Fans of Caribbean film will have a new option to view the innovative works of moviemakers in the region, on a new website that was launched last Tuesday by the Caribbean Film Academy (CaFA), and Anansi Studios, headed by Guyanese-American Romola O. Lucas.
This new dimension offered by the hugely popular CaFA Film Nights in Brooklyn will showcase award winning flicks by filmmakers from Guyana/USA, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and St. Kitts & Nevis on www.studioanansi.tv that would allow viewers to browse films, download free, and shop for their favorite movie.
Lucas, whose passion for giving Caribbean filmmakers a platform to exhibit their culture through short films and documentary, is excited about the latest venture by CaFA that will entertain movie lovers.
“Many Caribbean children grow up with storytelling being an integral part of their lives, despite the advent of video game,” said Lucas who says it is important for nationals to share their storytelling.
The site will celebrate emerging filmmakers that would ultimately develop their works into full-length feature, she added.
“We are building an amazing collection of Caribbean stories, one film at a time. We invite you to join us on this quest.” Keep sharing our films and keep sharing your thoughts and words of encouragement with the filmmakers,” said Lucas.
“Film is an excellent way of preserving our rich storytelling and culture and heritage, and a great stage to showcase the talents of our storytellers,” said Lucas, a corporate attorney, along with co-founder Justen Blaize who work tirelessly to promote film in the community.
Some of the flicks that will cost a modest fee of $4.99 to download, and $11.00 for a DVD via the site include Aiko Roudett’s award-winning film “Hoghole,” Cannes Film Festival winner, “Seawall” by Mason Richards and Roslin Khan, PhD, Christopher and Leizelle Guinness’ “Pothound and Capt T&T,” “Beaches” by Kojo McPherson, and Ryan Figuera’s short film, “Victim.”
Others include Shaun Escayg’s “Fish and Noka: Keeper of Worlds,” “The Other Side of Carnival” and “Panomundo” by Charysse Tia Harper, Vashti Anderson’s film “Jeffrey’s Calypso,” David Lee’s “The Coming of Org,” and Carriacou/USA-Justen Blaize and Team United short film, “I’ll Be there.”