Bold, contemporary Caribbean films come to Lewes

A new screening series bringing bold, contemporary Caribbean films to cinemas across south-east England comes to Lewes, curated from standout titles at the Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival (May 19-30).

Spokeswoman Sophie Goldstone said there were plans to grow the series into a wider UK platform in the years ahead.

“Drawing on standout selections from recent editions of Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival, the series introduces audiences to bold, formally inventive and politically resonant cinema emerging from one of the most underrepresented regions in global film culture.

“Conceived as both cultural exchange and long-term audience-development strategy, Crossroads builds sustained relationships between venues and communities, broadening reach, deepening engagement and laying the groundwork for Caribbean cinema to become a recurring and visible presence within the UK’s exhibition landscape.

“The Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival (TTFF) is the world’s leading Caribbean-focused film festival, championing films made by Caribbean filmmakers and from across the diaspora. For two decades, TTFF has created vital platforms for stories emerging from one of the most underrepresented regions in global cinema, celebrating the richness, complexity, and evolving identities of the Caribbean.”

Films in the season coming up at The Depot Cinema are:

Sugar Island, Tuesday 19 May, 20:30, Cert: TBC. “An unwanted pregnancy triggers the journey into adulthood for Makenya, a Dominican-Haitian teenager who lives in the Batey, a community surrounded by sugarcane fields. A serpent appears in her path. It is the embodiment of The Mysteriouss, entities that guide her towards recognising her earthly power and her awareness in a parallel and Afro-futuristic dimension.”

Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story, Friday 29 May, 18:00. Cert: TBC. “Bam Bam is a reggae anthem and one of the most sampled vocals in the genre. The woman behind the voice, Jamaican dancehall legend Sister Nancy, was denied royalties for decades. Despite this, she persevered and continues to perform worldwide to sold-out crowds. Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story, directed by Alison Duke, blends tour footage, interviews with artists like Janelle Monáe and Pete Rock, and archival clips to create a comprehensive portrait of Sister Nancy’s enduring prominence in reggae and hip hop. Her music transcends boundaries, resonating with diverse audiences worldwide. Sister Nancy’s story is a powerful reminder that authenticity and resilience lead to lasting success in music and life.”

Caribbean shorts for Children and Families, Saturday 30 May, 11:00. Cert: TBC. Crossroads: Big Stories for Little Ones. Short Caribbean films for children and families

The Hip Hops, Dominica, 4 mins: “A story of disability and inclusion from the point of view of a child, based on the filmmaker’s own life.”

Evangeline, Canada, 1 min. “Inspired by Trinidadian folklore and the haunting figure of the Douen, the film follows Evangeline, a wire figurine based on the artist’s goddaughter, who becomes lost in a mysterious forest.”

Little Moko, Trinidad & Tobago, 15 mins. “Featuring music by Freetown Collective, Little Moko follows Adianka’s journey to learn the art of stilt-walking.”

Smile, Trinidad and Tobago, 2 mins, “Smile (shot on a smart phone) is a stop-motion film that explores the hidden pain people often mask with a smile. Through striking visuals and without the use of dialogue, the film uses light and shadow to contrast moments of forced joy with the darkness of internal struggle.”

Gods Of The Universe: Rise Of The Star Child, Trinidad and Tobago, 20 mins. “Advanced beings must train star children to guide humanity to the next stage of evolution before a catastrophic event destroys Earth, but their methods differ and time is running out.

Talisman The Goat, Jamaica, 10 mins: “This is the story of Talisman, a very unusual goat, who leaves his home on Goat Island to go in search of fresh water. He traverses extraordinary landscapes to finally arrive at Fresh Water Cave. There he encounters Alcos. But who is Alcos?”