The trinidad+tobago film festival is delighted to announce the ttff/22 award-winning films! Don’t forget, you can watch the many of these films tonight at MovieTowne (POS) at 8.00pm in screens nine and ten!
Best Student Film: Take Care, directed by Shun Tachizono
Honorable Mentions: Hide!, directed by Shaochen Wang AND Cracked, directed by Lin Que Ayoung.
Best Film as Decided by a Youth Jury: Lo que se hereda (It runs in the family), directed by Victoria Linares Villegas.
Honorable Mention: Talia’s Journey, directed by Christophe Rolin
Winner of ‘Love in the 21st Century’ smartphone competition, Love natural, directed by Kristof West
Best Documentary Short Film: Strictly 2 Wheel, directed by Ania Freer
Best Narrative Short Film: Twa Fèy (Three leaves), directed by “Eleonore Coyette + Sephora Monteau
Best Documentary Feature Film: Paroles de Nègres (The words of negroes), directed by Sylvaine Dampierre
Honorable Mention: Mafifa, directed by Daniela Muñoz Barroso
Best Narrative Feature Film: Cette Maison (This House), directed by Miryam Charles
Honorable Mention: Una Pelicula Sobre Parejas (A Film About Couples), directed by Natalia Cabral + Oriol Estrada
Best Trinidad + Tobago Film: King David, directed by Walt Lovelace
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
Films in juried competitions are rigorously discussed and dissected before being selected by the programming team, and must be unanimously agreed by the five programmers. They are then watched, scored and debated by the relevant jury, with the winning films ultimately being those which receive the highest aggregate scores. We extend heartfelt thanks to all our esteemed jury members!
#seeyuhself #ttfilmfestival #ttff22
Chee$e to show at NALIS Amphitheatre!
Thanks to the folks at MOVA Productions, we’re delighted to be able to put on another screening of Damian Marcano’s award-winning film, ‘Chee$e’. Here are the deets:
where: NALIS Amphitheatre
when: 23 September, 7.00pm
tickets: free of charge (but we need you to sign up here!)
#seeyuhself #ttff22 #seeitlive
ttff talk with Christopher Laird + Dr Bruce Paddington
ttff talks are in depth and insightful conversations with creative masters on their creative journeys, inspiration, challenges and personal philosophies. ttff talks are presented with the support of The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago.
Logistics
date: Friday 23 September, 2022 time: 4.30pm–5.45pm location: NALIS (AV Room) rsvp: Sign up here! tickets: free moderator: Maria Nunes
about Christopher Laird
Christopher Laird is Managing Director, co-owner and co-founder of Banyan Ltd. He has produced more than three hundred documentaries, dramas and other video productions during his forty-year professional career. His genius has been recognized and rewarded with many national, regional and international awards. He is responsible for establishing the Caribbean Film and Video Archive which is (arguably) the largest collection of Caribbean culture on video. In 2003, he founded, with Errol Fabien, the Region’s first all-Caribbean free-to-air television station, Gayelle. In 2009 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of the West Indies.
Christopher has worked closely with Caribbean Tales for more than ten years, receiving the CaribbeanTales Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. His film NO BOIS MAN NO FRAID opened CTFF 2013. Currently, CTWD distributes all Banyan’s catalogued content.
about Dr Bruce Paddington
Bruce Paddington (PhD) is a filmmaker, lecturer, academic and film festival curator. He was a senior lecturer in film at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, and the co-founder of the Bachelor of Arts Film Programme. He is the founder of Banyan Productions, the New World Film Centre and the trinidad+tobago film festival and was the festival director from 2006–19. He is a consultant and programmer for ttff/22.
Panel: Spotlight on the Dominican Republic film industry
The Dominican Republic is currently at the forefront of the Caribbean’s film industry. The country’s cinematographic culture has been strengthened by the growing support of the state, which offers compelling incentives for both local and international film professionals. Their production services and world-class facilities have led to them rightfully becoming a hub for the industry. Moreover, the filmmaking community, with their focus on indigenous storytelling is an exemplar for the rest of the Caribbean.
Given their robust development over the last decade, are there lessons that we, as Caribbean neighbours, industries and storytellers, can learn? How do we improve the calibre of cinematographic output in the Caribbean? How do we sustainably grow an industry with international reach and appeal whilst supporting indigenous storytelling? This panel discussion will spotlight the Dominican Republic’s film industry – we will hear perspectives from industry professionals from the Dominican Republic as well as Trinidad and Tobago.
