This December, I had the privilege of participating in the Nuevas Miradas Cultural Entrepreneurship Incubator at the Escuela Internacional de Cine y Televisión (EICTV) in of San Antonio de los Baños, Cuba. The selected project, Chris and the Disciples is a horror-suspense fiction, produced by Maribunta Pictures, and is currently in development. Made possible through the generous support of the Transcultura Programme, UNESCO, and their funding partner, the European Union, this selection facilitated pivotal connections and exposure to potential development partners within Latin-America and the Caribbean.
A Unique Caribbean Perspective in an International Setting
One of the most remarkable aspects of Nuevas Miradas was its ability to provide relevant insights for Caribbean stories in a way that larger international labs often overlook. The lab’s focus on storytelling within a shared Caribbean and Latin American context allowed us to explore the richness of our narratives while receiving mentorship tailored to our cultural realities. This opportunity was not just about refining our projects but also about understanding how to position them for global audiences while staying true to our roots.
The incubator provided an extraordinary platform to connect with an array of professionals: festival directors, programmers, producers, sales agents, and distributors. These meetings opened doors to new collaborations, including discussions of co-productions and partnerships with both Caribbean and Latin American peers. Many of these connections would have been far more challenging to establish outside this setting, making this incubator a vital bridge between regions.
Celebrating Diversity in Stories and Storytellers
One of the most inspiring elements of the lab was the diversity of stories and storytellers represented. From emerging filmmakers with bold visions to seasoned creators refining complex narratives, the range of perspectives was breathtaking. Each story brought a unique voice, reflecting the multifaceted realities of the Caribbean and Latin America. This diversity highlights a pivotal moment in the region’s cinematic narrative—one where untold stories are finally finding platforms to shine.
This diversity signifies a pivotal moment for Caribbean cinema—a time when untold stories are finding platforms to shine and connect with audiences. By spotlighting perspectives that are both universal and rooted in our shared cultural tapestry, Nuevas Miradas is paving the way for a transformative era in regional filmmaking. This lab wasn’t just about individual projects; it symbolized a collective push toward redefining the Caribbean narrative and positioning our stories on the global stage.
The exchange of ideas and experiences among participants underscored the transformative potential of Caribbean cinema. These stories are not only diverse but also deeply resonant, showcasing themes and perspectives that are both universal and distinctly rooted in our culture. The future of Caribbean film is at an intriguing point of new growth, with opportunities like this lab paving the way for a new wave of filmmakers to redefine how our region is seen and understood globally.
Immersed in the Legacy of Great Filmmakers
The EICTV itself is steeped in cinematic history. Walking through its halls, surrounded by the words of legendary filmmakers etched on the walls, was both humbling and inspiring. This environment fueled an intense focus, allowing us to dedicate our time fully to the study of story and film. The energy of the space, combined with the shared passion of youthful, dynamic filmmakers, created an unparalleled atmosphere of creativity and learning.
Being surrounded by peers who understand the nuances of Caribbean storytelling was an experience I will always cherish. The lab created a safe and vibrant space for us to exchange ideas and perspectives, reinforcing the importance of our stories in the broader cinematic landscape. The cultural and linguistic exchanges with Latin American colleagues further enriched this journey.
A Year of Growth and Focus
This experience at Nuevas Miradas was the culmination of a year dedicated to broadening my perspective on creative work while expanding my connections with the regional film community. Throughout the past year, my focus has been on deepening my engagement with Caribbean narratives, exploring their universal appeal while celebrating their unique context. The lab provided a concentrated environment to integrate these learnings, refining not only my current project but also my broader approach to storytelling.
This opportunity fits seamlessly into the trajectory of my work, reinforcing the importance of investing in platforms that nurture creativity within our region. It served as a reminder that the stories we tell—and how we tell them—can have a profound impact on how our region is perceived and how we connect with audiences worldwide.
Why New Perspectives Matter
Labs like Nuevas Miradas are invaluable to filmmakers in the Caribbean. They offer an intensive, immersive space to focus on projects, receive tailored mentorship, and engage with a community of like-minded creators. For filmmakers in our region, access to such resources can be transformative, providing the tools and networks necessary to elevate their work to the next level.
The Caribbean has a wealth of stories waiting to be told, and initiatives like this incubator play a crucial role in ensuring these stories reach audiences. By offering access to industry professionals, fostering regional collaboration, and creating opportunities for growth, these labs empower filmmakers to realize their visions while contributing to a thriving cinematic ecosystem.
The most significant takeaway for me was the realization of how vital it is to carve out dedicated time and space for creative development. The incubator’s intense yet nurturing environment helped me refine my project’s vision while also gaining practical insights into financing, audience building, and production strategies.
The support we’ve received from Transcultura, UNESCO, the European Union, and the invaluable mentorship at EICTV has been transformative. We look forward to sharing more updates and, hopefully, the finished film with you soon!
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