Vincentian Films at CARIFESTA XV will take centre stage in Barbados from August 25–29, 2025, marking a historic milestone for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. For the first time in history, a powerful slate of Vincentian cinema has been selected for the prestigious Caribbean arts festival, placing local filmmakers in the regional and international spotlight.
This achievement signals the unstoppable rise of Vincentian cinema, a movement defined by creativity, resilience, and a deep connection to the island’s cultural identity. These stories will carry the voices, struggles, and dreams of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines across the Caribbean and beyond.
Official Selections: Vincentian Films at CARIFESTA XV
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Madulu, The Seaman – Akley Olton
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Sugar Lands – Akley Olton
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Cartman – Grace Peters
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Fire & Smoke: The 2021 Eruption – Colin Browne
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Grassman III – Vonnie Roudette
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I Am Garifuna – Dante Ollivierre
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Views From the Middle – Aiko Roudette
Stories That Shape a Nation
Each of the Vincentian films at CARIFESTA XV brings a unique perspective to the Caribbean cultural landscape:
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Madulu, The Seaman and Sugar Lands explore themes of history, migration, and resilience, using poetic storytelling to reflect Vincentian heritage.
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Cartman offers humor and local wit, showcasing the everyday joys and struggles of community life.
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Fire & Smoke: The 2021 Eruption documents the impact of La Soufrière’s eruption, preserving the resilience of a nation facing natural disaster.
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Grassman III and I Am Garifuna give voice to ancestral memory, cultural survival, and indigenous heritage.
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Views From the Middle highlights the contemporary realities of Vincentian life, capturing experiences often left unseen.
Collectively, these works embody the power of storytelling rooted in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. They are more than films—they are cultural artifacts that speak to identity, belonging, and survival.
A Filmmaker’s Pride
“This is a moment of pride for all of us,” said filmmaker Akley Olton. “Every frame, every story, every voice reflects who we are. The world is watching—and they are finally seeing Vincentian cinema shine.”
Why CARIFESTA XV Matters
CARIFESTA XV is the Caribbean’s largest cultural and artistic festival, a stage where nations showcase their creativity to regional and international audiences. The inclusion of Vincentian films at CARIFESTA XV represents more than participation—it symbolizes recognition.
For Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, this moment affirms the nation as an emerging force in both regional and global cinema. It strengthens cultural diplomacy, supports the creative economy, and inspires younger generations of filmmakers to tell their stories with confidence.
A Cultural Milestone for SVG
The success of Vincentian films at CARIFESTA XV demonstrates the power of arts to preserve memory, challenge stereotypes, and unite communities. These films remind us that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is not only rich in natural beauty but also in stories that can resonate worldwide.
As Chief Cultural Officer of SVG remarked:
“Cinema is a vessel of identity. When Vincentian films are showcased at CARIFESTA XV, our nation speaks in its own voice, with dignity and creativity.”
Celebrate With Us
Join us in celebrating the achievements of filmmakers Akley Olton, Grace Peters, Colin Browne, Vonnie Roudette, Dante Ollivierre, and Aiko Roudette, whose work is carrying Vincentian cinema into the global spotlight.
At CARIFESTA XV, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is not just taking part—
we are making history.
