Hollywood. Nollywood. Bollywood.
Three pillars of the global film industry (representing the American, Nigerian and Indian cinematic interests respectively). Each are well known and well respected in their communities and internationally.
But quietly coming up in the industry is Caribwood (yes, I made that up. I try with Collywood firs to mek it fit in with the rest but it ain’t sound too right. Wha you tink?)
The Caribbean film industry has been slowly but steadily growing over the years. Now, with increased support from Caribbean governments, more knowledge sharing and collaboration among filmmakers and greater access to resources and technology, we are seeing a real surge in the field.
From classic films like The Harder They Come to documentaries like The Story of Lovers Rock to the new wave of Caribbean film fronted by power players like Storm Saulter, director of the hit Better Mus Come, the region has been turning out a number of talented filmmakers as well as industry movers and shakers.
And celebrating the work of Caribwood is the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival . Since 2006, TTFF has grown to become the largest event of its’ kind in the English speaking Caribbean. From traditional films to experimental explorations in new media, TTFF brings together a vast array of industry professionals from across the Caribbean and beyond.
This years’ festival kicked off on September 16th and runs through September 30th. It includes industry panel discussions, workshops and networking events as well.
I’m excited to be attending this year’s festival, not only covering the scene for my fellow hyphens (as well indulging in some much needed R & R) but also as one of the executive producers of the short film Rebecca’s Story.
Rebecca’s Story is a product of the Guyanese youth arts initiative WITNESS Project for which I am project manager. WITNESS Project engages youth and young adults in Guyana in arts-based programming with the mission of changing the culture of violence against women and children that permeates Guyanese society.
To this end, in 2013, the 20-some odd youth of WITNESS Project, under the guidance of a few volunteer filmmakers, wrote, shot and produced the 13 minute film which explores the roots of one families’ history of violence and one possible escape from it.
REBECCA’S STORY TRAILER from Morgan Riles on Vimeo.
It’s a touching film that hopefully moves the audience to question the blind acceptance of familial violence, to explore its’ origins and to seek alternative methods of discipline and dealing with the stresses of life.
Rebecca’s Story was shown, along with several other shorts, on Sunday 9/21 at 10:30am at MovieTowne Port of Spain and will show again on Saturday 9/26 and Sunday 9/27 at MovieTowne Tobago. If you are on the island be sure to check it out, along with the other great festival selections.
And whether at TTFF or in your local community, make an effort to find and support Caribbean filmmakers nuh? I find that Caribbeans and Caribbean-Americans often complain about our portrayal in television and film (insert yet another badly accented Jamaican gangsta puffing on a splif as big as my head here) but are often unwilling to support those doing the work to bring other sides of the Caribbean experience to the big and small screens.
Take a moment to not only support Caribbean films and filmmakers but to teach the youth in your lives that the arts are as valid and important a profession as teaching or nursing (But Caribbean parents love a nurse eh? Lol)
Truly we will not see a change in how we are portrayed in the media until we ourselves control the narrative and start creating the content we wish to see.
Caribbean film resources:
Caribbean Film Academy Caribbean Tales
Studio Anansi Films New Caribbean Cinema
caribBEING Chantimedia
What other Caribbean film organizations do you know of? What are your favorite Caribbean films / filmmakers? Do you think Caribwood will grow to be as influential as Hollywood? If you are down at TTFF, what films have you taken in?
I ain’ even know Trinidad had a film festival. We enjoyed Betta Mus Come on Netflix, so I’m excited for more exciting films from Caribwood. Congratulations on Rebecca’s Story!
Yeah man, it was great! I had no idea that the Caribbean film industry was so evolved. And the level if talent was amazing. From comedies and dramas to sci-fi and experimental genres (which truthfully I didn’t get but I applaud the efforts), it’s worth the time to explore.
And I loved Better Mus Come! One of my favs. Got a chance to meet the star at a screening last year. *swoon*
Thanks for the congrats. So proud of the work the WITNESS Project youth are doing.