ttff/21 punches above its weight in second year online

For immediate release 

PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD, 3 September 2021 – On Wednesday 1 September 2021, trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff) held a virtual press conference for its 16^th edition, which officially starts on September 22, 2021. The festival, which has played an essential role in providing a platform for Caribbean filmmakers to screen their projects, joined with established corporate partners to announce the highly anticipated online activities – film screenings, workshops, and masterclasses hosted by industry veterans.

At the press conference, Lisa Burkett, Manager of Corporate Communications – National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC), highlighted the thirteen-year sponsorship of ttff by the energy company as one that is appreciated and necessary to support the film industry. “Our films tell our stories; they support livelihoods and add value to our economy; they package our culture into a commodity we can share. We are extremely proud of the groundbreaking work the ttff has done since its inception to promote and preserve our local culture, and to give our storytellers and creative visionaries a platform to be seen and heard,” Burkett said. Other notable sponsors and partners on board with ttff/21, include Shell Trinidad and Tobago Limited, Republic Bank Limited (RBL), the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB) FilmTT and the US Embassy in Port of Spain.

With a packed schedule of 120 films and 22 industry events to be held online, ttff/21 plans to exceed expectations for the annual event, even during these challenging Covid-19 times. Creative online solutions have been designed for audiences to be safe and comfortable while watching films that might not be seen anywhere else.

The Opening Night of the festival will consist of premieres of ‘Candela’ by accomplished filmmaker and video artist, Andrés Farías, from the Dominican Republic, and ‘Mano Santa’ by multi-winning awardee Stephanie Camacho Casillas from Puerto Rico. Audiences can also expect a retrospective of 6 films in tribute to vanguard Trinidad and Tobago director and photographer, Horace Ové, with screenings of some of his most recognised and groundbreaking work, such as King Carnival and Pressure. ‘Limin Live’ – one-on-one talk sessions with industry personalities from across the region, will also be a one-of-a-kind activity for film enthusiasts. Additionally, two prize categories – Jury Prizes and Special Awards, will be included in this year’s competition.