Logistics
date: Thursday 22 September, 2022 time: 4.30pm–5.45pm location: NALIS (AV Room) rsvp: pre-registration required. Sign up here! tickets: free of charge moderator: Mariel Brown
Presented with the support of the Embassy of the Dominican Republic
ttff/22 press conference is a go!
On 05 September, the trinidad+tobago film festival officially launched its 17th edition festival, ttff/22, and return to in-person screenings, to specially invited guests and members of the media.
Among the attendees were the festival’s signature sponsor, the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC). Describing the work of ttff as “extremely valuable and of national importance,” Myles Lewis, NGC’s head of corporate social responsibility, reminded the audience that,
“Since inception, the ttff has given local and regional filmmakers the support they need to create, to tell our stories, and to convert creative energy into dollars and cents – for stakeholders of the industry and for the country as a whole. The ttff’s work has also been instrumental in the preservation of our culture – a patrimony as valuable to our nation as our natural resources.”
Sponsored by NGC, this year’s retrospective recognises and celebrates the pioneering work of Banyan Productions and its founders which has been germane to the development of our local film and television industry.
Lewis expressed pride over the ttff’s work and after 14 years of partnership, said this is why NGC remains committed to help the ttff develop and monetise the country’s creative industry.
Representatives of ttff/22’s leading sponsors Republic Bank Limited (RBL) and Shell Trinidad and Tobago Limited also attended the press conference. RBL’s Baldath Ramkissoon general manager, Group Risk stated, “For over three years, Republic Bank has been partnering with FILMCO and it’s been a rewarding experience thus far.” He went on to say,
“By investing in the development of the local film industry, there is limitless potential for revenue generation, as well as an avenue for economic diversification; both of which are definitely needed in today’s economic climate.”
The trailer for the opening night film, ‘Chee$e’ was well received and the festival trailer generated excitement among the audience. Programmer Danielle Dieffenthaller explained that as in previous years, the ttff/22 will also include many panel discussions and workshops aimed at boosting film quality and enhancing storytelling techniques. Describing the local industry as “abundantly creative,” she further praised it for having technologically savvy people with major ideas, and who were great storytellers.
Kelli-Marie Patel, Shell’s corporate social advisor explained that her company had a rich legacy in the energy sector and to preserve it, Shell continues to invest in the arts, inspiring younger generations and contributing to economic diversification. Patel shared that Shell recognises the capacity of the local arts and film industry to unify communities and promote sustainable development and has sponsored the ttff for the past four years. A leading sponsor, Shell is looking forward to the return of in-person events, and anticipates seeing people and feeling their energy at the Shell Cinema Under the Stars screenings (which will be free to the public) to be held at the NALIS Amphitheatre 24 and 25 September.
Programming partner, the National Library and Information System (NALIS) was represented by Debbie Goodman, manager, corporate communications who also expressed delight at being associated with this year’s festival as it allowed the organisation to serve its role to mandate to ensure “everything produced about Trinidad and Tobago, or by Trinbagonians, regardless of where they may be domiciled is preserved for posterity so that generations to come will know the paths our country has travelled.”
NALIS’ services facilitate “the cultural, educational, social and economic development of the people of Trinidad and Tobago” so the local film industry serves in this regard, adding to nations’ literary and cultural landscape… The material reflects us and causes us to reflect, think and ponder.”
With such exciting partners onboard, ttff has been able to make it through the pandemic and is growing from strength to strength. The event was broadcast by ttff/22 media partner, TTT Limited.
ttff/22 in competition: youth jury films
Under the mentorship of film critic and ttff/22 festival programmer, BC Pires, the Youth Jury allows young people to take part in reasoned, if passionate, debate about film. Many jury members have gone on to study film at university and several now work in the industry. The Youth Jury has proved to be a gateway and developmental path for young future film industry professionals. The Youth Jury views and considers for award recognition, films which focus on young protagonists dealing with coming-of-age issues, challenges and triumphs.
For film synopses, screening details and director bios, please click the links (indicated as blue underlines) below.
Twa fèy (Three leaves), directed by Eléonore Coyette + Sephora Monteau
love t+t at 60!
