At ttff we love working with young people and helping to shape their career decisions by professional mentoring; while making their experience fun. Our Two interns for this year are Faith Ayoung, an SBCS student and Nick Rampersad, one of our Youth Jurors from ttff/17. We spoke to them during their busy day to find out about their experience interning with us.

ttff: How did you get involved in the ttff?

Faith: I got involved in the film festival because of my SBCS media lecturer. She told me me about the festival and how volunteers might be needed. So I called to find out about it and voila, I’m here.

Nick: I first got involved with ttff by serving on the Youth Jury  2017. This was a life defining experience and one that further cemented my love for filmmaking. As a youth juror, I viewed an array of films that highlighted the social and moral issues that all teenagers and young adults living in different parts of the world are faced with. I got to work alongside my fellow youth jurors, who were not only talented but also deeply passionate about film. Working with them in a demanding environment enhanced my social and analytical skills and also allowed me to look at situations from a different perspective.

ttff: How is the experience so far? Now this year you are here as an intern? Are there any differences?

Faith: So far it has been going really well. This is my first year and I came in as an intern, I help out with admin mainly but I’m also assisting with media  and the social media departments, and it’s fun. I like being busy and so helping out in many different aspects is really nice and I get the experience also. For example, making calls to media houses to give or receive information on upcoming events to answering calls from the public on information about the ttff and ticket sales. Beforehand I would have never had to make calls as often or receive. I didn’t particularly like talking or making calls before, not that has changed but this experience has helped me become more comfortable with it, more relaxed and confident.

Nick: So far it’s been a thrilling experience. Interning at ttff has given me behind the scenes look at all the work that goes into making this event a success. I intend to make the most of this opportunity as it helps me further my knowledge about our local film industry. On a daily basis I’m making calls to film makers, branding our merchandise for distribution and mainly just helping out in any way i can. It’s a complete contrast from being a juror judging films, to actually working to put the entire festival together. Also this year one of my many responsibilities is dealing with the youth jury, which is a stroll down memory lane.

ttff: Any fun moments?

Faith: Well yes, there was the pre-lime in Port- of -Spain, at Drink on 63 Rosalino Street. It was a new experience being out among creatives like myself . Though I was on social media duty, I had the opportunity because of it to chat with a few people in the film industry, other volunteers and animators and artists. For me it was really cool to see a lot of local creatives all in one place, chatting and laughing. I also brought along a friend and she enjoyed herself so I got to kill two birds with one stone: she wanted to go out with me and I got to mingle.

Nick: Yes, there are a lot of fun moments, sometimes you can’t contain your laughter. Working with the ttff staff is so enjoyable, the atmosphere is always filled with happiness and kindness. Being able to associate with other creatives, who share my zeal for film in what is  a “work environment” is honestly like being on cloud nine.

ttff: Why did you apply to intern at the ttff?

Faith: I have developed a love for  filming, video editing and photography during the past year. Hence, the reason I applied was to get more of a feel for the film environment or get an idea of how the behind the scenes of films and festivals are.  I didn’t know what to expect but seeing as I am currently pursuing my degree in Creative Media Production, I thought it would be a fun programme to be in during the July/August vacation until school restarted.

Nick: I applied to intern at ttff, because i’m an amateur director and i wanted to get hands on experience in the film industry itself. Filming and Directing is the career path that i am currently pursuing, and to have this once in a lifetime opportunity to get this wealth of knowledge from the festival is incredible.

ttff: Your Expectations and what you did not expect?

Faith: To be very honest, I did not know exactly what to expect, I just agreed to help out with video editing, social media and to be an extra hand for assistance with events or anything else. The main idea was to volunteer and give of my time and abilities. Now  what I did not expect would be actually the amount of work that goes into making this festival happen. This just being an observation because I do not have as much of the brunt of work to do as the head personnel of the festival  but I would say I did help out a lot and there was still a lot done by other volunteers.

