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.
Carla Gutierrez
Carla Gutierrez is an Emmy- and ACE Eddie-nominated documentary editor. She cut the Oscar-nominated film “RBG”, about the life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and her fight for gender equality. “RBG” premiered at Sundance and was released theatrically worldwide. It won the National Board of Review Award for Best Documentary, the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Political Documentary, and a DuPont-Columbia Award. Carla also edited the Oscar-nominated film “La Corona” (HBO) and the Emmy nominated documentaries “Reportero” (POV), “Kingdom of Shadows” (SXSW Premiere, POV) and “Farewell Ferris Wheels” (America Reframed). Carla recently edited the feature documentary “Pray Away”, which tells the story of the “pray the gay away” or ex-gay movement, for Multitude Films. She has been a creative advisor for the Sundance Edit Lab and a mentor for the Firelight Producers’ Lab, The Karen Schmeer Diversity Program and the Tribeca Film Fellows program. She is a member of the Academy of Motion Pictures and the American Cinema Editors.
directing the Caribbean narrative feature with José María Cabral
masterclass
Wed 22, Thurs 23, Fri 24 Sept, 1.00pm-2.30pm (est) location: online via Zoom tickets: TT$900/ US$133, click here to register; 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.
José María Cabral
José María Cabral is a Dominican film director, screenwriter, and producer. Cabral started making films when he was 16 years old, hosting private screenings of short films to family and friends in local movie theatres, with one of them, “Excexos”, securing national distribution in 2008. His first feature film, “Jaque Mate” (2011), was screened at several film festivals and selected as the Dominican entry for Best Foreign Language Film for the 85th Academy Awards but did not make the shortlist. “Arrobá” and “Despertar” followed in 2013 and 2014, also making it onto the festival circuit. In 2015, he released “Detective Willy”, a comedy/adventure film, and in 2017 premiered his film, “Carpinteros” – about the realities and relationships of prisoners in Dominican jails – at the Sundance Film Festival. His following film, “The Projectionist”, was his country’s Oscar submission in 2019. “Isla de Plástico”, his first documentary, also premiered in 2019. Cabral is currently in post-production on his latest film, “Parsley”.
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.
Kathleen McInnis
McInnis uses her 30 years of experience in festival programming, film publicity and producing to help world cinema filmmakers merge their creative and business development. As a strategic publicist, Kathleen represents world cinema films premiering at TIFF, Cannes, Berlin, Sundance, Hot Docs and Tribeca film festivals. As a creative producer, McInnis curates the SIFF New Works In Progress Forum, bringing together filmmakers, industry mentors and audiences at critical creative junctions. Her recent films as co-producer include “Retablo” (2019 BAFTA and Film Independent Spirit Award-nominee; Peru’s official Oscar submission), and the Swedish feature documentary-in-production, “Broadcast”.
McInnis’s tenure at the Palm Springs International ShortFest & Short Film Market allowed for both discovery and support of the hundreds of international filmmakers attending the festival each year. She left the festival in 2014 as festival director. While creating the first international shorts programme at TIFF, McInnis built strategic platforms to bridge the gap between short film-makers and industry decision-makers.
ask the veteran: composer, Miriam Cutler
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
announcing the 2021 festival artist!
It is our pleasure and delight to announce the 2021 festival artist, the multi-talented and irrepressible, Sheena Rose, whose work, “Monolithic”, will form the basis of our festival poster and ephemera.
Barbadian visual artist, Sheena Rose, (b.1985) has a multi-disciplinary practice which includes painting, drawing, performance art, new media works, public art, and mixed media works. Sheena has participated in numerous biennials, museum and gallery shows, art fairs etc, and her work is in regional and international collections, including that of tennis superstar, Venus Williams.
Sheena has been extensively featured in the press and on book covers. Notable press includes The New York Times, Travel & Leisure Magazine, Vogue. Book covers include Robert & Christopher Publishers’ See Me Here, and The Star Side of Bird Hill written by Naomi Jackson.
“Monolithic”, by Sheena Rose. Pen and ink, acrylic on acid-free paper; 11 inches x 14 inches
In 2019, Sheena created a two-story mural at the Inter-American Development Bank Headquarters in Washington DC. Sheena also created a nine-foot tall mural for “The Other Side of Now”, and exhibition at the Perez Art Museum Miami.
Sheena is a Fulbright Scholar and holds an MFA in Studio Art from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In 2020, she received the Greensboro School of Art “Distinguished Alumni” award.
You can learn more about Sheena and her practice by following her Instagram account – an experiment in performance and discovery in its own right – and by visiting her website.
be on our youth jury!
The trinidad+tobago film festival is giving six young people an opportunity of a lifetime! If you’re between the ages of 16 and 21 (inclusive), here’s your chance to apply to be a member of the ttff/21 Youth Jury and help select the winning film for the 2021 Youth Jury Award, which will be presented during the Festival in September.