At ttff/22 we’re celebrating 60 years of Trinidad and Tobago independence with our love t+t programmewhich is presented with the support of The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC). Films made in our about Trinidad and Tobago will be screened at MovieTowne Port of Spain and online on Republic Day (24 September); the MovieTowne screenings (in one screen) will be free of charge all day; online screenings will be available to viewers in the Caribbean, the USA and Canada.
For film synopses, screening details and director bios, please click the links below:
Presentation: planning an impact campaign for your film
Does your film address a social issue? Want to optimise your reach? You may want to consider planning an impact campaign. Put a plan in action to achieve your impact goals, engage your audience and obtain measurable results; mobilise and build a coalition to raise awareness. Films can significantly influence cultural and societal change and with the right strategy, you will be able to impact audiences far and wide.
Join us for an insightful presentation on planning your impact campaign. Learn from award-winning producer and co-founder of Firelight Media, Marcia Smith, as she shares her knowledge on the advantages of implementing a strong campaign for your film; how we can create change using the power of storytelling; and how to make the most of your partnerships.
logistics
date: Thursday 22 September, 2022 time: 12.30pm–2.00pm location: NALIS (Seminar Room 1) rsvp: pre-registration required. Sign up here! tickets: free of charge facilitator: Marcia Smith
Presented with the support of the US Embassy, Port of Spain
about Marcia Smith
Marcia Smith is president and co-founder of Firelight Media, which produces documentary films, provides artistic and financial support to emerging filmmakers of colour, and builds impact campaigns to connect documentaries to audiences and social justice advocates. Under her leadership, Firelight Media was honoured with a MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. Firelight Media’s flagship Documentary Lab programme has supported more than 80 emerging filmmakers over the past decade, who have premiered at festivals such as Sundance, and gone on to earn numerous festival, Peabody and Emmy awards.
presentation: crowdfunding and direct-to-audience strategies
In the age of social media, fundraising has taken on a new look. We know filmmaking can be an expensive venture, and seeking the right investors can take one away from the creative side of production. With mounting expenses, seeking sufficient funds is definitely a hassle. Crowdfunding is an option to explore.
A publicist, Marcin J. Sobczak has successfully raised impressive amounts of money using crowdfunding and will share his knowledge on how to get the best out of it. He will provide insight on the types of crowdfunding; the available platforms; how it can create an engaged community; the importance of communication; how it can speed up the development process; and how crowdfunding is tied to distribution.
logistics
date: Friday 23 September, 2022 time: 12.30pm–2.00pm location: NALIS (Seminar Room 1) rsvp: pre-registration required. Sign up here! tickets: free of charge facilitator: Marcin J. Sobczak
about Marcin J. Sobczak
Marcin J. Sobczak, owner of This Way Publicity, has worked in the film industry for over 13 years, supporting sales and production and every step of film development, working on more than 50 films, running international campaigns, and recently handling international Academy Awards campaigns. Some of the titles he has worked on include ‘Coda’, ‘Summer of soul’, ‘Cargo’ (by Kareem Mortimer), and ‘The enforcer’.
Presentation: tt production rebate
There are many reasons productions choose to shoot their films in Trinidad and Tobago, but one of the most beneficial elements of filming here is the Production Expenditure Rebate Programme, offered by the government of Trinidad and Tobago, and administered by FilmTT. This programme can save producers money by offering significant “cash back” percentages to both local and international producers. In this 90-minute session, FilmTT General Manager Leslie Ann Wills-Caton, will explain the different rebate programme tiers; which types of productions qualify; which production expenses qualify; how to calculate rebates; how to apply for the rebate and everything in between.
logistics
date: Friday 23 September, 2022 time: 10.30am–12.00pm location: NALIS (AV Room) rsvp: pre-registration required. Sign up here! tickets: free of charge facilitator: Leslie Ann Wills-Caton
Presented with the support of FilmTT
about Leslie Ann Wills-Caton
Leslie Ann Wills-Caton is the film commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago and the general manager of the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company (FilmTT). She is responsible for all aspects of film sector development, promoting Trinidad and Tobago as a film location and providing Film Commission services to local and incoming productions. In her role she also acts as a liaison for the T&T industry and the community at large, advocating for better understanding of the industry and benefits of local participation. Handling production requests and referrals, working with vendors and production crews, facilitating incentive grants and actively focusing on capacity development initiatives to build on the strengths of production houses, location managers, scouts, producers, and various industry professionals is all part of the role.
Honorable Mention: Talia’s Journey, directed by Christophe Rolin