Nick: I expected to be working at MovieTowne for the duration of the festival but then learned that the office staff is the glue that holds the entire festival together. What was unexpected to me was the number of embassies and high commissions that are involved with the festival. I’ve gotten the privilege to meet some of them and its surreal. These embassies also help promote the festival on the international market which makes it a flagship event here in Trinidad and Tobago.

We’re very grateful to have Nick and Faith working with us and wish them the very best in a future in filmmaking. To intern with us in the future, connect with us here.

love, film

 In Photo left to right: Producer Barthélémy Fougea, Producer+ Director Danielle Dieffenthaller and Producer Jean-Michel Gibert connect at ttff/15 industry event

ttff’s efforts to help develop a more robust financial market for film financing in Trinidad and Tobago has, in the past included efforts to educate decision makers from some of the country’s top companies about the film industry and their role as potential investors in film productions in Trinidad and Tobago.

The highly successful Think, Drink, Link event at ttff/15 was a major milestone in this effort, as it brought together twenty corporate decision makers with ten local filmmakers to learn about the overall possibilities of participating in the film industry.

In Photo: ttff’s Festival Founder + Director, Bruce Paddington at ttff/15

This year ttff intends to continue this effort by hosting a two day Business Seminar sponsored by FilmTT Thursday 20 and Friday 21 September, 9.00am to 3.00pm at Hilton Hotel and Conference Centre

In Photo: ttff’s Programme Director, Annabelle Alcazar

According to ttff’s Programme Director, Annabelle Alcazar, “The 2 day seminar will enable filmmakers to become more business savvy, an essential in these times. It will cover funding, distribution, the recoupment life cycle as well as co-production.  The intention is to provide the tools for financial success in the marketplace.”

Goals of the Business Seminar

• Re-establish the links among corporate sector, financial sector and the filmmaking community
• Provide a refresher on the value chain of screen-based media with special emphasis on film/tv content
• Identify the types of financial participation that is common in the industry and the roles of corporate funders and content-creators and IP-owners
• Delve deeper into the ongoing government programmes available to corporate financiers (sponsors, investors, lending agencies)
• Present case studies on the successful use of the programmes
• Provide step by step instructions on accessing existing programmes and the record keeping involved

Objectives

Building business development capacity of T+T’s independent content creators

• Provide roadmaps for corporate entities to invest in the T+T and Caribbean film industries
• Identify and develop the network of potential private sector investors interested in production and marketing investment
• Train producers, IP owners, and production service providers about the record keeping necessary to access government incentives
• Facilitate the establishment of groups that will package content for funding.

To register for the Business Seminar, please email industry@ttfilmfestival.com

Limited spaces available.

The trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff) celebrates films from and about the Caribbean and its diaspora, as well as from world cinema, through an annual festival and year-round screenings. In addition, the ttff seeks to facilitate the growth of Caribbean cinema by offering a wide-ranging industry programme and networking opportunities. The ttff is given leading sponsorship by BP Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts; supporting sponsorship by The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago and Republic Bank Limited; and contributing sponsorship byFilmTT and The National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB).

 

We’re proud to introduce the first of a series of reviews of ttff/18 films by our VCTT Volunteer Feature Writer Xavier Barzey. Look out for more from Xavier and our other VCTT Volunteer Feature Writers in this space.

Canadian film director, Sharon Lewis does not disappoint as she mixes vivid imagery with an eclectic sense of dark symbolism and Caribbean culture portrayed seamlessly within the gestures, mannerisms and accent of the characters. In this post-apocalyptic tale set in the year 2049, the story follows Ti-Jeanne a young priestess and titular heroine who has the daunting task of saving the lives of the innocent, while trying to keep afloat of her own future. Ti-Jeanne, with the support of her grandmother Mami must become the woman she is destined to be by offering herself to Papa Legba (the destroyer) in an effort to save her people. It is a relentless battle as Ti-Jeanne must also come to terms with her mother’s death, having perished at the hands of Papa Legba himself. The land barren, food limited and water scarce, it is up to Ti-Jeanne to change the fate of the future.

