The ninth annual CaribbeanTales International Film Festival (CTFF) takes place in Toronto from September 3�13.
From September 2�7, the festival will host a unique Market Incubator, which gives selected Caribbean filmmakers an opportunity to hone their creative and business skills, through workshops and one-on-one mentoring by world-class specialists.
A release from CTFF said eight teams of filmmakers of Caribbean descent will be participating in this one-of-a-kind programme which this year focuses on series development for television and the Web, aimed directly at audiences in the African and Caribbean diaspora.
The Incubator features intimate CTFF events at the University of Toronto which will present many opportunities for participants to network informally with international industry players and culminates in a pitching session in front of international funders and buyers at the renowned Toronto International Film Festival Bell Lightbox.
CTFF's 2014 theme of Our Lens, Our Perspective, is resonated in this programme as participants will be mentored by a panel of filmmaking professionals from the Caribbean and African diaspora.
These include Nicole Brooks (producer, director and playwright), Dr Rita Shelton Deverell (television, theatre, academia), Rodney V Smith (director, producer and author), Christopher Laird (Banyan Ltd, Gayelle: The Channel) and Nick Davis (director, Program Development CBC).
The Incubator's 2014 participants are Peyi Guzman (Dominican Republic), Camille Selvon Abrahams (T&T), Melissa Gomez (Antigua), Rene Holder, (T&T), and from Canada: Faisal Lutchmedial, Stephen Young-Chin, Jelani Nias, Chartrisse Dolabaille, Kerron Schullere and Hannah Yohannes.
According to Incubator facilitator and alumna Nicole Brooks, "The Incubator is evolving to meet current market needs, and we are excited at the opportunities that will be created for producers and our emerging industry, in the Caribbean region and its diaspora, by the work being currently developed."
The CTFF kicks off on September 3 with a red-carpet gala and reception at the Royal Cinema in Toronto and the World Premiere of The Glamour Boyz Again! Sparrow and Superior on The Hilton Rooftop.
This feature-length documentary reveals a remarkable acoustic performance by two of calypso's most acclaimed icons, the Mighty Sparrow and Andrew "Lord Superior" Marcano.
The Mighty Sparrow will be in attendance at the opening-night event.
For additional information and schedules, visit caribbeantales-events.com, follow Caribbean Tales on Twitter: CaribbeanTales_ or check the Facebook page: CaribbeanTalesWorldwide.