How it all started
In February 2023, through the support of the UNESCO Transcultura initiative, the Caribbean had its first regional stand at the European Film Market (EFM) at the Berlinale Film Festival in Germany.
The catalyst
At EFM 2023, the region was represented by approximately 20 participants from film commissions, industry associations, and independent film practitioners – for many it was their first experience of the international film landscape. It was a watershed moment for the region – providing access to career-shaping networks and opportunities; empirical learning of the workings of the international film industry; and recognition of the need for the region to engage fully in the international film business through ongoing participation in trade and professional development events. We are deeply grateful to the team at the EFM for their dedication in supporting this inaugural business gateway.
Market attendance was a catalyst for the Caribbean participants to form an alliance. The majority of participants in the Caribbean Umbrella Stand met to establish the Berlin Charter and formalise discussions around the creation of a new association, CAFTPro: the Caribbean Alliance of Film and Television Professionals.
Our charter
Our charter envisions a truly regional joining of forces to internationalize and accelerate the development of the Caribbean film and television industry through a variety of interventions including developing international co-production joint ventures, creating an international cohort of mentors, professionalizing the regional broadcast landscape, collecting, collating and sharing data specific to the Caribbean, creating accessible funding and support mechanisms etc. By working from a position of pan-Caribbean involvement, we are determined to ensure that no country gets left behind.
Founding members
CAFTPro was founded by a group of audio visual professionals from around the Caribbean. Our founding group included producers, directors, writers and film commissioners. Our founding members are:
- Lia Báez (Dominican Republic)
- Mariel Brown (Trinidad and Tobago)
- Hennah Draaibaar (Suriname)
- J Tracy Farrag (Trinidad and Tobago)
- Guetty Felin (Haiti)
- Noel Howell (Antigua)
- Darnel Kendal John (St Lucia)
- Klieon John (St Kitts)
- Annette Nias (Barbados)
- Renee Robinson (Jamaica)
- Aiko Roudette (St Vincent and the Grenadines)
- Michelle Serieux (St Lucia)
- Lesley-Ann Wanliss (Jamaica)
- Letay Williams (Jamaica)
CAFTPro 