For Love of Caribbean Films
- There is a need to establish a taste for Caribbean films in the Caribbean community!
- This is very difficult since the standard in our communities, is still predominantly, Hollywood films.
- Some people might argue that the films are of low quality or they are too short or the genre are not the mainstream or there are not enough films, etc...
- However over the last couple of years I have definitely seen a push for higher quality, varying genre of different lengths up to and including features.
- The number of film festivals around the Caribbean has increased; there are international partnerships and various programs aimed at creating buzz, promoting the Caribbean as a film destination, marketing the local filmmakers and creating an environment conducive for a thriving local film industry.
- We are swamped with films from Hollywood and the local indie filmmaker is often overlooked, his/her stories are not even considered at times.
- How else would the local indie filmmaker who has some great creative ideas to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean in film be given a chance if the people of the Caribbean and its Diaspora don't watch their films.
- Until there is a demand for Caribbean films locally and internationally the Caribbean indie filmmaker has to do a lot for his/her film to be appreciated and even more for the people of the Caribbean and its Diaspora to want to pay to watch them.
- There are many initiatives ongoing and the initiators must be applauded for their efforts!
- The Caribbean indie filmmakers should also consider the various technology now available to help produce, market and distribute their films.