Brown Girl Begins journey’s through a dystopian society that depicts compelling elements of the abuse of power and the boundless limits to where it can be utilized for one’s benefits. The film’s characters are not only the epitome of strength, but the destitute environment around them invokes a message of the struggle for survival. A struggle that is all too real for the film’s characters considering the fact that they are not living, only existing and surviving to live. Ti-Jeanne and her friends are compelled to fight against the forces of the evil Crack in order to be emancipated from the heartless bowels of the environment in which they live. Ti-Jeanne’s reluctance to become Papa Legba’s vessel only seems to add more anger and pain amongst them as she is traumatized by the death of her mother. Ti- Jeanne has seen a lot, experienced a lot and yet remains pure in heart and soul to those around her, that’s the essence of her character.

Lewis exhibited the disparate lines of survival and courage as it falls within the social construct of a hapless environment at the mercy of a powerful authority. The film is built upon themes of gender roles, spirituality and status. Through the resistance, comes deviance against all odds in a struggle to gain a voice and take back their freedom. Brown Girl Begins has pushed the bounds to where women are taking matters into their very own hands. The latter have seldom been seen as unusual because these phenomenal women are living their lives without approval from society and standing firm in their convictions. As the film progresses, we see the confidence grow within the protagonist and with it, she conquers every hurdle that’s standing in her path.

This film is the perfect blend of Afrofuturist culture and all the complexities that go along with it. It keeps you completely immerse in its action sequences and riveting narrative. Brown Girl Begins would be showing at various outlets at Movietowne Port of Spain, Movietowne San Fernando and Movietowne Tobago. It is worth the watch so don’t miss it. Screening time for this film would be featured on Saturday 22nd September at 6:00 pm, Screen 8 at Movietowne Port of Spain with a casual discussion after the film. It continues on Tuesday 25th September at 6:30 pm at Movietowne Tobago and on Tuesday 25th September at 8:30 pm at Movietowne Port of Spain, Screen 7.

The trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff) celebrates films from and about the Caribbean and its diaspora, as well as from world cinema, through an annual festival and year-round screenings. In addition, the ttff seeks to facilitate the growth of Caribbean cinema by offering a wide-ranging industry programme and networking opportunities. The ttff is given leading sponsorship by BP Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts; supporting sponsorship by The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago and Republic Bank Limited; and contributing sponsorship byFilmTT and The National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB).

Motion Graphics by Brandon Kaylan, Maxoff Co. Ltd.

Where to Get Tickets

Tickets are available at venues at the times of screenings. For MovieTowne screenings, they are also available at MovieTowne’s box offices.

Tickets at MovieTowne are $40. Students in uniforms, teachers with uniformed students, or students with school IDs are $20.

Merchandise

trinidad+tobago film festival merchandise will be sold at MovieTowne, Port of Spain.

Love Film

Welcome to the thirteenth edition of the ttff.

Please download our full press kit, which includes programme highlights, film synopses, our branding materials, photographs and film stills.

• ttff18-press-kit.zip 31.0MB

In photo: Green Days By The River’s Producer Christian James and Director Michael Mooleedhar get some advice from ttff Festival Director and Founder, Bruce Paddington at CFM 2015

The 12 successful applicants for the third Caribbean Film Mart, sponsored by BP Trinidad and Tobago have been announced.The Caribbean Film Mart, which will be held from 22 – 23 September, during the trinidad+tobago film festival, seeks to foster relationships between T+T filmmakers and the international film industry, by stimulating and facilitating dialogue and sharing of expertise.

In Photo: Director Maya Cozier at One on One Session at CFM 2016

The selected  filmmakers will meet one-on-one with international film professionals specialising in production and distribution.  The Mart will include presentations on international appeal and viability of local films and funding including co-productions. Robert Maylor, producer of Sprinter,  together with director Storm Saulter who workshopped his project at CFM 2015 and which  has recently been released to wide acclaim, will present a case study.

