Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, praised the talent of local film industry professionals and noted Trinidad and Tobago’s growing position as a prime film location at the Opening Night of the 18th Annual Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival (TTFF) held at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain, on Wednesday.
Hosted by the Filmmakers’ Collaborative of Trinidad and Tobago (FILMCO), the film festival is an annual event that showcases new and carefully-curated films from the region and beyond.
This year, the festival received an overwhelming response with over 200 entries of which over 100 films will be screened locally from September 21-27. Among the countries represented are Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, France, Germany, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Nepal, the Netherlands, Puerto Rico, St. Vincent, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States of America.
During her delivery of the Feature Address Minister Gopee-Scoon reflected with pride that the festival continues to expand, evidenced by the oversubscription of films and the number of films being screened at sold-out venues. “I am pleased to say that this is an example of how Government support to the film industry is generating tangible returns, but there is always more to be done,” she said.
“The number and calibre of films represented in this year’s festival is testament to the talented film industry professionals that we have right here in Trinidad and Tobago and indicative of the recognition that Trinidad and Tobago is a globally attractive film destination,” Gopee-Scoon added.
Minister Gopee-Scoon also explained that the film industry continues to experience remarkable transformations, driven by both technological advancements and changing audience preferences.
The rise of streaming services, greater demand for international content and increased use of technology in film, including the controversial use of artificial intelligence (AI), are among global film industry trends.
For the local film industry, increased partnerships remain critical. Through FilmTT, in 2023, the Ministry facilitated a number of collaborations, such as Nigerian film producer and talent director James Amuta, which resulted in the production of two noteworthy short films, shot on location in Trinidad and featuring local cast and crew.
Also, in June of this year the Mixed Up TV Series which is a five-episode series produced in Trinidad and Tobago premiered and will be aired on television in late September.
Additionally, a UK Mission in 2022 produced three co-production collaborations with Trinidad and Tobago producers and facilitated a Talent Management Workshop, eventually leading to bridge sessions with UK/Nigerian film agent Fela Oke in 2023.
Highlighting these connections, Gopee-Scoon said, “We are redefining the filming landscape in Trinidad and Tobago by facilitating meaningful collaborations between our local film stakeholders and global industry experts.”
She also commended the collaboration between the FilmTT and FILMCO, as well as other sponsors for hosting the event and for their involvement in the development of the local film industry.
Joining in formally opening the festival, the Minister invited everyone to enjoy the festival’s feature film and the Caribbean premiere of Doubles, produced by award-winning director and screenwriter Ian Harnarine of Canada with Trinbagonian ancestry.
Along with Harnarine, other speakers at the screening were His Excellency Arif Keshani, High Commissioner of Canada and Dion Boucaud, Director on the Board of FILMCO. According to Boucaud, the festival, with its theme “Look We,” invites us to see ourselves in the most proud and vibrant light, and is a celebration of our creativity, diversity and unity
