The stage is set for the first CaribbeanTales New York Film Showcase at the Spike Lee Screening Room at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus in New York on Saturday, June 11.
The inaugural one-day event, which brings the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s
Caribbean Week in New York to a close, gets underway at 12 noon with a Filmmakers’ Brunch followed by panel discussions, networking and the screening of two riveting films.
Frances-Anne Solomon, founder and CEO of CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution (CTWD), announced her pleasure at securing a facility named in honor of an outstanding filmmaker. “We expect the Caribbean film showcase will become an annual event where we can celebrate the work of top Caribbean films and filmmakers,” said Solomon, who added that the showcase was also designed to integrate African American filmmakers into the “Caribbean conversation.”
The brunch brings together filmmakers from the US, the Caribbean and its Diaspora who will will explore synergies in areas of mutual interest.
The day’s activities, which run from noon to 10 p.m., also include a gala “Rum and Fishcakes” reception and the screening of the riveting documentary “Fire in Babylon”, the inspiring story of how a West Indies cricket side, one of the most gifted teams in sporting history, triumphed over its colonial masters. Earlier in the day, guests will watch “Calypso Dreams,” arguably the best film ever made about calypso as it explores the roots of kaiso in Trinidad & Tobago.
CTWD, a member of the BIM Ventures family of entrepreneurs, has hosted two film festivals in Barbados, another in Canada, produced training workshops for filmmakers, and now has more than 60 films in its catalog.
The New York event is FREE to the public, however, patrons will have an opportunity to make pledges, donations or to bid on a selection of exciting silent auction items.
The Showcase is supported by the Barbados Tourism Authority, Brammer’s Subway of Brooklyn, Caribbean Tourism Organization, the Consulate General of Barbados in New York, Caribbean International Network (CIN TV), Cockspur Rum, Distribution Specialist Michelle Materre and ZYNC TV.
