The 2025 edition of the Georgetown Film Festival officially opened on Thursday evening at St. Rose’s High School, launching three nights of compelling Caribbean cinema and thought-provoking dialogue under the theme of social, cultural, and environmental storytelling.
Now in its second year as a full multi-night programme, the festival has grown from its 2022 founding roots in community workshops and film development initiatives into a regional platform for emerging and established voices in the Caribbean film industry.
Founder Rae Wiltshire welcomed attendees with remarks that highlighted the evolving landscape of Caribbean creativity and filmmaking. He emphasised the role of the festival’s host organisation—an independent, non-governmental group—in supporting storytelling that reflects the region’s diverse identities and struggles.
The opening night featured a rich lineup of narrative and documentary films, headlined by the Guyanese premiere of “Parliament Girls”, a powerful social-justice drama directed by St. Vincent’s Akley Olton. The film, which delves into gender-based violence, sparked a riveting post-screening discussion moderated by Guyanese activist Sherlina Nageer, where audience members explored the themes of resistance, trauma, and advocacy for women’s rights.
Another standout of the night was the world premiere of “Voices of Resistance: Caribbean Environmental Defenders and their fight for Escazú”, a documentary produced by The Breadfruit Collective. The film featured environmental activists from six Caribbean countries and underscored the urgent regional conversations around ecological justice and policy, particularly in the context of the Escazú Agreement—Latin America and the Caribbean’s landmark environmental treaty.
Additional films showcased included “Rhizome” from Guadeloupe/France and “Ring the Bell, Shout Hallelujah!” from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, each contributing unique perspectives on identity, community, and transformation.
The Georgetown Film Festival continues on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM at St. Rose’s. The event is supported by Reel Guyana, The Breadfruit Collective, and Royal Castle Guyana.
As the festival continues, it stands as a dynamic space for dialogue, creative exchange, and the amplification of Caribbean narratives in a time of cultural and environmental urgency.
Vidyaratha Kissoon makes a point during the engagement
