Caribbean Films Series at Teachers College, Columbia University

Welcome to the Caribbean Films Series at Columbia University! Join us for a cinematic journey through the vibrant cultures of the Caribbean. This in-person event will be held at Teachers College Columbia University.

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Caribbean through a curated selection of films that showcase the region's rich history and diverse perspectives. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the magic of Caribbean cinema right here in New York City. Grab your popcorn and get ready for a cinematic adventure!

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

6PM by Edourd Salter & Richard Minier (Mali, France, Cuba)

In the midst of the Cold War, ten young promising musicians from Mali are sent to Cuba to study music and strengthen cultural links between the two socialist countries. Combining Malian and Afro-Cuban influences, they develop a revolutionary new sound and become the iconic ensemble ‘Las Maravillas de Mali’. New Year’s Eve 2000. Richard Minier, a French music producer meets a former member of the band in Bamako and decides to bring the band back together.

7:40PM by Sergio Giral (Cuba)

In 19th century Cuba, runaway African slaves known as 'Cimarrons' hide in settlements in the eastern mountains. But discord among the Cimarrons is sown by a limited offer of freedom from the Spanish. Maluala is part of a trilogy of films about Cuba's slave uprisings made by Sergio Giral, the best known Afro-Cuban director.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

12PM by Marisol Gómez-Moukard (Puerto Rico)
Angelica, after a long absence from Puerto Rico, returns home when her father, Wilfredo, suffers a stroke. This unexpected return and her father's illness force Angelica to re-evaluate her relationship with her mother and family members who don't accept her because of her skin color. She must face herself and discovers that she does not know who she is. After her father's death, Angelica must decide whether to return to the comfort of her previous life, dissatisfied, but secure, or set on an adventurous path to rediscover herself as an independent, modern, strong, black, and Puerto Rican woman.

2:00PM k by Sheikh Djemai (France)

Frantz Fanon, was a psychiatrist, originally from Martinique, who became a spokesman for the Algerian revolution against French colonialism. Embittered by his experience with racism in the French Army, he gravitated to radical politics, Sartrean existentialism and the philosophy of black consciousness known as negritude. The film traces the short and intense life of one of the great thinkers of the 20th century.
3:20PM by Ananta Khemradj (Surinam/Netherlands)

A country where the former dictator is elected president, helped by young voters. Young journalist Ananta wants to know why she and her whole generation grew up without knowledge of the atrocities committed in the 1980's.

4:30PM by Menelik Shabazz (UK)

Time and Judgement is a sci-fi/documentary that combines biblical prophecy with events across the African diaspora between 1980 and 1987. Archive footage includes Haile Selassie, Bob Marley, Kwame Nkrumah, Maurice Bishop, Walter Rodney, Kwame Toure, Bernie Grant.

6:15PM by Yao Ramesar (Trinidad & Tobago)

Reunited by their brother Addo’s death, the surviving Fortune siblings retreat to the family’s seaside estate for a period of bereavement, while their grieving mother remains on their nearby farm.

7:50PM by Matthieu Vermeil (USA)

A thrilling journey in the 1920s, from Marseille to Harlem, via Jamaica, Russia, and Morocco, in the footsteps of the Jamaican American writer Claude McKay. Rebellious figure of the Harlem Renaissance, precursor of literature and of the black cause, the unclassifiable author wandered for more than 10 years in Europe, frequenting the artistic and political avant-gardes.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28
1PM by Juan A Zapata (Dominican Republic)

A documentary about a case of modern slavery in one of the largest sugar cane plantations in the world, located in the Dominican Republic and belonging to the Fanjul Family, one of the most powerful families in America.
3PM by Hélène Lee, Christopher Farnarier (France, Jamaica)

Going far beyond the standard imagery of Rasta—ganja, reggae, and dreadlocks—this cultural history offers an uncensored vision of a movement with complex roots and the exceptional journey of a man who taught an enslaved people how to be proud and impose their culture on the world.
4:40PM by Kwame Lestrade

An anthological exploration of six relationships, poking a sharp stick at the fragility of masculinity. Jerry is accused of stalking. Deon hits his teacher. Shawn is caught in the act by his uncle Ryan. Playboy Kyle discovers his authentic voice. Antoinette dates cat-caller Tevin. Richard and Rawle trick their partners into having more sex.

Through this series vignettes the filmmaker positions men & women in situations that challenge their thinking & level of care.

6:30PM by Phillip Williamson Jr, Johnathan Isaac Jackson (Bahamas) + Q&A

Junkanno Goddess Angelique McKay and The Genesis Warhawks navigate Junkanoo for the first time in 2 years as Christopher Davis introduces us to the story of Ahanta warrior Jan Kwaw aka John Canoe in a true display of black culture and its African Diaspora connections.

Q&A with co-director and producer Philip Williams Jr. after the screening

Event Venue

Teachers College Columbia University, 525 West 120th Street, New York, United States