In Photo: ACP presentation at CFM 2015

At the end of the second day, the filmmakers will ‘pitch’ their project to an international panel of judges.  The winner will be awarded a cash prize of $TT 75,000 sponsored by BP Trinidad and Tobago. A second prize of a year’s mentorship by international industry expert Joanne Butcher will also be awarded.  These winners will be announced at the ttff’s awards ceremony on September 25.

The successful participants and their projects are:

Dance the Cocoa – Juliette McCawley

 Mas Slaughter – Christopher Din Chong

The Jaguar – Ryan Khan

Virus – Michael Rochford

Steel – Glenford Adams

Igual Paradise – Shea Best

Wishing for Wings – Kim Johnson

Silk Road – Janine – Mendes-Franco

Trinidad’s Missing – Reynald Seydass

Hey Handsome – Roderick de Weever

Fairway – Kafi Kareem Farrell

Right and Left – Sonja Dumas

The trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff) celebrates films from and about the Caribbean and its diaspora, as well as from world cinema, through an annual festival and year-round screenings. In addition, the ttff seeks to facilitate the growth of Caribbean cinema by offering a wide-ranging industry programme and networking opportunities. The ttff is given leading sponsorship by BP Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts; supporting sponsorship by The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago and Republic Bank Limited; and contributing sponsorship by FilmTT and The National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB).

UPDATE: TICKETS  ON SALE FROM MONDAY AUGUST 27 at NAPA BOX OFFICE- 11am-6pm DAILY + AT ttff’s OFFICE-9:30am – 1:30PM MONDAY to FRIDAY

HERO:Inspired by The Extraordinary Life & Times of Mr. Ulric Cross will officially open the 13th edition of  trinidad+tobago film festival . The screening will be part of ttff/18’s  opening ceremony and gala on Tuesday 18 September at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Port of Spain.

Photo: Director-Producer Frances-Anne Solomon

Hero, directed by Frances-Anne Solomon was inspired by the life and times of Trinidadian Ulric Cross Cross whose distinguished international career as a soldier, jurist and diplomat spanned key events of the 20th Century when independent African and Caribbean nations came of age. Out of this, a new brand of Black leadership was born and post-colonial societies emerged to find their place today on the world’s stage.

The film expertly uses archival material and dramatic reconstruction to recite a tale of opposition and triumph in this important historic chapter in Ulric Cross’ extraordinary life. It focuses on Cross’ contribution to the Pan African movement and his relationships with Tanzania’s first president Julius Nyerere and Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first prime minister and president.

Republic Bank Limited is the Title Sponsor of Hero , which was produced by Trinidad and Tobago nationals and filmed in Ghana, United Kingdom and Trinidad and Tobago.  Nikolai Salcedo conveys a mesmerizing characterizationof Ulric Cross. The cast also includes acclaimed British actor Joseph Marcell as CLR James, noted Trinidadian actor Rudolph Walker and a number of leading Ghanaian actors.

Photo: Hero Team

Director Frances-Anne Solomon, who also produced the film, notes that “Hero explores not just the life, but also the dynamic and transformative times that Ulric Cross was born into. Ultimately, the film is about us, who we are as Caribbean people.”Photo: Executive Producer, Lisa Wickham

Lisa Wickham Executive Producer of Hero reiterates, “This film has international and diplomatic significance for Trinidad and Tobago and its relationships with Africa and the United Kingdom as it signifies the role that it has played and continues to play in international affairs.”

Hero is one of three T+T feature length films starring at this year’s festival. Dr. Bruce Paddington, Festival Founder and Director of the trinidad+tobago film festival expressed his delight in the selection of a T+T film opening the festival for a third consecutive year, “We are once again proud to screen a film from Trinidad and Tobago as our opening film and especially pleased that the film is about a true hero, Ulric Cross, at a time when a country needs heroes and role models.”

ttff/18  will also feature a stellar programme of award-winning Caribbean and Panorama films plus an unprecedented number of shorts, which will be announced shortly. According to Annabelle Alcazar, Programming Director, “ We are showing over 60 T+T new shorts and it is exciting to see that, despite funding challenges, the quality and range of subjects increases every year.”

