When Trinbagonians of a certain age hear mention of Banyan, memories of the following come to mind – AVM, Sprangalang, Gayelle, Cross Country.
As they reminisce, some evenburst into song:
“I’m footloose and free,
Just follow me,
And you will see, you and me,
It’s so good to be
Footloose and free…”
Sung by Oliver Chapman, this simple melody was the theme for the popular Trinidad and
Tobago Television docu-series “Cross Country”, back in the 80s. It is important for us to
recognise such early products of local film and television as germane to the development of
the industry.
The trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff/22) fully embraces this concept. Its theme #Seeyuhself
reflects, among other things, the pioneering work of Banyan Productions and its founders.
Presented with the support of The National Gas Company of Trindad and Tobago Limited
(NGC), ttff/22 celebrates Banyan in this year’s retrospective.
Pat Ganase wrote,
“Imagine the 1970s… There’s a new Trinidadian returning from away. Not just doctors and lawyers, they are returning to teach, and to teach through other media: literature, publishing, audio-visual and film, theatre and mas, the arts. Enter Suzanne and Hugh Robertson, Tony Hall, Christopher Laird, Peter Minshall, Trini wives with
their husbands, Trini husbands with their wives.
Ganase described how natural it was for Tony Hall to gravitate to Banyan as the vehicle to access a Caribbean
theatre of the streets and declared him the talent that shaped and informed many Banyan productions.
Inarguably, many of our local television and film veterans can be deemed “children of Banyan.” Read Ganase’s full piece on Banyan from page 9 of the ttff/22 printed guide
The retrospective programme is a core element of ttff/22 and runs from 22 – 28 September. It comprises several events which take place at NALIS on Hart and Abercromby Streets, Port of Spain. These include screenings of some of Banyan’s most important television work; a ttff talk with Dr Bruce Paddington and Christopher Laird; and an exhibition of photos, memorabilia and more at the Rotunda in NALIS – all of which are free and open to the public.
For more information, see your ttff/22 festival guide or visit https://ttfilmfestival.com
