Year in Review:12°N, 61°W Grenada Film Festival
By: 1261 Grenada Film Festival December 30th, 2024
2024 poster designed by MACE
What a year it has been!
Together, we’ve navigated 2024 with resilience, creativity, and an unyielding commitment to our shared vision.
The 12°N, 61°W Grenada Film Festival stood as a testament to the strength of Grenada and the wider Caribbean region. In facing challenges like Hurricane Beryl, we upheld our mission to spotlight Caribbean and African diasporic cinema. This year’s festival wasn’t just about celebrating film—it became a powerful symbol of unity, cultural pride, and collaboration.
Thanks to the unwavering support of our community and the leadership of Mprojekts Creative Group, the festival’s producers, we transformed adversity into opportunity, delivering an unforgettable experience that truly embodied the spirit of the Caribbean.
We were delighted to host over twenty filmmakers, industry professionals, musicians, and international supporters. Many experienced Grenada for the first time, while others returned to rekindle their connection with our vibrant island. Their presence enriched the festival and directly supported the local economy through extended hotel stays and enthusiastic participation in Grenada’s dynamic culture.
The Fundraising Gala, featuring British-Grenadian brothers filmmaker Kibwe Tavares and musician Gaika with his band, was a powerful example of the diaspora connecting with Grenada to inspire growth. Returning home to share their talents, they demonstrated how global perspectives and local roots can unite to support Grenada's cultural and economic development, highlighting the potential of Grenadian creatives to bridge worlds.
This milestone was made possible through the generous support of the Grenada Development Bank Creative Grant, Netherlands Insurance, Forrester Creative Renaissance Fund, and Bayhouse Grenada made this possible.
The festival concluded with a powerful closing event—a collaboration with Shadowfax Grenada and Le Phare Bleu that beautifully blended art, music, and solidarity. The evening featured the screening of Bankie Banx’s documentary, seamlessly transitioning into a benefit concert for Hurricane Beryl victims. Iconic performances by Bankie Banx, Sabrina Francis, and her Treehouse Band captivated attendees, highlighting the unyielding strength of Caribbean solidarity.
This unforgettable finale showcased the heart of the festival’s mission: fostering unity, resilience, and cultural pride. Celebrating authentic stories and creative expression reinforced Grenada’s position as a hub for film and culture while furthering our commitment to empowering storytellers.
Highlights from 2024
Empowering Caribbean Filmmakers: Local Voices, Global Dreams
This year, we had amazing conversations with filmmakers and industry leaders like Teddy Frederick, Andre Hayes, Kerri Birch, Petra Roach, and Meschida Philip. We talked about how Grenada and the Caribbean can become major players in both film and tourism while still lifting local talent. These talks sparked important discussions about the future of Caribbean cinema and its potential to make waves on the global stage.Diaspora Engagement: A Homecoming for Grenadian Creators
We were excited to welcome home four talented Grenadian filmmakers and creatives from the diaspora. Their work continues to highlight the richness and diversity of our Caribbean voices, and it’s inspiring to see them bring their stories back to Grenada, contributing to our growing cultural narrative.Record-Breaking Audience Growth
This year, we saw a jump in new attendees, all eager to enjoy the best in Caribbean and African diasporic cinema. It’s a sign that our festival is growing, and our Grenadian community is connecting with the incredible stories the Caribbean offers.New Collaborations: Strengthening Partnerships for Growth
We expanded our network of partners this year, teaming up with amazing organizations like Movie Palace Partnership, 13° North Production, Roadmap Writers, and the Foresters Foundation. These collaborations opened up new opportunities for filmmakers and helped solidify the festival’s place as a key platform for Caribbean cinema.Community Impact: Inspiring the Next Generation
Through our school tours with TAMCC, we inspired the next generation of Grenadian storytellers. Our partnerships with GrenChap and the Caribbean Equality Project also promoted inclusion and equality for our marginalized community, particularly through our LGBTQ+ Program. These initiatives are helping empower the next generation of filmmakers and keep the festival’s impact alive in the community.
Looking Ahead!
As we look to 2025, we are excited to:
Tour the Festival Internationally to showcase Caribbean cinema on a global scale.
Expand Collaborations with film festivals, production companies, and cultural organizations.
Innovate Programming to highlight diverse voices and stories from established and emerging filmmakers
Honoring Cultural Icons: Celebrating Legacy
In 2024, we mourned the loss of Tanya Taylor, a Jamaican filmmaker whose film Winston was featured at our festival. A proud alumna and former speaker, Tanya’s work continues to inspire, and her legacy lives on in the hearts of many.
We also paid tribute to two cultural giants, Roy Cape and Nikki Giovanni, whose biographical films showcased their incredible contributions to the arts. Both icons, through their music and poetry, have left an indelible mark on Caribbean and global culture, and we were honored to celebrate their legacies as we close out this year.
Thank You to Our Filmmakers, Sponsors, Volunteers and Supporters
We are deeply grateful to every filmmaker, sponsor, volunteer, and supporter who made the 1261 Grenada Film Festival a success. Your collective passion, dedication, and vision allowed us to elevate diverse voices, empower filmmakers, and showcase the powerful narratives of the Caribbean and African diasporic communities.
To our filmmakers: your creativity continues to push boundaries, inspiring audiences and enriching the global film landscape. To our sponsors and partners: your unwavering support fuels our growth and enables us to create more opportunities for emerging filmmakers. To our volunteers: your tireless efforts and enthusiasm brought the festival to life in ways we could only dream of. And to our supporters: your belief in our mission drives us to continue amplifying the voices that deserve to be heard.
Reflecting on this year’s success, we invite you to stay involved in our mission. Join us in making next year even bigger, stronger, and more impactful—whether by contributing your time, resources, or passion. Together, we will continue to build a vibrant platform for Caribbean and African diasporic cinema and support the next generation of filmmakers.
Thank you for being part of our community. We couldn’t have done it without you!
