1261 Film Festival - Announces Film Program for 2020!
Two Caribbean Feature Films opens the 1261 Film Festival, Hybrid Experience 2020!
ST. GEORGE, GRENADA (October 13, 2020): The 12°N61°W Film Festival (1261 Film Festival), Hybrid Edition produced by the Mprojekts Creative Group, announced today that this year festival - online and in-person - would feature two Caribbean feature films during its premiere on Friday, October 30, 2020. The on-island experience will feature Too Lickrish, directed by Tolga Akcayli (Grenada premiere), at the ocean view Boho's Bohemian Restaurant and Lounge, in Morne Rouge, St. George. Uncivilized by Michael Lees will open the virtual festival through our 1261Cinema portal. Other spotlight features premiering in the festival include Come On In by Daniel Callahan; From Gangstar to Pastor by Miquel Galofré, and Gold Coast Lounge by director Pascal Aka (closing film).
As with most film festivals in the COVID world of 2020, what makes the 1261 Film Festival stand out- It's Hybrid! This year's hybrid festival experience allows our participants to entertain themselves from the comfort of their homes through our immersive 1261Cinema hosted by our partner StreamIt by MNR events. Additionally, participants in Grenada, can attend three exclusive in-person events at stunning tropical outdoor locations in Grenada - one being the Annandale Waterfall that will feature films+live concert.
1216 Film Festival is not just about merely showing films; instead, community networking is strongly encouraged. We will offer engaging panels, masterclasses, real-time concerts, virtual parties, art galleries, and marketplace promoting local Grenadian, private watch parties, a children program, and more. 1261 Film Festival participants get to experience a cultural revolution bridging diasporas and audiences, through stories told by filmmakers of color, preserving our legacies and traditions, making the 1261 Film Festival genuinely unique.
Having lost their jobs and unable to find new ones during an economic crisis, a young couple decide to take matters into their own hands in order to escape.
A young man gets more than he bargained for when he sets off to the forest, alone.
Over 60 filmmakers from around the Caribbean and African diaspora worldwide, including such diverse countries as Canada, Iran, Ghana, Grenada, Jamaica, Martinique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Haiti, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, USA, UK, and more, will feature stories across genres including drama, animation, coming of age, action, social justice, environmental and more. The festival awards the distinction of "Best of the Fest" in several categories, including Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best Animation, Best Short, and more.
Films, panels, and more meant to stream online will be available for screening at the 1261Cinema through our secure festival portal - accessible to festival pass holders only.
In-person screening & events meant to occur at the Boho's Restaurant & Lounge, Annandale Waterfall, and the Hideaway Rooftop will enforce all the current social distancing mandates. Limited passes will be available and purchased before the designated event date. Social distancing protocols, including mask and temperature checks, will be in effect. For more information on tickets and schedule, visit www.1261filmfestival.com
Special invitation-only press and industry screenings will be slated for the top theatrical productions. They will only be accessible to verified industry professionals and those interested in acquiring the festival's premium content for network or theatrical release.
Grenadian born filmmaker Meschida Philip is the Founder and Managing Director of the 1261 Film Festival. She shares that "now more than ever, platforms like the 1261 Film Festival are critical to providing spaces for our storytellers to feature their work confronting issues and shaping narratives affecting our communities while empowering and entertaining us. Despite it, the COVID pandemic unveiling the persistent societal and cultural disparities crippling communities of color - from health to environmental, finance to education to BLACK LIFE and the untold traumas are affecting our communities of color worldwide; it also provided us with opportunities. Pivoting to a hybrid model allows us to continue to foster and develop our on-island community through engagement and introducing stories about cultures that would never premiere in Grenada or the Caribbean Region. Most importantly, we can bridge and share Grenadian culture, stories, and diverse landscape to a further-reaching creative community across diasporas through our 1261Cinema portal."
To attend, participants can get an individual Virtual Pass, a Virtual Day Pass, or an All-Access Pass to receive access to the 1261Cinema during the festival week.
For more information regarding passes/tickets, press accreditation, industry passes, or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.1261filmfestival.com.
More additions will be added to the program and announced soon.
