Welcome to the trinidad+tobago film festival 09. We are honoured to have the opportunity to present some of the best films produced by Caribbean filmmakers as well as films made about the Caribbean in the Caribbean spirit. Our definition of the Caribbean is as eclectic as ever, including all countries that touch the Caribbean Sea, including Mexico, as well as the Caribbean Diaspora in North America and Europe.
This year we have introduced a heritage element to the Festival as we focus on one of the countries or cultures that have influenced the Caribbean. We are sure you are going to enjoy our selection of films from India. We also have joined up with the Black Filmmakers group (bfm) from London and we will be showing some of the best Black British productions. We are also screening some major international titles that have received critical acclaim including Hunger by Steve McQueen (of Trinidad and Tobago and Grenadian parents) and Che Parts 1 and 2 as Che Guevara fights for the Cuban revolution and attempts to undertake a similar enterprise in Bolivia.
Once again we will be based at MovieTowne with screenings in Tobago, San Fernando, UWI and StudioFilmClub. As before we will have the popular People’s Choice Awards but now with cash prizes, and we are introducing a special jury prize for the best film that captures the Caribbean spirit. I would like to give my abundant thanks to the new and continuing sponsors who make this Festival possible, and to partners and friends of the Festival, and I bid a very special welcome to the new Advisory Committee.
Enjoy.
Bruce Paddington
Director
trinidad + tobago film festival