The World Premiere of Hero at NAPA, Port of Spain, will be preceded by a Cocktail Reception, sponsored by BP Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday 18 September, at 6.00pm.The director, producers  and members of the cast and crew will be present. Further information on ticket sales and availability will be announced soon.

The trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff) celebrates films from and about the Caribbean and its diaspora, as well as from world cinema, through an annual festival and year-round screenings. In addition, the ttff seeks to facilitate the growth of Caribbean cinema by offering a wide-ranging industry programme and networking opportunities. The ttff is given leading sponsorship by BP Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts; supporting sponsorship by The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago and Republic Bank Limited; and contributing sponsorship by FilmTT and The National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB).

Photos courtesy Hero Film: https://www.facebook.com/HERO4ALLTIME/

The lives of the African slave trade to  the struggle of an impoverished priest form part of the line up of this year’s Panorama films. Bigger Than Africa follows the trans-Atlantic slave trade route from West Africa to six different countries – USA, Nigeria, Brazil, Republic of Benin, Trinidad and Tobago and Cuba to explore and find reasons for the survival of this particular West African Culture.  This 90 minutes Documentary Feature from Director Oluwatoyin Ibrahim Adekeye shows that the most pronounced African Culture of the Diasporas remains the culture of the Yorubas.

Sharon Lewis’s enthralling film Brown Girl Begins, based on a prequel to Nalo Hopkinson’s novel, imagines the post-apocalyptic Toronto where Ti-Jeanne, a young reluctant priestess, must resurrect ancient Caribbean spirits to save her people and survive the possession ritual that killed her mother.

Also in the ttff/18 line up is Johnny 100 Pesos, a film featuring the lead Johnny who is released from jail after serving twenty years and one day for a heist and double murder. Despite trying to turn over a new leaf he ends up participating in a kidnapping plot to recover a large ransom.

Mama, a Colombian film features Victoria who is a reserved and independent woman who enjoys her solitude. She has an unexpected visit from her long-lost daughter Sara, who asks her to take care of her 7-year-old granddaughter for a couple of days. This favour will completely change her life. After a shocking event and unforeseen news, Sara comes back home to make things right with her mother.

In the Documentary film, Run Free, a group of young men from Parade Gardens, Jamaica embark on a journey of transformation using Parkour and Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey.

 

 

(still from Sprinter)

The ttff seeks to highlight excellence in filmmaking through the exhibition of fiction and documentary features and short films made in T&T, the Caribbean and its diaspora, as well as international filmmakers with films from or about the Caribbean or its diaspora.

The thirteenth edition of the trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff), takes place from 18 – 25 September and there will be screenings at MovieTowne Port of Spain, San Fernando and Tobago, as well as at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine. As usual, a stellar programme of Caribbean film is on offer.

In Sprinter, A Jamaican teen, burdened by an unstable father and an unruly older brother, hopes a meteoric rise in track-and-field can reunite him with his mother, who has lived illegally in the US for over a decade.

This film is one of the successful results of the ttff/15 Caribbean Film Mart. Director, Storm Saulter, called the Mart “one of the most helpful development programmes” he’s taken part in. The film received assistance at the Mart and in June 2018 won three awards at the American Black Film Festival including the Grand Jury prize for Best Narrative Feature.

 

Alberto, an evangelical gardener, returns to his hometown to attend the funeral of his father who was killed by an influential man. Cocote, a Narrative Feature in Spanish with English subtitles follows Alberto as he is forced to participate in religious celebrations that are contrary to his will and beliefs, to mourn the deceased.

