CEO Caribbean Tales, Frances-anne Solomon (center) is joined by IOTC representatives
The CaribbeanTales Toronto Film Showcase, in a unique partnership with the Islands of the Caribbean (IOTC), will be bringing the best of the islands to Toronto during the Gems of the Caribbean screening series* on August 17, 18, and 30 at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE).
“We are delighted to be partnering with the tourism boards as there is a natural fit – they are promoting the Caribbean while we are marketing the brand by telling authentic stories of who we are,” adds Frances Anne Solomon, founder and CEO of CaribbeanTales.
Islands of the Caribbean is a new association of Tourism Boards from Grenada, Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
There will be three screenings, featuring films from each of the participating islands. Highlights include: Marley, directed by academy-award winner Kevin MacDonald and produced by Tuff Gong; and a special preview screening of a newly released feature documentary on Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott (both TBA).
“The Caribbean is more than just sun, sea and sand – it’s about our people, our spirit, our soul, it’s about our story. That’s why visitors are entranced by our islands – that’s why they are in love with our islands and ultimately return to our islands,” says Erica Henry-Jackman, Director of Tourism for the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. “This experience will come alive on film during the Gems of the Caribbean preview nights at the CNE.”
Join us at the International Pavilion, Hall B, Presentation Theatre in the Direct Energy Centre, for a taste of the islands here in Toronto! Then visit us at booth 3237, for more information about the CaribbeanTales and Islands of the Caribbean partnership. Make sure to also check out the rest of the CaribbeanTales films from September 4 – September 14 at the Harbourfront centre, where screenings will include the best new films from the Caribbean Region, ten Official Competition films, 30 shorts, world premieres, feature films, documentaries, musicals and comedies from Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Guadeloupe and Honduras.
The Gems of the Caribbean screenings are free to all, as they are included in your admittance ticket to the CNE, for more information please visit http://theex.com/main/guest-info/tickets/admission-tickets.
For an Advance Ticket Discount* visit www.theex.com and click on ‘guest info’, ‘tickets’ and then ‘group or promo code’ to use the unique online access code CT897794. Purchases can be made using a credit or debit card. Don’t forget to print your tickets at home for entry.
– All Ages Admission Pass (includes grounds admission only)
• Advance Price = $12
– Ride All Day Pass (includes General Admission and on-site Ride All Day
Pass)
• Advance Price = $36
Tickets to CaribbeanTales Film Showcase screening at Harbourfront Centre can be purchased by calling CaribbeanTales at 416-598-1410, in person at the Harbourfront Centre Box Office 416-743-4000, or online at caribbeantales-events.com.
• Red Carpet Gala: $60
• Centrepiece Films (@ Harbourfront): $25
• Other Harbourfront Screenings: Free
The Main Box Office at 235 Queens Quay West is open Tuesday through Saturday, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. The Main Box Office is open until 8 p.m. when there is an evening performance.
* Gems of the Caribbean screening series, Canadian National Exhibition:
SATURDAY AUGUST 17
6:30 p.m.
Welcome and introductions by CaribbeanTales and Islands of the Caribbean
MARLEY
Kevin MacDonald, Jamaica, 2012, English.
Bob Marley’s universal appeal, impact on music history and role as a social and political prophet is both unique and unparalleled. MARLEY is the definitive life story of the musician, revolutionary, and legend, from his early days to his rise to international superstardom. Made with the support of the Marley family, the film features rare footage, incredible performances and revelatory interviews with the people that knew him best.
SUNDAY AUGUST 18:
6:30 p.m.
Antigua & Barbuda and Grenada – Short Film Showcase
- Food For Thought – Malaika Brooks Lowe (Grenada)
- GRAF by MOTION – Eklipse (Antigua)
- Believe: Richardo Keens Douglas – Ngardy Conteh (Grenada)
- Jemeni In The City – Regan MacAulay (Grenada)
- Twisted Desire – Richel Frame (Grenada)
- Short Shirt (Preview) – James Knight (Antigua)
- Ariana – Shashi Balooja (Antigua)
8:30 p.m.
MAS MAN – Dalton Narine
Trinidad & Tobago, 2011, 60 mins
A stunning portrait of the genius of Peter Minshall: T&T Mas Man, Emmy Award winner, and the Artistic Director of three Olympic Opening Ceremonies (Atlanta, Barcelona, and Salt Lake City). Mingling traditional Carnival elements with abstract ideas, Minshall’s mobile street theatre, comprising 2,500 masqueraders, goes chic to chic with upper crust Art. The film captures his flair for costumery and the enigma of a designer/artist whose main job seems to be to open confrontation between good and evil against the backdrop of these celebrations. His calling, as such, is to awaken themes about humanity that not only display but also inform audiences that are privileged to discern his work.
FRIDAY AUGUST 30
6:30 p.m.
Saint Lucia and St Vincent Short Films Showcase
- Concrete Jungle – Akley Olton (St Vincent)
- Cephas and Saint Lucia We Love – Ted Sandiford
- Hog Hole – Aiko Roudette
- Shorts from the RISE Collective
7:30 p.m.
Panel Discussion with Caribbean Filmmakers
8 p.m.
Poetry Is an Island (Preview)
Ida Does, Holland/St Lucia 2013, English, 30 mins.
The Life and Times of Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott, exploring the places of his childhood, the influence of land and language on his work, and showcasing the beauty and magnificence of his work and homeland.
About CaribbeanTales
CaribbeanTales is a group of companies that produces, markets and exhibits Caribbean-themed films for regional and international distribution, including: CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution, that links quality Caribbean movies and their audiences everywhere, the CaribbeanTales Film Festival Group that produces events and training programs all around the world, and CaribbeanTales.ca, a nonprofit based in Toronto, Canada, that produces educational programs through film, contributing to an inclusive Canadian society. New for 2013 – CaribbeanTales-TV, an internet hub and video-on-demand platform aimed at students, educators and Caribbean film buffs.
Now in its 8th year, the month-long CaribbeanTales Toronto Film Showcase is produced in partnership with the Harbourfront Center, and includes a Film Festival, Incubator Program for filmmakers, and a special CNE Screening series
For media information, please contact:
Caribbean Tales
Planet3 Communications Ltd. – Sarah Zajac/Joanne Smale
T: 647.346.4101 E: info@planet3com.net
EvenToBe – Louise Noel-Ambrose
T: 289-389-7204 E: eventobepr@gmail.com
