Ebuzz News
Archived: Caribbean Films Among 'Hot' Screenings At 2013 TT Film Festival
Dr. Bruce Paddington- founder of the T&T Film Festival last evening started his address by saying, “In 2011, there was a state of emergency and I then declared that TTFF was a hotspot. So what makes us hotter in 2013? Well, we had a hot year in 2012, attracting over 17,000 people to attend our screenings and other events. That’s a lot! This year, we expect the festival to be even hotter and attract an even larger audience and as you can see from the crowd here tonight, this opening gala is the hottest ticket in town and we’ve just heard that the premiere of ‘God Loves A Fighter’ is already sold out.”
Columbus Communications’ Brian Collins assures that the company will support the TTFF for another three years.
The invitation to attend the opening night gala was indeed the hottest ticket in town last evening as scores made their way to Queen’s Hall in St. Ann’s where there would be a lot of mingling and of course, some enlightening information on what’s to come in this year’s festival. With some 140 films and documentaries to be screened across T&T this year, the TTFF has included films from South American countries such as Chile, Argentina and Uruguay while still remaining true to its regional focus, with the showcase of films from T&T and other islands of the region and the Caribbean diaspora.
Last evening, the seats at Queen’s Hall were all occupied as culture lovers and those passionate about film, showed up to take in the first film, ‘Half of A Yellow Sun’- a Nigerian-UK production. Dr. Paddington explained that while the film was not specifically a Caribbean film, it is one that features two countries that in different ways have had an important impact on the history of the region. Following his address, that of Columbus Communications’ Managing Director, Brian Collins who indicated that Flow would be supporting the TTFF for another three years and finally, an address by Andrea Calderwood, producer of films such as The Last King of Scotland (2006), which won an Oscar for star Forest Whitaker, and the featured film, Half of a Yellow Sun, film enthusiasts settled down to take in the movie, which would relay an epic account of the Biafran war, starring actress Thandie Newton. ETCETERABUZZ.COM in our account of the excitement within the auditorium last evening, can only sum it up as a mixture of giggles, oohh’s and ahhh’s, as without any doubt we can assure that Half Of A Yellow Sun was enjoyed from beginning to end, by those in attendance.
The Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival now continues with a series of entertaining films, created by movie makers from across the Caribbean region and internationally. Venues where films can be seen during the film festival include, Movie Town, The Little Carib Theatre, The University of the West Indies, StudioFilmClub and Medulla Art Gallery. For more information on the films and screening dates and times, be sure to visit www.ttfilmfestival.com.
MOVIE TRAILER
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‘I Am Legend’ Concert Promoter, Glenroy Watson Has Passed Away.
Caribbean Buzz
Destra Delivers Powerfully at Reflections.
“If this sharing that I’m doing touches anyone, I’m truly grateful. None of us are perfect. Some days you’ll feel good, some days you won’t, but it’s all part of the journey. Sometimes what you’re looking for is right on the horizon, and the moment you give up, you miss it. If my testimony makes anyone feel something, then my work here is done.” – DESTRA GARCIA
Trinidad and Tobago received a musical showcase of spiritual awakening yet again this past Saturday, at Destra’s ‘Reflections: Sound. Spirit. Surrender.” The event took place at Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s and proved to be a truly inspiring and uplifting musical experience.
From the onset, the show set a standard that fans of good music with powerful lyrics, would rave about for weeks. David Rudder – a cultural icon of Calypso music out of Trinidad and Tobago, welcomed the audience as he hit the stage first delivering the very fitting, ‘High Mas.’ It was a powerful blessing no doubt – something that would lead into a seamless spiritual production. He was subsequently joined on stage by Destra, something that created a full-circle moment that drew immediate emotion from the audience.
Known for her unmistakeable vocal ability, Destra took her audience on a carefully curated musical journey, opening her set with Free Again before transitioning into slowed-down, soul-stirring renditions of some of her most beloved songs, including Love Somebody and Fly and with each performance, she revealed a different layer of her artistry, offering vulnerability, reflection, and strength.
One of the night’s most touching highlights came as Garcia shared the stage with her daughter, Xaiya, for a heartfelt duet of The Prayer. Beginning at the piano, Xaiya gently set the tone before joining her mother in song, creating an intimate moment that resonated deeply with the audience.
The production, which was creatively directed by Zara Bartels and Isoke Edwards, also showcased the incredible talent of father and son pan duo Martin and De’jean Cain as well as the Maria Regina Grade School and St. Joseph’s Convent Port- of- Spain choirs, whose vibrant and polished performances brought a refreshing, youthful energy to the stage. Gospel artiste, Nisa joined Garcia for a powerful duet of Bridge Over Troubled Water. She also performed her original composition Make Me Over, adding another layer of spiritual depth to the evening.
As the show built toward its finale, Garcia delivered a commanding rendition of Ella Andall’s Bring Down the Power, followed by classic hymns including A Little More Oil in My Lamp. This climactic segment was elevated by the presence of traditional belle dancers and African drummers, creating a rich, cultural fusion that brought the audience to its feet. Beyond the performances, the overall production, brought to life through Bridgette Wilson’s choreography and Atiba Borde’s costuming, stood out for its seamless execution, immersive ambience, and thoughtful storytelling, reinforcing Reflections as more than just a concert, but a transformative experience.
Reflections certainly delivered a powerful blend of music, filled with deep messages and meaning. In what is a very spiritual season, Destra, through the delivery of ‘Reflections,’ has carved out a space for inspiration and connection within Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape – something that many would agree, is a necessity more than an option.