Features
Newsday reporter
Trinidad and Tobago Film Company Limited (FilmTT) premiered two short films from the Script to Screen program at the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival (CTFF) in Canada. I Dream of Calypso and Skyglow performed at the Carlton Cinema in Toronto on September 8th for Sweet TT’s 60th Anniversary Night.
FilmTT partnered with the CTFF and the Consulate of the Republic of TT in Toronto to celebrate TT’s 60th anniversary of independence by showcasing TT filmmakers, a media release said.
The feature film, Lavway: Our Story, directed by Ryan Gibbons, is a visually and musically rich cultural depiction of Trinidad’s carnival traditions. After the feature, there was the Canadian premiere of I Dream of Calypso and the world premiere of Skyglow.
I Dream of Calypso tells the story of a shy young girl who dreams of singing calypso, but must first win the approval of her religious parents to do so. It was written by Solange Plaza, directed by Joash Alexander and produced by Victoria Gour-Votor. The film stars Cayla Allen, Michelle Sylvester and Sean Daniel. “Working on this project has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life, I’ve never done a period piece before but I have to say it was a lot of fun. I loved working with the cast for the first time and we had a great team,” said Plaza.
The release states that Skyglow is a science fiction short film that tells the story of Judas. When his first love, Ellie, goes missing, Judah, a troubled young man, must face his past and unlock new power to find her before it’s too late. The film was written and directed by Kyron Jeffers and produced by Leanda Taitt. “Skyglow’s story is designed to create bread and bridges to solve social problems. This franchise will explore the mysteries in our hearts that prevent us from fulfilling our dreams. Skyglow’s mission is to empower a new generation of leaders using creative entrepreneurship,” said Jeffers.
On September 30, 2021, FilmTT hosted its first live show titled The Pitch to reveal the winners from its Business of Film: Script to Screen Program. Plaza’s script for “I Dream of Calypso” and Jeffers’ “Skyglow” were among the top six screenplays to get production financing. Plaza also received development funding for being in the top three.
The Script to Screen program is a FilmTT initiative that was realized with the support of partner organizations Stage 32, exporTT and TTT. The program aimed to position stakeholders to a greater advantage through access to business opportunities and professional growth. Local and international industry professionals facilitated sessions that included practical components and funding incentives, the release said.
Leslie Ann Wills-Caton, General Manager of FilmTT said: “We are excited to see these short films on the big screen as they started as an idea in the minds of writers at the start of FilmTT’s Script to Screen programme. We will continue to support and facilitate these types of programs and opportunities for the betterment of the local film industry. “
For more information on the Film Business: Script to Screen Program, visit www.filmtt.co.tt/scriptworkshops. To view the shorts online visit www.caribbeantalesfestival.com
