perspective matters.

Caribbean stories are a window into the specific and remarkable experiences that are woven into our culture. Our burgeoning community of storytellers carries the mantle of owning the narrative of what’s important to us on-screen – because our perspective matters.

↓

How we dream matters

*Source: One Patty/Gay Magnus/Conch Shell International Film Festival*

Expressing what we need

Our place in the world is painted with the colors of our dreams. We chase them, change them, and share them with the world. The tapestry of our lives play out in our stories – every day in our online communities and through literature & film. How we see ourselves on screen inspires, reminds us where we’re from, and shows us where we’re headed.

How we love matters

*Source: In the Silence/Ethosheia Hylton/Conch Shell International Film Festival*

From drama to humor

We relate to each other in a way outsiders may not understand. Our words, our gestures, the volume, our humor – is all love and is so unique to us. The way we show families, romance, friendships on screen matters. More Caribbean storytellers are expressing the complex ways we show love on-screen.

Share your opinions.

Become a volunteer.

What grounds us matters

*Source: Plowing the Stars/Wally Fall/Conch Shell International Film Festival*

Where our hearts are

Our perspective is heavily tied to the land that grounds us. Our ancestral mountains, valleys, rivers, and beaches hold the spirit that we carry with us at home and away. Our place on the map also leaves us susceptible to disaster and rapidly changing climates. We are charged with cherishing, preserving, and advocating for our ecosystems – our filmmakers help champion our message that they matter.

What connects us matters

*Source: Sweet Rind/Andre Wynter/Conch Shell International Film Festival*

Our resilient history

We share histories shrouded in violence, trauma, and acts of heroism. Through literature and film we transmute their meaning and lend our own perspective to our rich history. What we have in common is stronger than any of our differences, we feel it through our stories.

Your voice matters

Have you ever read reviews for Caribbean films? Here’s what we’ve noticed – our non-Caribbean friends don’t always get it. The little cultural things that make us special are lost on them and it’s reflected in how they critique our stories. When you take the time to leave a review on a Caribbean story, whether you liked it or hated it, at least your perspective is counted for a more balanced picture of how a film portrays our culture.

That’s why there’s power in your perspective.

So – watch more, talk about it.

Where to leave your film reviews – IMDb, Letterboxd, Rotten Tomatoes.