Keenly anticipated by filmmakers and film enthusiasts, this year’s trinidad+tobago film festival is set to captivate audiences with its powerful stories, and striking visuals. Film programmers have already hinted that the diverse slate of talent from the Caribbean and beyond is sure to resonate with local audiences and it is therefore fitting that the opening night film, ‘Chee$e’ is directed by Trinidadian filmmaker, Damian Marcano.
Marcano is excited to have the Caribbean premier of his film at ttff/22 and shares
“I couldn’t have predicted that ‘Chee$e’ would have had the type of reception that it has had thus far – and now I can’t wait to take it in at home. I hope people can take away that they should just be themselves because that is what we did when we made the film… we stayed true to who we are. ‘Chee$e’ is a vibe; let’s keep the vibes going.”
Seven years in the making, ‘Chee$e’ tells the story of Skimma (Akil Williams), a young man who has to come up with a plan when he gets a girl pregnant. Set in a town referred to as “Behind God’s Back” presumably in Trinidad and Tobago, Skimma is desperate to escape his situation. With dreams that are larger than island life, he takes the lessons learned from working with the local cheesemaker to his new enterprise – baking weed into blocks of cheese and selling it. ‘Chee$e’ takes us on a ride with Skimma as he schemes to achieve wealth, becoming the island’s most prolific supplier as demand for his product grows. We experience all the highs, lows and increasing risk of danger right along with him.
A twisted rags-to-riches tale, the authentic portrayal of island life and one man’s struggle to create his own niche, ‘Chee$e’ is the first instalment of a planned trilogy and its remarkable performances, score and visuals do not disappoint.
Described as “a model of what independent filmmaking should be” by Richard Brody, The New Yorker, the film has been praised for its “exuberance and scrutiny, craft and sincerity, hands-on artistry and incisive observation.”
Interestingly, Marcano also served as the film’s cinematographer, screenwriter, and composer – his unique way of seeing is apparent throughout. No doubt enriched by his background, Marcano’s career began shooting shorts in the region: ‘The little boy and the ball’, ‘Giants’, and ‘Heart of a monster’. His feature, award-winning film, ‘God loves the fighter’ racked up numerous prizes worldwide, setting him on a path to direct Hollywood titles, including HBO’s ‘Winning Time: The Rise of The Lakers Dynasty’, and FX’s ‘Snowfall’.
Marcano will be present at the Opening Night screening which takes place at IMAX on 21 September with a pre-screening cocktail reception. The afterparty will be held at the Dalai Llama (Lower Commons, One Woodbrook Place). Tickets cost $200 and there are discounts for FILMCO members. Tickets are now available online at https://ttfilmfestival.com/product/opening-night-gala-ticket-cheee and from the festival office.
About trinidad+tobago film festival
Run by the non-profit organisation, Filmmakers Collaborative of Trinidad and Tobago (FILMCO), the trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff) celebrates films from and about the Caribbean and its diaspora, as well as world cinema, through an annual festival and year-round screenings. In addition, the ttff seeks to facilitate the growth of Caribbean cinema by offering a wide-ranging industry programme and networking opportunities.
“The trinidad+tobago film festival wishes to acknowledge the generous support of our sponsors – our signature sponsor:The National Gas Company (NGC); our leading sponsors: Shell Trinidad and Tobago and Republic Bank; our contributing sponsor: the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts; our supporting sponsors: the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Trinidad and Tobago Film Company Limited (FilmTT).
We also acknowledge the contributions of our programming partners: the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS), the Embassy of the United States, Port of Spain, the Embassy of the Dominican Republic, Festival International du Film Documentaire Amazonie-Caraibes (FIFAC) and FILMCO; our event partners: the Dalai Llama, Calabash Garden, the Naughty Grape, MovieTowne and C15 Studios Limited; our media and promotion partners: TTT Limited and Scrip-J.“
