The Carnival Film Series 2014 kicked off this weekend with screenings in Paramin and St Augustine, both enjoying good turnout and a positive response from the communities. Paramin youths even treated the patrons to an impromptu blue devil performance after the movies were shown.The National Carnival Committee-sponsored series, now in its fourth year, is an initiative of the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival (TTFF).This year's series features over six movies on various aspects of T&T Carnival, including After Mas, a J'Ouvert love story, Y-ning?, a discussion on Carnival's provocative dance, and Dance the Calypso, an exploration of the history and evolution of the different ways people dance to calypso music (1996).
NCC has funded the production of two new, local, Carnival-themed movies, Beneath the Mas, by Dinesh Maharaj, and Kings of the Gayelle, by Christopher Laird, both of which are part of this year's package of films.The Commission recognises the important role of film in building the cultural legacy of T&T for the future, and in spreading the message of T&T Carnival internationally.This year, the NCC's 2014 Carnival theme is Many people; One carnival. The Carnival Film Series highlights the diverse and multi-dimensional nature of the festival.NCC is also focusing on Carnival, not just as a festival, but as an industry. Film is a very promising aspect of our cultural industries, and as such NCC feels it deserves to be supported and nurtured.
A release from the NCC said the Carnival Film series continues with free screenings at MovieTowne, Tobago on February 13; San Fernando Hill on February 21; Saith Park, Chaguanas on February 22; and, Nalis Amphitheatre in Port-of-Spain on February 23.The complete schedule of screenings for the Carnival Film Series can be found by clicking the ttff link at the bottom of NCC's new Web site, onecarnivalpeople.comAll shows start at 7 pm and admission is free.