February 20, 2017:
The north-eastern community of Matura was host to the “Community Film Screenings – Carnival 2017” on Friday 17th February, 2017. Carnival Roots was the second film to be featured in the collaboration between and the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts and African Film Trinidad and Tobago (AFTT). The screening, which took place at the Matura Community Centre, served as a home-coming of sorts for Asha Lovelace - Festival Director, AFTT. In her brief welcome remarks, she introduced herself “I’m Asha or Lulu – as some of you may know. I spent my early childhood here in Matura and I’m very happy that you made it to Community Film Screening this evening.”
The outreach initiative seeks to bring Carnival based documentary films to rural communities in Trinidad. The screenings are intended to bring communities together for communal movie viewing and entertainment. The films give a glimpse into various aspects of Carnival rituals and celebrations. Carnival Roots was no exception.
The music documentary film by Jason Benjamin and Peter Chelkowski took an in-depth look at Carnival and followed several Carnival performers over the 1999 Carnival season. Contemporary artistes of the day were featured including Black Stalin in the Calypso Arena; Kurt Allen in Soca and Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters in Extempo. Their segments corresponded with exponents of the traditional Carnival Arts included Brian Honore and his portrayal of the Midnight Robber; Narcenio ‘Senor’ Gomez – Master Wire Bending Artiste and Sydney Joseph – Steel band Arranger. The 86 minute film held patrons’ attention as it seamlessly wove aspects of contemporary Carnival with its time-honoured practices.
Attendees at the Community Screening described the film as ‘informative,’ ‘educational’ and ‘a great experience and showed where the roots of Carnival originated.’
The Culture Division, Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts will continue informing locals and visitors alike of the cultural significance of Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago with the following Carnival Exhibitions which will run throughout the Carnival Season:
- Grandmaster of Calypso– An Exhibition on the late Aldwyn ‘Lord Kitchener’ - National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Port of Spain. Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- The Treasures from the Hideaway Exhibition - A presentation of the Mighty Sparrow’s personal and professional life - 2nd Floor, Culture Division Building, Frederick Street, Port of Spain Mon – Fri from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
- A Taste of Trinbago Carnival - An interactive display highlights three core components of Carnival: Mas, Pan & Calypso - Gulf City Mall, San Fernando. Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Traditional Carnival Characters will be featured each Saturday from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Event Photos:
Photo Caption: Brief Introduction: Asha Lovelace - Festival Director, AFTT introduces the Film at the Matura Community Centre last Friday.
Photo Caption: Getting Rooted: Patrons at the Community Film Screening take in the Music Documentary Carnival Roots on the Friday 17th February, 2017 at the Community Film Screening organised by the Ministry of Community Development Culture and the Arts and Africa Film Trinidad and Tobago. (Photos Courtesy: Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts).
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For further information, please contact:
Corporate Communications Unit
Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts
Tel: (868) 624-5004 ext. 5140/5147