Programme. He is the founder of Banyan Productions, the New World Film Centre and the trinidad+tobago film festival and was the festival director from 2006–19. He is a consultant and programmer for ttff/22.

ttff/22 press conference is a go!

On 05 September, the trinidad+tobago film festival officially launched its 17th edition festival, ttff/22, and return to in-person screenings, to specially invited guests and members of the media.

Among the attendees were the festival’s signature sponsor, the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC). Describing the work of ttff as “extremely valuable and of national importance,” Myles Lewis, NGC’s head of corporate social responsibility, reminded the audience that,

“Since inception, the ttff has given local and regional filmmakers the support they need to create, to tell our stories, and to convert creative energy into dollars and cents – for stakeholders of the industry and for the country as a whole. The ttff’s work has also been instrumental in the preservation of our culture – a patrimony as valuable to our nation as our natural resources.”

Sponsored by NGC, this year’s retrospective recognises and celebrates the pioneering work of Banyan Productions and its founders which has been germane to the development of our local film and television industry. 

Lewis expressed pride over the ttff’s work and after 14 years of partnership, said this is why NGC remains committed to help the ttff develop and monetise the country’s creative industry.

Representatives of ttff/22’s leading sponsors Republic Bank Limited (RBL) and Shell Trinidad and Tobago Limited also attended the press conference. RBL’s Baldath Ramkissoon general manager, Group Risk stated, “For over three years, Republic Bank has been partnering with FILMCO and it’s been a rewarding experience thus far.” He went on to say,

“By investing in the development of the local film industry, there is limitless potential for revenue generation, as well as an avenue for economic diversification; both of which are definitely needed in today’s economic climate.”

The  trailer for the opening night film, ‘Chee$e’ was well received and the festival trailer generated excitement among the audience. Programmer Danielle Dieffenthaller  explained that as in previous years, the ttff/22 will also include many panel discussions and workshops aimed at boosting film quality and enhancing storytelling techniques. Describing the local industry as “abundantly creative,”  she further praised it for having technologically savvy people with major ideas, and who were great storytellers.

Kelli-Marie Patel, Shell’s corporate social advisor explained that her company had a rich legacy in the energy sector and to preserve it, Shell continues to invest in the arts, inspiring younger generations and contributing to economic diversification. Patel shared that Shell recognises the  capacity of the local  arts and film industry to unify communities and promote sustainable development and has sponsored the ttff for the past four years.  A leading sponsor, Shell is looking forward to the return of in-person events,  and anticipates seeing people and feeling their energy at the Shell Cinema Under the Stars screenings (which will be free to the public)  to be held at the NALIS Amphitheatre 24 and 25 September.

NALIS corporate communications manager, Debbie Goodman

Programming partner, the National Library and Information System (NALIS) was represented by Debbie Goodman, manager, corporate communications who also expressed delight at being associated with this year’s festival as it allowed the organisation to serve its role to mandate to ensure “everything produced about Trinidad and Tobago, or by Trinbagonians, regardless of where they may be domiciled is preserved for posterity so that generations to come will know the paths our country has travelled.”

NALIS’ services facilitate “the cultural, educational, social and economic development of  the people of Trinidad and Tobago” so the local film industry serves in this regard, adding to nations’ literary and cultural landscape… The material reflects us and causes us to reflect, think and ponder.”

With such exciting partners onboard, ttff has been able to make it through the pandemic and is growing from strength to strength. The event was broadcast by ttff/22 media partner, TTT Limited.

ttff/22 in competition: youth jury films

Under the mentorship of film critic and ttff/22 festival programmer, BC Pires, the Youth Jury allows young people to take part in reasoned, if passionate, debate about film. Many jury members have gone on to study film at university and several now work in the industry. The Youth Jury has proved to be a gateway and developmental path for young future film industry professionals. The Youth Jury views and considers for award recognition, films which focus on young protagonists dealing with coming-of-age issues, challenges and triumphs.

For film synopses, screening details and director bios, please click the links (indicated as blue underlines) below.

BEST FILM AS DECIDED BY A YOUTH JURY

love t+t at 60!

At ttff/22 we’re celebrating 60 years of Trinidad and Tobago independence with our love t+t programme which is presented with the support of The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC). Films made in our about Trinidad and Tobago will be screened at MovieTowne Port of Spain and online on Republic Day (24 September); the MovieTowne screenings (in one screen) will be free of charge all day; online screenings will be available to viewers in the Caribbean, the USA and Canada.

