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ART THAT AWAKENS
art that awakens by Caribbean heritage Writers
we are...Conch Shell Productions
OUR MISSION
At Conch Shell Productions (CSP), our mission is to awaken American audiences to the unique voices of emerging Caribbean diaspora and the Caribbean theatre and film artists.
To do so, we create spaces for Caribbean heritage artists to own their narrative, and for audiences to learn more about them and their work.
Our initiatives include our new works development incubator CSP Artist Collective, new works reading series (Bluelight Series, Conch Shell New Works Fest, Reset Series), artist workshops, CSP Artist Chat monthly talk show, and our Conch Shell International Film Fest.
Ever since our first theatre festival in 2019 (Hear Her Call Caribbean American Women's Theatre Festival) Conch Shell Productions has inspired social change by sharing the work of over 120 Caribbean heritage film and theatre makers with over 15,000 audience members (in person and online) redefining perspectives about Caribbean heritage communities with varied stories, and building bridges between our artists and audiences.
Conch Shell Productions, Inc. is a Queens, New York-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our programs are made possible thanks to generous support of individual donors, foundations, and corporate sponsorships.
CSIFF Community Screening at Black Spectrum Theatre
Our Philosophy
Join us for an inspiring afternoon of storytelling at the CSIFF Community Screening Series, happening on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 3:30–5:30 PM at Black Spectrum Theatre, located in Roy Wilkins Park, Queens, NY.
We’re proud to showcase three powerful short films by Caribbean heritage filmmakers.
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.
These bold, thought-provoking stories uplift underrepresented voices and explore resilience, silence, and liberation. Following the screening, join us for a moderated artist talk and audience Q&A — your opportunity to engage with the filmmakers and community.
🎟️ Admission is FREE
Seats are limited — RSVP now to reserve your spot!
📍 Venue: Black Spectrum Theatre, Roy Wilkins Park, 177-01 Baisley Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11434
🗓️Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025
🕞 Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
🗓️ Date: Sunday, June 22, 2025
🕞 Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
👉 [RSVP Here]
Let’s come together to celebrate the Caribbean diaspora through powerful storytelling.
This CSIFF Community Screening is presented by Conch Shell Productions Inc in partnership with Black Spectrum Theatre.
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.
submission deadline may 30th
Conch Shell Productions is now accepting submissions for our 2025 Bluelight Series!
We are seeking full-length plays (5 characters max) by Caribbean heritage writers based in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut).
Selected plays will receive one (1) free public staged reading in Queens, NY, followed by an audience Q&A with the playwright.
The 2025 Bluelight Series theme is 'Voices Unbound.' We are looking for plays that defy convention, celebrate freedom of expression, and expand the narrative landscape of Caribbean and Diaspora storytelling.
Playwrights whose works are selected will receive:
- A $100 stipend
- Development support from Conch Shell Productions’ Resident Dramaturg to prepare the script for the reading
- Public reading (date: TBD)
Eligibility:
- Playwright must identify as of Caribbean heritage.
- Must currently reside in the tri-state area (NY, NJ, or CT).
- Play must be a full-length work (minimum 60 minutes in performance time).
- Scripts must require no more than 5 actors.
- Scripts must be original, unpublished, and unproduced (readings/workshops ok).
- Playwright must be available to attend the in-person staged reading and post-show Q&A (dates TBD).
Submission Deadline: May 30, 2025
This is a wonderful opportunity to develop your work, build audience connection, and celebrate Caribbean heritage storytelling.
Join conch shell productions' actor list
We are thankful for the amazingly talented community of actors who have breathed life into the characters imagined and written by the CSP community playwrights of the years. If you would like to be considered for future readings and productions, click the link below and submit your info.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our upcoming events, or opportunities to support our mission, feel free to email us.
CONCH SHELL PRODUCTIONS INC
Queens, New York, New York 11367, United States
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