Applications are open to young people who are interested in, and wish to develop, a critical appreciation of independent film. Applicants must be either TT citizens, residents, or based in Trinidad and Tobago for at least one year prior to application. Prospective jury members must apply by writing an essay of no more than 450 words, saying what their favourite movie is and why. Applicants must also provide their name, date of birth, gender, citizenship, residence and school or occupation.
Applications should be sent to: hello@ttfilmfestival.com (subject line: Youth Jury Application). Successful applicants under the age of 18 years will be required to have written consent from a parent or guardian in order to participate in this programme.
The deadline for application submission had been extended to 4pm on 04 September.
Five selected jury members and one alternate will meet online during the ttff/21, under the guidance of experienced film critic B.C. Pires, to view a selection of films dealing with themes and issues affecting young people.
After viewing all the films in competition, the ttff/21 Youth Jury will choose the winning film and the director of this film will receive an award.
Emancipation Screening ttff/21: ‘Tickle Me Rich’ + ‘Sorf Hair’
The trinidad+tobago film festival presents a FREE online screening of ‘Sorf Hair’ and ‘Tickle Me Rich’, streaming worldwide on Sunday 01 August, from 12AM to 11:59PM (EST). Enjoy this Emancipation Day double feature at ttfilmfestival.com/emancipation
Directed by Sonja Dumas, the comedic short, ‘Tickle Me Rich‘ features a distraught bride-to-be who is comforted by three of her girlfriends and offered irreverent advice on sex, love, money and revenge. Rated [PG].
Directed by Shari Petti, the documentary film, ‘Sorf Hair‘ explores the natural-hair experience in T&T, as people from all walks of life and with different hair textures reveal their stories and challenges.
Better Mus’ Come kicks off ttff’s curfew cinema!
ttff’s Curfew Cinema screenings kick off this Friday (09 July) with Jamaican filmmaker, Storm Saulter’s feature film debut, Better Mus’ Come! To beat the lockdown blues, Friday nights in July are just the ticket! Starting 09 July, we’ll show a different ttff favourite every Friday from 4PM to 5AM (EST). Tickets cost TT$35 (US$5) and are payable via credit card or online bank transfer. Movies will be streamed on thett film festival website and are available WORLDWIDE!
Click the green button below to purchase your tickets. Or, email info@filmco.org to arrange a bank transfer. Don’t forget, ONE TICKET = ONE MOVIE!
The trinidad+tobago film festival is delighted to present the human rights edition of our popular #WatchAMovieOnUs online streaming series! In celebration of World Refugee Day, we are partnering with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency to for two days of online film screenings. The series explores the lived experiences of refugees and asylum seekers in Trinidad and Tobago and Central America.
Lifted (Sat 19 June)
Set against frank conversation about diversity in Trinidad and Tobago, ‘Lifted‘ follows a day in the lives of a refugee family as they journey to a Moko Jumbie (stilt-walking) class.
Trinidad & Tobago is home to over 7,000 asylum-seekers and refugees—including parents who have fled to protect themselves and their children. Set against frank conversation about diversity, Lifted follows the highs and lows experienced by a refugee family as they journey through Port-of-Spain, and encounter a group of Moko Jumbies (stiltwalkers). Lifted is written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Miquel Galofré, produced by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and T&T Rocks, and features interviews with Sticks in de Yard / #1000Mokos.
With Love from Central America (Sat 19 June)
If you were forced to flee or into hiding – away from your family, left alone with your thoughts and fears – who would you reach out to? Directed by Diana Diaz, ‘With Love from Central America’ is a series of letters written by eight refugees, asylum-seekers and internally displaced people who are rebuilding their lives in the region, where they must continue to live in the shadows to stay alive.
Living in the midst of chronic violence and insecurity, tens of thousands of people from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala have been forced to flee. Most are escaping the oppressive influence of organized crime. Others flee social and political instability in countries like Nicaragua. The number of refugees and asylum-seekers from the region has significantly increased, reaching over 409,000.
‘Casa en Tierra Ajena (House in Foreign Land)’ (Sun 20 June)
‘Casa en Tierra Ajena’ reveals the circumstances that expel and force people to leave Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras; and the increasingly violent and repressive control mechanisms that are imposed to try to retain the migrants, setting its sights at the same time, on the solidarity that is woven in a path without borders.
Directed by Ivannia Villalobos Vindas, the film is based on the book ‘No more walls, forced migration in Central America’, written by researcher and academic Carlos Sandoval García, ‘Casa en Tierra Ajena’ is built on three questions: “Why do Central Americans continue to go to the United States if it is increasingly dangerous to cross the border? Why has immigration policy become so much tougher with more and more obstacles to migrate?; And why, along the migratory route, are the most humble people the most supportive, both in Mexico and in the United States?”
