Acknowledging the sponsors and partners of the trinidad+tobago film festival

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As the ninth edition of the exciting and action-packed trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff) approaches, we are pleased to have the opportunity to acknowledge our sponsors and partners—many of whom we can count as constant supporters over the years, and some who are new to the ttff fold.

We acknowledge Flow as one of those constant supporters. 2014 will make it seven years running that Flow has been Presenting Sponsor of the Festival, underlining that support with a second three-year contract that was signed in 2013. Through Flow’s Video-on-Demand service you will be able to see selected short films after the Festival, and Flow will also present some of the ttff/14’s top prizes.

The Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (TTFC) and bpTT continue to be our Leading Sponsors. The TTFC have been involved with the Festival since its inception, and with their role in the creation of policy and infrastructure, continue to be a natural partner in the development of the local film industry.

The ttff has been incorporated into bpTT’s extensive support for arts and culture in T&T, a commitment sealed with a three-year contract and direct support for prizes that give filmmakers incentives. BPTT also supports a new initiative this year, the inaugural youth jury and prize.

Two of our Supporting Sponsors, the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited and RBC Royal Bank, have also been involved and supported the growth of the Festival over several years. The NGC provides valuable prizes, and RBC Royal Bank once again sponsors the RBC Focus: Filmmakers’ Immersion, a three-day workshop for Caribbean and diaspora filmmakers, which culminates in a pitch competition with a prize valued at TT$20,000.

The Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism, our third Supporting Sponsor, has also recommitted for a second year, with a special focus on the National Registry for Creative and Cultural workers, and the benefits for creative people and companies alike.

Our fourth Supporting Sponsor this year is a brand new addition: the Embassy of the United States of America in Port of Spain, who are generously assisting with bringing in guest filmmakers and industry professionals from the USA. We are indeed pleased to have them on board.

Our partners provide generous concessions and in-kind support, working with us to add excitement to our events and activities. For the second year, we are pleased to be back at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, the official Festival hotel, the base for our Secretariat and the location for most of our industry programme. SCRIP-J and BOSS continue to provide us with excellent printing and and stationery services, respectively, while Drink Lounge & Bistro will be the spot for our pre-Festival limes, the Filmmakers’ Lounge and general merriment.

Since its inception in 2006, the University of the West Indies’ Film Programme has been an invaluable partner of the film festival. This year, the Film Programme’s building at 12 Carmody Street, St Augustine will again be a venue for free screenings, presentations and industry training activities.

North Eleven have been our projection partners for several years, bringing their professionalism and innovation to many of our events with inflatable screens, excellent service and attention to detail. For the second consecutive year they are also chief collaborators with the New Media exhibition team, providing top support to convert the audiovisual artists’ visions to reality.

Also for the second consecutive year, you’ll have a chance to spot the ttff MINIs on the road, as we will be provided with vehicles from Oxford Motors. And what was a first year of support from the T&T Guardian has expanded in 2014 to incorporate radio and television in an upgraded partnership with Guardian Media Limited, who have signed on to be the official media partner of ttff/14.

Finally, we are excited to announce three new partners. Brydens Trinidad and Tobago will be providing professional bar service at ttff/14 events, and serving up Hardy’s wines. We also welcome Caribbean Airlines into the fold, providing tickets for some our guests. And Digimedia Photo and Cinema will be the official photographers of ttff/14. We look forward to building as fruitful a relationship with them as we have with our other sponsors and partners.

Along with our sponsors and partners, including our venue partners—MovieTowne POS and Tobago, Little Carib Theatre, Medulla Art Gallery, University of Trinidad and Tobago, Alice Yard—ttff/14 is looking good!