TTFF partners with Guadeloupe

Starting in 2012, films from the trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff) will screen at FEMI, Le Festival International du Cinéma de Guadeloupe.

The ttff, presented by Flow, is an annual celebration of the best films from Trinidad & Tobago and the Caribbean, and the Caribbean Diaspora. FEMI is the largest and most prestigious film festival and film and television market in the French Antilles.

At the most recent edition of FEMI, held from 28 to 4 February, 2011, an agreement was signed between ttff and FEMI. This five-year agreement allows for the screening of a feature film and two short films from ttff at FEMI and vice versa, as well as the reciprocal visits of a Festival official and a filmmaker from each Festival.

The agreement was signed by Dr Bruce Paddington, Founder and Executive Director of ttff, and Ms Felly Sedecias, President of FEMI.

“I am very proud that we have signed this agreement between FEMI and the trinidad+tobago film festival,” said Dr Paddington. “We are already involved in a partnership agreement with the Zanzibar International Film Festival, the leading festival in East Africa, and are very excited to be associated with FEMI, the leading film festival in the French Antilles. Our mission includes the exhibition of films from the wider Caribbean and we look forward to welcoming directors and films from FEMI at the sixth edition of the ttff.”

This year’s Festival takes place from 21 September to 4 October. The Festival receives leading sponsorship from RBC/RBTT, and supporting sponsorship from the Trinidad & Tobago Film Company, the Tourism Development Company, the Tobago House of Assembly, and the National Gas Company.

Film Festival + Nalis team up to bring Carnival Film Series

The trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff) and the National Library and Information Systems Authority (Nalis), in association with the Trinidad & Tobago Entertainment Company and North Eleven, are pleased to present the first ever Carnival Film Series (CFS).

Taking place at the National Library, Port of Spain on 27 (6pm to 10pm) and 28 February (7pm to 10pm), and at the Point Fortin Public Library on 3 March (7pm to 10pm), the CFS will be an entertaining three nights of Carnival-themed movies, live music performances and appearances by traditional Carnival characters.

One of the films being shown is the classic Bacchanal Time (1977), written and directed by Kamalo Deen. A comedy that follows the exploits of a couple of top stick-fighters, the film features acting performances by a number of calypsonians including Crazy and Gregory Ballantine, and a soundtrack featuring original songs by Calypso Rose, the Mighty Shadow and others.

Other films include the documentary Soca Power (2007), which follows the fortunes of four soca stars through a Carnival season, and the short Too Young to Soca (1986), a fascinating portrait of a youthful Machel Montano.

In addition to the films, there will be live performances at the National Library by Black Prince, Sheldon Nugget, North West Laventille Cultural Movement, Kimba Sorzano and various traditional Carnival characters. The MC is Black Sage.

Admission to the CFS is $40 at the National Library, and free in Point Fortin. There will be food and drinks on sale, plus door prizes to be won. Limited seating is provided, so you may wish to bring a cushion.

The ttff, which is in its sixth year, is presented by Flow. The Festival receives leading sponsorship from RBC/RBTT, and supporting sponsorship from the Trinidad & Tobago Film Company, the Tourism Development Corporation, the Tobago House of Assembly and the National Gas Company.

For more information, including each night’s entire schedule, visit www.ttfilmfestival.com or www.nalis.gov.tt, or call 621.0709 or 623.6962.

Flow Renews Sponsorship of TTFF

Flow has renewed its commitment to being the presenting sponsor of the trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff).

The new sponsorship agreement is for a period of three years, and will take the Festival through to its 2013 edition. Flow has been the ttff”s presenting sponsor since 2008.

The ttff was founded in 2006 as a celebration of the best in filmmaking from Trinidad & Tobago, the Caribbean, the Caribbean Diaspora and Latin American countries in the Caribbean Basin.

In addition, the Festival seeks to facilitate the growth of the regional film industry. Every year the ttff hosts a series of workshops, discussion panels and seminars, which are conducted by well-known local, regional and international filmmakers and other film-industry professionals.
According to Mrs Rhea Yaw Ching, Flow’s Group Head for Sales, Marketing & Communications for the Southern Caribbean, “Our relationship with the trinidad+tobago film festival has been truly successful since we first began our partnership in 2008. The recognition they have received has grown with every passing year, and it is safe to say that it has now become the largest film festival in the English-speaking Caribbean.

“We predict that this year will be no different, and look forward to another successful installment. We remain committed to promoting local arts and culture and will continue to do so through our Video on Demand platform, providing an avenue for budding filmmakers to showcase their work.”

The Video on Demand (VOD) service was started in 2009, and offers a library of local and other films from the ttff to Flow customers for viewing. 100% of all proceeds earned go directly to the filmmakers. VOD is available on channel 1000, and new content will be available in May.

Flow also engages every year in ttff ticket giveaways, so look out for giveaways for film screenings at this year’s Festival, which takes place from 21 September to October 4.