1261 FILM FESTIVAL HYBRID EDITION 2020 LINE-UP
Narrative Features
Come On In, Dir. Daniel Callahan, USA, - Caribbean Premiere
The Gold Coast, Dir. Pascal Aka, Ghana - Caribbean Premiere
Too Lickrish, Dir. Tolga Akcayli, St. Vincent - Grenada Premiere
Documentary Features
Uncivilized, Dir. Michael Lees, Dominica - Grenada Premiere
Chèche Lavi (Looking for Life), Dir. Sam Ellison, Mexico - Grenada Premiere
Gangsta To Pastor, Dir. Miquel Galofré, Trinidad - Grenada Premiere
Short Selections
Animations:
Orange City, Dir. Somto Ajuluchukwu, Nigeria - Caribbean Premiere
Clair Obscure, Dir. Alain Bidard, Martinique - Grenada Premiere
Reflexion, Dir. Alain Bidard, Martinique - Grenada Premiere
Land Of Gods, Dir. Somto Ajuluchukwu, Nigeria - Caribbean Premiere
BCS, Dir. Alain Bidard, Martinique -Grenada Premiere
Tamboulay - Anansi Story Episode 1+2, Dir. Kevin Dolland,Grenada - World Premiere
The Adventures of Nkoza & Nankya, Dir. Solomon Jagwe, Uganda - Caribbean Premiere
Documentary:
Art Connect, Dir. Miquel Galofré, Trinidad - Grenada Premiere
Canada's Unchecked Racism, Dir. Zoë Davidson, Canada - Grenada Premiere
Grenadines Seabirds: Uniting Land, Air & Sea, Dir.Juliana Coffey, Grenada
Island Strong, Dir. Clish Gittens, Barbados - Grenada Premiere
New York, New York (city that's doesn't sleep), Dir. Thomas Barnes, USA - Caribbean Premiere
Lifted, Dir. Miquel Galofr, Trinidad - Grenada Premiere
Our Island Our Home, Dir. Crystal Lee Fortwangler, Virgin Island -Grenada Premiere
Scars of Our Mothers' Dreams, Dir. Meschida Philip, Grenada
Narratives:
A Happy Divorce, Dir. Jamal Hodge, USA - Caribbean Premiere (Virtual)
A Rodeo Film, Dir. Darius Dawson, USA - Caribbean Premiere
A Storybook Ending, Dir. Lanre Olabisi, USA - Caribbean Premiere (Virtual)
Back In Time, Dir. Kleon McPherson, Trinidad - Grenada Premier
Black, Dir. Tamika R. Guishard, USA - International Premiere (Virtual)
Bloom, the Return, Dir. Sekou Luke, USA - Caribbean Premiere (Virtual)
Bully, Dir. Gabrielle Blackwood, Jamaica
Cycles, Dir. Katherine Street (née Murray-Satchell), USA - International Premiere (Virtual)
Dolāpō is Fine, Dir. Ethosheia Hylton, UK - Caribbean Premiere
Fear, Dir. Yoram Savion, USA - Grenada Premiere (Virtual)
Flight, Dir. Kia Moses, Jamaica - Grenada Premiere (Virtual)
Here With You, Dir. Morgan Sullivan, USA - Caribbean Premiere (Virtual)
Love In Submission, Dir. Lande Yoosuf, USA - Caribbean Premiere (Virtual)
LP, Dir. Alexander Etseyatse, USA - International Premiere (Virtual)
Nevertheless, Dir. KarynRose Bruyning, USA - International Premiere (Virtual)
Otis - Episode 1 +2 ( episodic), Dir. Alexander Etseyatse, USA - Caribbean Premiere (Virtual)
Palanteer M'bedd (The Window's Muse), Dir. Mamadou Diop, Senegal - Caribbean Premiere
Percy & Caesar, Dir. Jamil O'Quinn, USA -International Premiere (Virtual)
Pick, Dir. Alicia K Harris, Canada - Caribbean Premiere (Virtual)
Sampson's Heart, Dir. Juliette McCawley, USA - Grenada Premiere (Virtual)
Something To Live For, Dir. Adva Reichman, Iran - Caribbean Premiere (Virtual)
Sweet Rind, Dir. Andre Wynter, Jamaica - Grenada Premiere (Virtual)
Tender, Dir. Felicia Pride, USA -- Caribbean Premiere (Virtual)
The Black Banshee, Prod. Kyla Sylvers, USA - Caribbean Premiere (Virtual)
The Fisherman, Dir. Zoey Martinson, Ghana - Caribbean Premiere (Virtual)
The High Bridge, Dir. Benedict Campbell, USA - Caribbean Premiere (Virtual)
TROIS MACHETTES (THREE BLADES), Dir. Matthieu Maunier Rossi, Haiti -Grenada Premiere (Virtual)
What You Don't Know Is Bigger Than You (Sa Ou Pa Sav Gran Pasew) - Grenada Premiere (Virtual)
Winston, Dir. Tanya E. Taylor, Jamaica - Grenada Premiere (Virtual)
Wonder, Dir. Gabriel Furman, USA - Caribbean Premiere (Virtual)
Zahara and The Oil Man, Dir. Yucef Mayes, USA -- Caribbean Premiere (Virtual)
Zeen, Dir. Calyx Passailaigue, Canada - Grenada Premiere (Virtual)
Press Contacts:
Filmmakers, creators, and companies interested in finding out more about The 12°N, 61°W Film Festival, please email media@1261filmfestival.com.
Hashtag: #1261filmfestival2020, 1261filmfestival
Facebook, Instagram & YouTube: @1261filmfestival
Website: www.1261filmfestival.com
About the 12°N, 61°W Film Festival:
The 12°N61°W FILM FESTIVAL (1261 Film Festival), presented by Mprojekts Creative Group, brings filmmakers and diverse audiences together to celebrate our culture and our stories. Rooted in independent film, 1261FF is a platform for creative expression and immersive entertainment. The Festival champions emerging and established award-winning filmmakers and creators; curates innovative experiences; and introduces exhibitions, workshops, talks, and live performances.
The Festival was founded by Grenadian-American filmmaker, Meschida Philip in 2018 as a destination to spur cinematic experiences in Grenada. The inaugural kicked off was in May 2019.
About 12°N,61°W Film Festival Partners - 2020:
As Presenting Sponsor of the 12°N61°W FILM FESTIVAL, Mprojekts Creative Group is committed to supporting an inclusive film program and the art of filmmaking through access and innovation, while expanding opportunities to diverse creators in Grenada.
Technology Partners: StreamIt by MNR Events, AiBuy
Supporting Partners: Caribbean Export Development Agency, Pure Grenada, Grenada Co-op Bank, Rephil LLC
Media Partners: BossFM Grenada, Ridealong Live
Community Partners: The Hideaway True Blue Grenada, Annandale Waterfalls, Boho Restaurant, Catappa Condos, ML Consulting Agency, Mulberry Queens, Fivestar Auto Rental, Beautiful Weddings Grenada, Luma Lighting Decor
