TTFF Closes Celebrating Excellent Caribbean Movies
The curtain got here down on the Trinidad and Tobago Movie Competition (TTFF) with the announcement of this yr’s winners, celebrating an excellent slate of Caribbean movies that introduced highly effective storytelling to the massive display screen.
The Greatest Function-Size Fiction Movie award went to Kanaval, directed by Haitian-Canadian filmmaker Henri Pardo, a gripping story that explores id, migration, and reminiscence by means of the lens of Carnival. Pardo stated he was each stunned and delighted by the win.
“You by no means know what can please a jury as a result of the movies are so completely different and so stunning,” he defined. “So, I’m stunned, very pleased, and really content material. I can’t wait to share this with individuals again house.”
Pardo’s co-producer, Neigeme Glasgow, who’s Trinidadian and is predicated in Luxembourg, described the second as “over the moon.” He stated, “This was the primary time one among my movies has been proven in Trinidad and Tobago, and for it to win makes it much more particular. Generally you are feeling like individuals again house don’t see the work you’re doing on the market, however this exhibits that they do. It offers me the power to return out and hold creating, to maintain ‘colonising in reverse’ – sharing our tales with the world by means of love and satisfaction in who we’re.”
An honourable point out within the class was given to Olivia + the Clouds, directed by Tomas Pichardo Espailat, which captivated audiences with its delicate, dreamlike narrative.
Within the feature-length documentary class, the highest prize was awarded to L’Homme Verigage – Tales of a Metropolis, directed by Malaury Eloi Paisley, praised for its layered portrayal of city life and human resilience.
The Greatest Mid-Size Documentary Movie went to Zone, directed by Simon Shim-Sutcliffe, a movie that stood out for its sharp storytelling and impactful visuals. In the meantime, the Greatest Quick Documentary Movie prize was awarded to Effervescent Child, by Sharine Rijsenburg, a touching portrait that resonated deeply with each jury and viewers.
For brief fiction, Haitian filmmaker Samuel Suffren’s Blue Coronary heart took house the prize for Greatest Quick Fiction Movie, impressing the panel with its poignant storytelling and powerful cinematic craft.
The highlight on Trinidad and Tobago expertise was sturdy this yr, with Charlotteville Tails, directed by Elspeth Duncan, successful the award for Greatest Movie Made in Trinidad and Tobago. Duncan stated she felt “very honoured” to obtain the award, particularly as a result of the movie highlights kindness in direction of animals.
“I’m notably happy that the award offers the movie extra leverage, marking it as one thing necessary sufficient to have been chosen by a jury,” Duncan stated. “It’s a great way of getting the message out additional about animal welfare in Trinidad and Tobago.”
She famous that the jury counseled the movie for not shying away from exhibiting “a few of the horrors which might be a actuality for the animals”, including that this was the primary award for Charlotteville Tails and her second total at TTFF.
Wanting forward, Duncan stated she hopes to submit the movie to worldwide festivals but additionally desires it to be extra extensively seen regionally. “It’s a native movie, about native animal rescue and welfare, and I feel we positively want much more training in that space,” she defined. She closed with a heartfelt message: “Be variety to animals.”
An honourable point out within the Greatest TT Movie class was awarded to Peko: Right this moment for Tomorrow, directed by Jovan Lalla, which the jury counseled for its creativity and cultural grounding.
The Paddington Prize for Greatest Pupil Movie was awarded to Depeyize by Pamela Bencosme, recognised as an distinctive work that demonstrates the promise of the following era of filmmakers.
Competition Director Mariel Brown stated this yr’s winners underscored the Trinidad and Tobago Movie Competition’s (TTFF) mission to highlight each established and rising voices from throughout the area.
“One of many essential issues about TTFF is that we’re a competition of discovery and new expertise,” Brown stated. “We’re additionally one of many few aggressive movie festivals within the Caribbean. Which issues, as successful awards brings our filmmakers and movies much-needed visibility as they construct their careers. It’s thrilling to share rising and new voices with audiences, with jury members, and with the programming group. To the extent that we could be a springboard for careers, I really feel very proud.”
Reflecting on this yr’s competition, Brown stated the response from audiences was overwhelmingly constructive, with many expressing appreciation for the range and depth of the movies offered.
“Having a competition like this within the Caribbean that centres Caribbean tales is significant. We see ourselves mirrored, included, and recognised in these tales of who we’re. That, for me, is one thing outstanding that TTFF does, and I’m very pleased with it,” she stated.
Looking forward to subsequent yr, when TTFF will have fun its twentieth anniversary, Brown stated the milestone will likely be marked by honouring filmmakers whose careers have been formed and influenced by the competition, alongside showcasing the following era of storytellers.
“As we have fun 20 years, we’ll spotlight the filmmakers who’ve blossomed because of TTFF whereas additionally persevering with to champion new and rising voices. That steadiness is what retains the competition vibrant and significant,” she identified.
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