Young Saint Lucians with dreams of working in film are being given the opportunity to develop their talents through the 13th Caribbean Youth Film Festival, a programme designed to equip aspiring filmmakers with practical skills, industry knowledge and professional mentorship.
The annual initiative, organized by Dove Productions, aims to introduce participants to every stage of the filmmaking process while exposing them to the wide range of careers available within the creative industries.
Festival Director Colin Weekes said the programme was inspired by his own experience as a young person interested in filmmaking but unsure how to enter the industry.
“I take reference to myself as a young person who was interested in filmmaking and had no clue as to how to go about it,” Weekes said.
He explained that the festival was created to ensure today’s youth have access to the guidance and opportunities that were not readily available to him.
“So that was a passion of mine to always teach and give back and make them understand what the whole process of filmmaking is about,” he said.
Weekes said the programme introduces participants to the many different roles involved in film production, allowing them to identify where their interests and strengths lie.
“So when they’re ready to make the decision, if they want to get into the industry, what the industry already has to offer, where they can fit in, whether they could become a director, a camera person, a script writer,” he explained.
“We want to expose them to that as early as possible so they could make that decision as early as possible also.”
The two-week programme features experienced professionals from across the creative sector who will provide practical instruction in a variety of disciplines.
“We have the seasoned professionals coming on board, people like Jerry George, Dawn, who has his animation production company, Malfini. We have Richard Ambrose who’s going to teach on acting,” Weekes said.
He added that the festival also introduces participants to the business side of filmmaking, with support from several corporate and government partners.
“Thanks to our sponsors, people like Bank of Saint Lucia, First National Bank, Massy Supermarket, we have them also coming on board and giving group chats, teach them on budgeting, marketing, promotions,” Weekes said.
He noted that the organizers have worked to ensure participants receive a well-rounded understanding of the industry.
“So we try to give them a comprehensive idea of what the whole process of filmmaking is.”
Weekes also acknowledged the contribution of the programme’s supporters, including National Lotteries and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
“National Lotteries, the ministries also, Ministry of Youth and Sports who are very supportive in this initiative,” he said.
Now in its 13th year, the Caribbean Youth Film Festival continues to provide young creatives with an opportunity to develop technical skills, build professional networks and explore careers in one of the region’s growing creative industries.