WILLEMSTAD – The Curaçao International Film Festival (CIFF) announces the nominees for the very first edition of the Watapana Award. With this new award, the festival places filmmakers from the Dutch Caribbean (the ABC islands, Suriname, St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius) in the spotlight and strengthens the visibility of Caribbean storytelling, both within and beyond the region.
The Watapana Award is inspired by the iconic watapana tree, a powerful symbol of resilience and direction. The award also honors the legacy of Wilbert Tecla and aims to support and showcase authentic stories from the region, while encouraging the development of a new generation of filmmakers.
The nominees for the Watapana Award 2026 are:
● Kaya ta nos Arena – Ramses Petronia (CUR)
● The Wonderful Counselor – Peter Sagnia (SXM)
● Djis Bisami Si – Clayton G. N. Ignecia (CUR)
● Bispu – Elizabeth Francisco (CUR)
● Fort Buku – Loëlle Monsanto (SUR)
● Horsepower – Tittel del Mar (CUR)
● They Had One Job – Samueldavid Baromeo (CUR)
● amor – Myra Fanta Bodian (NLD)
● I identity As – Anouk Kruithof (CUR)
● Save the Hidden Forest of Bonaire – Lorenzo Mittiga, Elisabetta Maccari (BON)
With this selection, CIFF brings together a diverse group of filmmakers who each contribute in their own way to the development of local cinema in the Dutch Caribbean. The nominations range from personal stories to broader social themes.
“With the Watapana Award, we aim to create a platform for filmmakers from the Dutch Caribbean who tell stories rooted in this region, yet resonate internationally,” said Michael Elias, Festival Director. “We see a clear growth in quality, originality and ambition within the region, and this selection highlights the strength and potential that is present.”
The winner of the Watapana Award will be announced during the festival, which takes place from April 14 to 19, 2026 at The Movies Otrobanda. The award ceremony will be held during a special evening on Saturday, April 18 at 8:00 PM. Tickets will be available from March 28 at the box office of The Movies Otrobanda.CIFF presents more than 80 films from Curaçao, the Caribbean and around the world. For the full program, visit: www.curacaoiff.com