PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – An international accolade for the trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff) has put a spotlight on the annual event, and the contribution it is making to the local economy.
Recently the Festival was named one of the 25 coolest film festivals in the world by Movie Maker, an American magazine dedicated to the art and business of cinema.
“In addition to providing a boost to the local film industry, the ttff serves to redefine the identity of Trinidad and Tobago as a hub for film making and festivals,” said Mario Romany, Industry Specialist – Business Development Directorate, Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications.
He continued, “Both local and foreign participation at this event has grown steadily over the years which translates into an increase of its annual contribution to the economy from revenue generated.”
Mr Romany noted that the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications (MTIIC) has partnered with the ttff in an effort to use the Festival as a tool to encourage further growth and development of the film industry.
“The commendation received from Movie Maker is an indication that the local film industry through this event has begun to make significant inroads throughout the international film world.”
A panel of seven judges comprised of international film industry professionals put together the list of 25 coolest festivals.
The list was was published in Movie Maker on 17 November 2014. “Uniformly excellent cinema” is one thing that all 25 festivals on the list have in common, as well as “genuinely thoughtful, inspiring panels and moviemaker education events.”
The article also notes that these festivals “elevate their communities throughout the year.”
The citation for the ttff calls it “hip and trendy” with “a laid-back vibe”. Coming in for special mention was “liming (i.e. hanging out) with industry and locals at the bars in Port of Spain after an afternoon and evening of screenings.”
The festival “supports the Caribbean filmmaking scene as a whole, as well as individual filmmakers, extending its coolness beyond borders,” the citation goes on to say.
Bruce Paddington, Founder and Festival Director, ttff, said, “We are very proud to be named one of the 25 coolest film festivals in the world. We not only love film, but are determined to develop the film industry across the region and put Caribbean cinema on the world map.”
The Movie Maker accolade comes as the ttff gets set to celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2015. Plans for the ttff/15 include the launch of a Caribbean Film Mart + Regional Film Database. This project is being made possible with the financial contribution of the European Union (European Development Fund) and the assistance of the ACP Group of States.
