UNESCO supports Caribbean filmmakers' presence at the Berlinale's European Film Market

On 16 February, the European Film Market (EFM), one of the most important international trade fairs of its sector, which takes place during the Berlin International Film Festival – Berlinale, opened its doors to representatives of the international film and media industries. For the first time, this edition hosts a stand dedicated to Caribbean cinema. This has been made possible by the support of the UNESCO programme Transcultura: Integrating Cuba, the Caribbean and the European Union through Culture and Creativity, funded by the European Union. 

"Given its history, the Caribbean is a culturally diverse geographic area, which is currently emerging as a cinematic region, not only as a filming location as has traditionally been the case, but also in terms of its rich storytelling. The EFM is proud to host the first ever “Cinema from the Caribbean” umbrella stand, with the support of UNESCO Transcultura programme and the European Union." — Dennis Ruh, Director of the Berlinale’s European Film Market.

Representatives of institutions and festivals from 10 countries in the region are participating in this common space with the aim of promoting the work of young Caribbean filmmakers. Thanks to Transcultura’s support, this edition of the EFM has the largest participation of countries from this geographical area to date. This is the first time that countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Haiti, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname are showcasing their talents in this market. More than 8,000 representatives of the international film and media industries from over 100 countries are expected to attend the market until 22 February.

Training and support for access to international markets

Transcultura is also supporting the participation of five young filmmakers and producers from Cuba, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago in the EFM's Toolbox programmes, aimed at under-represented groups in the film industry. These young people received training and mentoring for two weeks prior to the fair. They also have an agenda that has been especially designed to maximize their funding and distribution opportunities for their work. 

"In the Caribbean, we have important stories to tell, representing our collective struggles and our creative ambitions. Being in a space like the EFM, where we can meet producers, writers, editors, and from Europe and all over the world is crucial to make our voices heard." — Klieon C. John.

This renowned international festival also runs the talent development programme ‘Berlinale Talents’. For 6 days, with the presence of international artists such as Cate Blanchett, Todd Field or John Malkovich, it organizes conferences and workshops with 40 emerging filmmakers from all over the world. This year, Zenzii Michelle Serieux, a filmmaker from Saint Lucia, is participating for the first time thanks to the support of Transcultura. 

Through this partnership with the Berlinale and the EFM, the UNESCO Transcultura programme supports the creation of opportunities for young filmmakers from the Caribbean through the promotion of Caribbean creative talent in Europe, professional mentorship and access to international markets.

This story was originally published by UNESCO and can be viewed here.