Friday, September 9, 2011

T&T diplomat praises organisers as Caribbean Tales expo opens in Toronto

Trinidad and Tobago's High Commissioner to Canada on Wednesday praised the organisers of the annual Caribbean Tales exposition, which opened at Toronto's Habourfront this week and will run for two weeks.

Philip Buxo noted the Caribbean region's "unique and exceptional talent" and said Caribbean Tales Worldwide Distribution should be lauded for its efforts in “taking Caribbean Films to the World.” 


The Caribbean Tales event coincides with the annual Toronto International Festival (TIFF). And Buxo said there is no better time or place for exposing the regional film industry "when the world comes to Toronto".

The High Commission and the Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago are among the sponsors of the event, which provides international exposure to the Caribbean’s talented film industry.

Buxo said he was delighted that the High Commission and Consulate are supporting the drive by Caribbean Tales to “raise the international profile of Caribbean film, support the growth of a vibrant film and television industry”. 

The High Commissioner stated that the Caribbean is an ideal production location.

He also noted Trinidad and Tobago's commitment to developing the sector. "We have identified the film industry as one of the sectors to diversify and develop our economy through attracting international productions and generating local employment," he said. 

"To that end, the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company has recently introduced a competitive rebate, the Production Expenditure Rebate Program, which provides cash rebates of up to 30% for expenditures accrued by filmmakers while filming in Trinidad and Tobago.

"Not only will the development of the film industry in Trinidad and Tobago foster economic activity, but it will also highlight Trinidadian and Tobagonian culture, and Caribbean culture, and broadcast it around the world,"Buxo added. 

In that context he spoke of one of the films screened at Caribbean Tales Wednesday - the documentary Calypso Rose: The Lioness of the Jungle.

"Calypso Rose is renowned, not just in Trinidad and Tobago, but around the world, as the Mother of Calypso. Her passion and artistry represent the best of Trinidadian and Tobagonian culture: its energy, its vibrancy, and its joy," the diplomat said.

The documentary by Pascale Obolo traces the many facets of the queen of calypso, who is an exceptional ambassador of Caribbean music, Buxo noted.

Caribbean tales will also feature the North American premier of "Forward Home", produced and directed by award-winning Trinidad and Tobago-based Lisa Wickham. 

It's based on the research of its executive producer, Dr. Keith Nurse, into “Diasporic Tourism” which delves into the phenomenon  of Caribbean nationals living abroad and their educational, cultural, and emotional attachment to the Caribbean region.

Buxo also recognised talented Barbadian, Cameron Bailey, Co-Director of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) who was honoured Wednesday by Caribbean Tales Worldwide Distribution for his outstanding contribution to film.

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Jai & Sero

Jai & Sero

Our family at home in Toronto 2008

Our family at home in Toronto 2008
Amit, Heather, Fuzz, Aj, Jiv, Shiva, Rampa, Sero, Jai