In Le Reve Francais – Parts 1 + 2 (They Had a Dream by Director Christian Faure, the French Government encouraged islanders to leave the French West Indies to escape poverty that resulted from the closure of sugar mills in the 60s.Lured by the idea of a ‘dream country’, although they were citizens of France, they found that life in Europe was not what they had imagined.

The story of the notorious fugitive Winston Leroy Hall is something of almost folkloric legend in Barbados. Convicted for the murder of an elderly plantation owner, he escaped prison authorities multiple times and managed to stay on the run for nearly two decades across the Caribbean. Hall, the thrilling documentary feature by Director Rommel Hall, shows the truth behind his escapes are both elusive and bizarre.

El Chata (The Sparring Partner), follows the story of Samuel who has the potential to be a boxing champion, although he seems destined to fail. At thirty and just out of prison, he has to become a sparring partner because nobody will give him the chance at a fight. Unable to feed his family and exposed to temptation, Samuel is determined to get back in the ring and prove he has changed.

Buscando Al Zorro (Looking For Zorro), tells the story of Pablo, who raises his nine-year-old son, Rafael, without the support of his absent wife. Pablo and Rafael must go on a long journey through high mountains searching for “Zorro”, their last hope of making a living.

The trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff) celebrates films from and about the Caribbean and its diaspora, as well as from world cinema, through an annual festival and year-round screenings. In addition, the ttff seeks to facilitate the growth of Caribbean cinema by offering a wide-ranging industry programme and networking opportunities. The ttff is given leading sponsorship by BP Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts; supporting sponsorship by The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago and Republic Bank Limited; and contributing sponsorship by FilmTT and The National Lotteries Control Board (NLCB).

We’re pleased to announce a new community film series. family matinee, sponsored by Republic Bank Limited will run from August 12 to 26 and offers a new entertainment options for families during the August vacation. Admission is free.

The inaugural film series is an extension of the ttff’s ‘community cinema’ – an essential part of ttff’s mission and objectives to use film as an agent of perception change, social transformation, education, entertainment and inspiration.

The family matinee series will present four films featuring children and young people around the world overcoming various forms of social, political and familial adversity, with inspiring conclusions.

Family Matinee Schedule:

SUN Aug 12/4pm/ Arima Town Hall

 Esteban

Drama/Spanish with English Subtitles

In this heart melting story of 9 year old Esteban, who casually discovers his love and talent for the piano. Against all odds in Havana Cuba, he perseveres towards his dream. Featuring a soundtrack by the legendary Cuban piano godfather Chucho Valdés.

Sat Aug 18/ 4pm/ The Department of Creative and Festival Arts (DCFA)

Gordon St, St. Augustine

Landfill Harmonic- A Symphony of the Human Spirit

Documentary/ Spanish with English Subtitles

This is the astounding and inspirational story of an orchestra playing music from instruments made entirely out of garbage. When a natural disaster devastates their community, the orchestra provides a source of hope for the town.

Sun Aug 19/4pm/ San Fernando City Hall

Adama

Animated Drama/ French with English Subtitles

Adama lives a traditional life in a sheltered valley in West Africa. When his older brother runs away to be a warrior, Adama goes in search of him and inexplicably encounters the French. His quest takes him as far as the Western Front in the middle of World War I.

Sun Aug 26/ 4pm/ Buccoo Community Centre, Tobago 

Lamb

Drama/ Amharic with English Subtitles    

When Ephraim is sent from his homeland in Ethiopia to live with distant relatives, he takes his beloved lamb with him. When his uncle announces his intention to sacrifice the lamb Ephraim is ready to do anything to save his only friend and return home.

Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks.

The trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff) celebrates films from and about the Caribbean and its diaspora, as well as from world cinema, through an annual festival and year-round screenings. In addition, the ttff seeks to facilitate the growth of Caribbean cinema by offering a wide-ranging industry programme and networking opportunities. The ttff is given leading sponsorship by BP Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts; supporting sponsorship by The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago and Republic Bank Limited; and contributing sponsorship by FilmTT.