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2025 community screenings
Our first of three CSIFF Community Screening Series events was presented in partnership with Black Spectrum Theatre on June 22nd .
About the films:
FAB 4 & THE SILENT RETREAT – A Short Film by Diane De La Haye 🇯🇲
Four spirited Caribbean women in their 40s—Diane, June, Rose, and Josie—embark on a journey to Nepal for a silent retreat, seeking peace and reflection. What unfolds is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, aging, and the unspoken challenges women face. This award-winning short film, directed by Peter Sagnia and shot in St. Maarten, is inspired by real-life experiences and showcases the strength of sisterhood.
MADAN SARA – A Documentary by Etant Dupain 🇭🇹
Madan Sara is a powerful documentary that shines a light on the resilient Haitian women who form the backbone of Haiti's informal economy. These women, known as Madan Sara, work tirelessly to buy, distribute, and sell food and other essentials in markets throughout the country. Despite facing intense hardship, social stigma, and a lack of government support, their efforts ensure a better life for generations to come.
UNSPOKEN – A Short Film by Danae Grandison 🇯🇲
Set against the backdrop of Kingston, Jamaica, Unspoken delves into the intertwined lives of two women—Caroline, a pregnant wife, and Icy, the live-in help. Bound by duty and burdened by unspoken truths, their relationship unravels amidst societal expectations and personal betrayals.
Adapted from Jennifer Grahame’s novel The Bed Head, this 12-minute drama explores themes of classism, gender dynamics, and the silent struggles many women endure.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant program, a program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature and administered by Flushing Town Hall.
Conch Shell International Film Fest Partners with 284xff
Conch Shell International Film Fest (CSIFF) is proud to announce our official partnership with the 284 Excellence Film Festival (284XFF) — an exciting new cinematic celebration presented by the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC). This inaugural festival will take place October 30 – November 2, 2025, in Tortola, BVI.
284XFF is a groundbreaking initiative that bridges the worlds of Caribbean literature and global cinema. With the theme “Caribbean Literature in Motion: Caribbean Stories Reimagined,” the festival challenges filmmakers to adapt literary works by Caribbean authors into short cinematic stories — spotlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage and diverse voices.
Festival Highlights:
- 📚 Adaptations of Caribbean literary works from across the region and diaspora
- 🌍 International film competitions with categories for youth, students, and professionals
- 🤝 Panels, workshops, and networking events designed to foster artistic collaboration
- 🎞️ Special screenings, including out-of-competition showcases of outstanding work
- 🏝️ Hosted in the breathtaking setting of the British Virgin Islands
As a festival dedicated to elevating bold, original storytelling from Caribbean and Caribbean Diaspora filmmakers, CSIFF is honored to support this initiative that centers authentic Caribbean narratives and expands the global reach of our storytellers.
For full details, visit: www.284excellencefilmfestival.com
This partnership embodies our shared mission: to amplify the voices of underrepresented Caribbean heritage artists, inspire transformation through storytelling, and build a stronger global platform for Caribbean creatives.
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