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Archived: Movie Time In T&T as TTFF Shows Flicks From Across The Caribbean!
Movies and more movies! Trinidad and Tobago is definitely living up to its status as the epicenter of entertainment and activity in the Caribbean. The 9th edition of the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival got underway on Septmeber 15th and movie buffs will take in the featured flicks through September 29th, allowing several independent Caribbean filmmakers an opportunity to have their work displayed and hopefully enjoyed.
Trinidad and Tobago Soca Star, Machel Montano stars in Bazodee
The festival was launched last Wednesday at Queen’s Hall in St. Ann’s, Trinidad. Prior to the launch however, festival organizers extended invitations to two pre-festival limes as they called it where invitees would get a taste of what lay ahead as the festival came into focus.
This year the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival features several movies however one of the most anticipated is “Bazodee” – a flick that features Caribbean soca phenom, Machel Montano who makes the leap onto the silver screen with his motion-picture debut. The movie will have its world premiere at the Festival on September 23rd.
Bazodee is a musical drama about a rugged soca singer, Lee, (played by Montano) who falls for a beautiful young Indian woman, Anita (Natalie Perera). Anita is however engaged to Kumar, a man she doesn’t love (Staz Nair). She is the daughter of Ram (Kabir Bedi), a secretly deep-in-debt businessman and when Anita encounters Lee who is hired at the last minute to perform at her engagement party, sparks fly, and soon the two fall for each other. Nikhil (Valmike Rampersad), Anita’s malevolent, future brother-in-law, notices and once he discovers the truth about Ram’s finances, Nikhil threatens to expose everything, forcing Anita to fight for the wealth that truly matters—love.
Other movies in the mix are, “Dreams in Transit and Trafficked”, “Pendulum” by T&T’s Michael Rochford, “Murder in Pacot”, “Venice”, “Ackee and Saltfish” and many others! For the full list, CLICK HERE.
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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.