New initiative, delivered in partnership with Republic Bank’s Power to Make A Difference and The UWI Film Programme, gives 15 students structured access to TTFF/26, building festival literacy and career pathways into the region’s screen industries
PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – 28 July, 2026 – The Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival (TTFF) today announced the launch of the Festival Immersion Programme, a new addition to its TTFF/26 Youth Development slate, delivered in partnership with Republic Bank’s Power to Make A Difference and the UWI St. Augustine (UWI STA) Film Programme.
Anchored around the 20th anniversary of TTFF in September 2026, the Festival Immersion Programme is a structured learning pathway that introduces students of the UWI STA Film Programme and COSTAATT to the full ecosystem of a film festival. Developed in partnership with the UWI Film Programme, the initiative equips 15 students aged 18 to 27 with festival literacy – teaching them how to participate in a professional festival environment with purpose, confidence, and strategic intent. Participants will engage purposefully with local, regional, and international screen-industry ecosystems, learning to see festivals as gateways to careers in film, media, and the wider creative industries.
Republic Bank is the presenting sponsor of the Festival Immersion Programme through its Power to Make A Difference corporate social responsibility platform, reflecting the bank’s continued commitment to youth development and education across Trinidad and Tobago.
The Festival Immersion programme is one of several youth development initiatives under TTFF/26, alongside the Young Film Programmers Scheme, the Summer Arts Management Internship, and Film School Shorts – together forming a structured pipeline supporting young people into the screen and cultural industries.
“The Festival Immersion Programme is about demystifying what a festival is and does,” said Mariel Brown, festival director, Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival. “We want students to walk into TTFF/26 as active participants who understand how to navigate a professional festival environment with confidence and purpose; we want them to learn the pivotal role that festivals can play in building their careers as filmmakers. Republic Bank and the UWI Film Programme have been invaluable partners in building a programme that gives students real access and real accountability.”
“At Republic Bank, we believe that investing in young people means creating meaningful opportunities for them to learn, grow and realise their potential,” said Reena Gopaul, manager, Group Brand Management, Republic Bank Limited. “Through our Power to Make A Difference programme, we are pleased to partner with the Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival and The UWI Film Programme on this innovative initiative, which equips aspiring filmmakers with practical industry exposure, valuable connections and the confidence to pursue careers in the creative sector. It is through partnerships like these that we help empower the next generation to turn their passion into possibility.”
“The UWI Film Programme is delighted to be a partner with the TTFF and Republic Bank. This immersion programme is a wonderful way for our students, who are filmmakers in training, to interact with, and learn from professionals on all aspects of their shared craft. The collaboration is one of the many activities that will rebound to the fulfilment of a vibrant film culture in Trinidad and Tobago and opportunities for our graduates.” Jessel Murray, deputy dean, Faculty of Humanities and Education, UWI STA
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APPLICATION DETAILS
✅ Participants must be students of UWI or COSTAAT and must be entering year 2 or 3 with a primary focus on film
✅ Participants must commit to attending each full day of the Immersion Programme (24,25,26 September)
📥 To apply, fill in this application form
⏰ Application deadline: 21 August, 2026
🗣️ Successful candidates will be notified by 28 August
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