The Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival (TTFF), known for spotlighting bold and authentic Caribbean stories, has returned with renewed energy, securing a partnership with One Woodbrook Place (OWP) as the hosting venue.

The festival, which debuted acclaimed Jamaican films such as Better Mus’ Come, Sprinter, and Kingston Paradise, will make OWP, a lifestyle and entertainment hub in the heart of Port of Spain, its home September 24–30.

A representative from OWP described the collaboration as a natural fit. In this regard, she noted that the location’s lively mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural spaces provides the ideal setting for TTFF, which thrives on community engagement and artistic expression.

“We are honoured to partner with the Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival for its 19th edition,” the spokesperson for One Woodbrook Place said. “We’re excited to help create memorable experiences for filmmakers and audiences alike.”

Festival organisers welcomed the partnership, underscoring its importance as TTFF makes its return, following a brief pause after the 2023 staging. Melanie Archer, a member of the TTFF advisory group, expressed her enthusiasm for what this new chapter represents.

“I’ve lived in this vibrant, creative, and artistic centre of Port of Spain for almost two decades,” Archer shared.

“Woodbrook has been at the heart of some of my most memorable festival experiences, from experimental films in art spaces to outdoor screenings on The Avenue and pre-festival limes that fostered a real sense of camaraderie in the local and visiting film community,” she continued.

For Archer, the partnership with OWP signals a strategic move to recapture the energy and authenticity that made TTFF one of the Caribbean’s most beloved cultural events.

Jamaica’s connection to the festival runs deep. Not only have Jamaican films won audience and jury awards at TTFF, but Jamaican directors, producers, actors, and students have also attended in large numbers, using the festival to network, learn, and collaborate with peers across the region. Moreover, TTFF has served as a launchpad for emerging Caribbean talent and a space where Jamaican stories resonate on an international stage.

Cinema One, which owns and operates the IMAX and Gemstone Cinemas at One Woodbrook Place, will serve as the festival’s primary exhibition partner. Co-founder and CEO of Cinema One Ingrid Jahra, shared the company’s excitement about the collaboration.

“At Cinema One we truly believe in the power of local storytelling, so we’re honoured to be working with TTFF as the primary exhibition partner for TTFF/25,” Jahra said.

“We know our audiences will enjoy the festival experience and the range of excellent Caribbean films that will be on offer.”

As part of the partnership, OWP will offer a centralised festival hub where patrons can watch films, dine, socialise, and participate in a range of activities. Amenities will include on-site restaurants, state-of-the-art screening facilities such as IMAX, as well as outdoor screenings, pop-up events, and themed gatherings.

Festivalgoers, whether from Trinidad, Jamaica, or the wider diaspora, can expect filmmaker Q&As, networking mixers, and cultural showcases designed to bring creatives and audiences closer together.

“With TTFF’s return, audiences can expect an exciting and engaging celebration of Caribbean cinema,” said Archer. “Stay tuned for the full schedule and join us at One Woodbrook Place for an unforgettable film experience.” Persons interested in attending the festival can send an email to: [email protected]