The Caribbean is home to a rich tapestry of stories, shaped by our diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives. Yet, for decades, our narratives have struggled to find their rightful place on the global stage. As filmmakers, we face unique challenges—fragmentation across island nations, limited resources, and insufficient access to international markets. But as recent experiences have shown, collaboration and unity offer the most promising path forward for the region’s film and television industry.
In February 2023, this potential for unity was on full display when the Caribbean was represented for the first time at the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin, thanks to the support of UNESCO's Transcultura Programme. Through their funding and vision, filmmakers, film commissioners, and industry professionals from across the region gathered under a single Caribbean stand to present our work to over 8,000 international professionals.
For many of us, this was our first experience with the scale and complexity of the global film industry. Beyond showcasing our films, we gained invaluable insight into the behind-the-scenes networks that drive the industry, from funding bodies to co-production opportunities. Most importantly, we found common ground with each other, realizing that collaboration among Caribbean professionals is essential to elevate our presence internationally.
Facilitating Unity Through Support
The support provided by Transcultura was not just logistical; it was catalytic. By facilitating our attendance at EFM, they provided us with a platform to connect with one another and with global players in the film industry. This moment underscored the critical role that such organizations can play in fostering unity among Caribbean creatives.
These opportunities are more than symbolic. They enable career-shaping connections and provide practical lessons in navigating the international film landscape. Perhaps most significantly, they inspire us to think regionally rather than insularly, reminding us that while our islands are unique, we share a collective ambition to see Caribbean stories resonate worldwide.
Why Alliances Matter
The Caribbean film and television industry is at a crossroads. On one hand, we are witnessing a surge in creative talent and storytelling. On the other, systemic challenges—fragmented markets, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to funding—continue to hinder our growth.
Alliances, both within the region and with international partners, are essential to overcoming these obstacles. By working together, we can share resources, pool knowledge, and advocate for policies that benefit the entire region. This collaborative approach will make it possible to develop co-productions, create funding mechanisms tailored to our needs, and establish professional development initiatives that leave no country behind.
The Catalyst for CAFTPro
The inaugural Caribbean Umbrella Stand at EFM 2023 was more than a showcase—it was a rallying point. Twenty representatives, including filmmakers, film commissioners, and industry professionals, came together to discuss how we could build on this momentum. It became clear that to sustain and grow our industry, we needed a unified approach.
From those conversations, the Caribbean Alliance of Film and Television Professionals (CAFTPro) was born. Our charter is ambitious but necessary: to internationalize and accelerate the development of Caribbean film and television through collaboration, mentorship, co-productions, and the creation of accessible funding mechanisms.
The founding members of CAFTPro represent a cross-section of the region’s talent, hailing from Saint Kitts, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Haiti, Barbados, Antigua, the Dominican Republic, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Our shared mission is to ensure that no country is left behind in the regional development of the audiovisual industry.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Caribbean Umbrella Stand at EFM demonstrated the power of unity. It also highlighted the necessity of sustained support from organizations like Transcultura. By continuing to invest in Caribbean creatives, these organizations can help solidify the alliances formed at events like EFM and foster even greater unification across the region.
For Caribbean filmmakers, unity is not just a strategy—it’s a necessity. By coming together as a cohesive industry, we can amplify our voices, protect our creative sovereignty, and position the Caribbean as a global hub for authentic storytelling.
The road ahead requires dedication and investment, but the potential rewards are immense. The alliances formed today will not only shape the future of Caribbean film and television but also ensure that our stories, with all their richness and complexity, reach audiences worldwide.
To learn more about and support CAFTPro, please visit https://caftpro.org/
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