For film synopses, screening details and director bios, please click the links below:

ttff/22 retrospective honours banyan

Presented with the support of The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC), this year’s retrospective seeks to recognise and celebrate the pioneering work of Banyan Productions and its founders as germane to the development of our local film and television industry. The retrospective programme will include several events which will take place at NALIS on Hart and Abercromby Streets in Port of Spain. Events include screenings of some of their most important television work; a ttff talk with Dr Bruce Paddington and Christopher Laird; and an exhibition of photos, memorabilia and more at the Rotunda in NALIS.

Imagine the 1970s. Trinidad and Tobago, after the Black Power movement – which some say was not about “black” power but about an awakening of the working class or underclass, to give visibility to the invisible. Change happens slowly but there are shifts. There’s a new Trinidadian returning from away. Not just doctors and lawyers, they are returning to teach, and to teach through other media: literature, publishing, audio-visual and film, theatre and mas, the arts. Enter Suzanne and Hugh Robertson, Tony Hall, Christopher Laird, Peter Minshall, Trini wives with their husbands, Trini husbands with their wives.

Pat Ganase, “The Banyan”

(You can read Pat’s full piece on Banyan in the ttff/22 printed guide.)

announcing the ttff/22 student films jury

We are honoured to introduce the jury members who will be judging the student films in competition at ttff/22: producer and distributor, Gian Franco; TTT programme manager, Diane Robertson; president of JAFTA, Saeed Thomas.

Films in juried competitions are rigorously discussed and dissected before being selected by the programming team, and must be unanimously agreed by the five programmers. The shortlisted films then move to the juries which are given a list of criteria on which they must score each film. Films are watched, scored and debated by the relevant jury, with the winning films ultimately being those which receive the highest aggregate scores. All the winners will be announced at the ttff/22 awards, 27 September.

Gian Franco
Gian worked at the Microsoft Corporation before moving to Amazon.com in 2010 to launch their digital gaming distribution platform. He then assumed responsibility for Global Content Business Development in Amazon’s TV and film distribution group, after having completed US content acquisition for the same group. As an independent advisor and consultant, Franco has worked with companies such as Comcast on its digital distribution, operations and training strategies; executing training and deployment for products like Xfinity on Roku and others. In 2015 he left Amazon to launch Pavilion Entertainment with business partner Min Lee. Pavilion Entertainment is a TV and film production and distribution company based in Los Angeles that seeks to tell universal stories from a Caribbean point of view. 

Diane Robertson
Diane is a broadcast television and multimedia professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry. She has led the Broadcast Services department, including the website and social media component, of a Washington, DC PBS station. Her role included vetting local programmes, working with producers to green light, and bringing their projects to fruition. While serving on national review panels, Diane’s contributions led to the release of popular, national PBS television series, including ‘Independent Lens’ and ‘Afropop’. She has also served as an advisor to the Caribbean Filmmakers Symposium. In 2018 she joined TTT Ltd as the television programming manager. Since then, she has been instrumental in forming partnerships with FILMCO, FilmTT, Tempo Networks, and other key organisations, to populate local and diasporic content and support local and regional creatives.

Saeed Thomas
Saeed began working in the creative arts as a stage technician, backstage assistant and audio tech. He also delved into stage management and audio for film and television. He has collaborated on projects with international companies such as Hulu, UNICEF, Concacaf, and IAAF. Saeed is the current president of the Jamaica Film and Television Association (JAFTA), co-founder and CEO of M-One, previously known as Cine-core, a Jamaica-based video production company. A recipient of the 2020 Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Arts and Culture, he has for worked on various short films such as ‘Enhanced’, ‘Kinto’, ‘Cross my heart’ and ‘Flight’ and was selected as a participant of the Clermont Ferrand 2020 Euro Connection Programme with his script, ‘Black girl in the ring’. His most recent produced work is the short drama, ‘Sugarcake’.

ttff/22 in competition: best t+t film

We are pleased to announce the films in competition for best t+t film at ttff/22. Films in juried competitions are rigorously discussed and dissected before being selected by the programming team, and must be unanimously agreed by the five programmers. They are then watched, scored and debated by their specific genre jury, with the winning t+t film ultimately being the one to receive the highest aggregate score.

All the winners will be announced at the ttff/22 awards, 27 September, with cash prizes and trophies furnished by our sponsors.

For film synopses, screening details and director bios, please click the links (indicated as blue underlines) below.

BEST T+T FILM