As my granny would say, "Idle hands are the Devil's playground." If that's the case, ole Mr. Lucifer is having NO fun with me.
Over the past few months, I've reprised my role within the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival, working on film curation, programming, and more for this year's festival. Three years ago, I sent in an email with fingers crossed, hoping I'd be able to get the opportunity to do something, ANYTHING with the festival, and I came on as a social media volunteer. In 2013 I was asked back as a film juror, and this year, I'm stompin' with the big dawgs on the festival team! There's another post in here around the idea of taking risks, asking for what you want, and watching things grow as you pay your dues - but I may save that for another day. On THIS day, I want to give you the scoop on #CTFF2014, and give one lucky reader the chance to win a pair of tickets to the festival's opening gala on September 3rd!
Running from September 3-13, the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival is the David in the David and Goliath structure of Toronto film festivals. CTFF runs alongside TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival), which is simultaneously a blessing and a curse. It's a blessing because CTFF and TIFF partner strategically for various programs like the CaribbeanTales Incubator - a mentorship program for Caribbean filmmakers. It's a curse because media coverage sways like a tidal wave over TIFF, leaving CTFF to reach out to niche audiences that would be interested in its films. Jamaicans say "wi likkle but wi tallawah" ("we're small but mighty"), and that phrase undoubtedly fits perfectly with CTFF.
The CaribbeanTales International Film Festival features films from Caribbean and diasporic filmmakers, highlighting the region as the world's next hot film industry. The Caribbean has always been mined as an ideal location for Hollywood film, but until recently hasn't had the infrastructure to stand on its own. That infrastructure is still being built, but CTFF does a major part in highlighting the amazing work being done by filmmakers in the region, and those in the diaspora.
The theme this year is "Our Lens, Our Perspective," and features films on sub-themes like "Indigenous Caribbean," "Caribbean Literature," "Queer Caribbean," and more. In a day and age where diversity and representation are hot topics in film and media, CTFF provides an outlet to embrace those very elements. If you're looking for something fresh and off the beaten path when it comes to film, CTFF has got you covered!
We'll be joined by some special guests this year - soca/calypso legend Sparrow will be in town for the opening gala for an exclusive Q&A and world premiere screening of Geoffrey Dunn's The Glamour Boyz Again! Sparrow and Superior on the Hilton Rooftop. On the festival's closing night - named Bajan Invasion - soca queen Alison Hinds will be here for a Q&A and screening of thriller Too Smart, where she makes her feature film debut. In between opening and closing are a number of incredible screenings - see film lineup (including details on the FREE community screening on August 30th) here, and purchase your tickets (opening gala, closing night, single screening, and all-access festival pass) here!
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All that being said - I'm giving away a pair of tickets to the #CTFF2014 Opening Gala! One lucky reader and a guest will join me and Sparrow at The Royal Cinema on September 3rd at 6pm for the gala held in partnership with the Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago. It'll be a night to enjoy some delicious food, incredible film, exclusive Q&A with a Caribbean legend, and ring in the festival while rubbing shoulders with major figures in the Caribbean/diasporic film and media industries!
You've got two ways to win:
1. Email me at bee@83toinfinity.com and let me know what your dream Caribbean vacation would look like. Where would you go? What would you do?
2. Tweet this in order to enter for your chance to win!
Either way you choose, you'll be entered to win! I'll pick a winner on August 21st - good luck!
Early bird ticket prices end on August 15th - get your #CTFF2014 tickets today!