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ART THAT AWAKENS
Our theme this year — VOICES UNBOUND — celebrates artistic freedom, fearless storytelling, and the power of narrative to inspire transformation.
Through our staged readings, film screenings, workshops, and artist talks, we uplift Caribbean and Caribbean Diaspora playwrights and filmmakers who defy convention, challenge cultural expectations, and expand the landscape of Caribbean heritage storytelling.
CSIFF Community Screening at Black Spectrum Theatre
Our first of three CSIFF Community Screening Series events was presented in partnership with Black Spectrum Theatre on June 22nd .
About the films:
FAB 4 & THE SILENT RETREAT – A Short Film by Diane De La Haye 🇯🇲
Four spirited Caribbean women in their 40s—Diane, June, Rose, and Josie—embark on a journey to Nepal for a silent retreat, seeking peace and reflection. What unfolds is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, aging, and the unspoken challenges women face. This award-winning short film, directed by Peter Sagnia and shot in St. Maarten, is inspired by real-life experiences and showcases the strength of sisterhood.
MADAN SARA – A Documentary by Etant Dupain 🇭🇹
Madan Sara is a powerful documentary that shines a light on the resilient Haitian women who form the backbone of Haiti's informal economy. These women, known as Madan Sara, work tirelessly to buy, distribute, and sell food and other essentials in markets throughout the country. Despite facing intense hardship, social stigma, and a lack of government support, their efforts ensure a better life for generations to come.
UNSPOKEN – A Short Film by Danae Grandison 🇯🇲
Set against the backdrop of Kingston, Jamaica, Unspoken delves into the intertwined lives of two women—Caroline, a pregnant wife, and Icy, the live-in help. Bound by duty and burdened by unspoken truths, their relationship unravels amidst societal expectations and personal betrayals.
Adapted from Jennifer Grahame’s novel The Bed Head, this 12-minute drama explores themes of classism, gender dynamics, and the silent struggles many women endure.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant program, a program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature and administered by Flushing Town Hall.
CREATE YOUR SOLO SHOW WORKSHOP
This dynamic two-part workshop is designed to help you build or elevate your one-person show—whether you're just starting out or ready to take your script to the next level.
Led by award-winning solo performer Juliette Jeffers, you'll dive deep into storytelling, structure, and performance, gaining the tools & feedback.
Adapting Caribbean Literature into Film and Television
Guests:
Danae Grandison – Jamaican writer-director of the Oscar-qualifying short Unspoken (CSIFF 2024), NYWIFT’s Most Outstanding Emerging Female Voice, now developing her first feature.
Marsha Massiah – Trinidadian educator, creative producer, founder of the Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival.
THE ARTIST'S JOURNEY TO CREATIVE SELF EMPOWERMENT
About our guest:
Juliette Jeffers is an award winning Caribbean-American actor, playwright, producer, solo show coach and director. She is currently recurring on “Tulsa King” and her eight episode arc on “The Residence” will air on 3/20 on Netflix.
STEVE CARTER'S "EDEN" AT YALE REP
Host Magaly Colimon-Christopher chats with Tia Smith about Yale Repertory Theatre's production of "Eden" written by Trinidadian American artist Steve Carter, and the timeless impact of Mr. Carter's work.