Selection marks growing recognition of Caribbean cinema
WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao International Film Festival (CIFF) proudly announced that several films from its 2025 edition have been selected for screening at the prestigious Morelia International Film Festival (MIFF) in Mexico this weekend.
The Morelia International Film Festival, now celebrating its 23rd edition, is considered one of the most influential film festivals in Central and Latin America, attracting leading figures from the global film industry such as Jodie Foster, Javier Bardem, Juliette Binoche, Quentin Tarantino, and Todd Haynes.
The collaboration between CIFF and MIFF dates back to 2013, and since then, both festivals have exchanged films and spotlighted emerging talent from the Caribbean region. Through this partnership, several winners of CIFF’s Yellow Robin Award — a competition for regional filmmakers — have already had the opportunity to present their work on the international stage.
During CIFF 2025, Daniela Michel, General Director of MIFF, served as Chair of the Jury for the Yellow Robin Award competition. The winning film from this competition is traditionally screened at the Mexican festival — and this year, the collaboration goes even further. The current MIFF program includes not only the Yellow Robin Award-winning film but also a selection of CIFF titles, reflecting the festival’s growing influence.
Among the films chosen from CIFF’s Caribbean Focus program are:
Mangel
Mas ku Palabra
Sunny
Up the River
Zwarte Ibis
This selection represents an important recognition for Curaçao’s expanding film community and the broader Caribbean creative scene. It demonstrates that creativity and quality are not limited by the size of an industry, and that with collaboration, innovation, and dedication, local filmmakers can reach international audiences.
The development also aligns with CIFF’s ongoing mission to empower local talent. The festival recently launched the new Watapana Competition, designed to give even more space to emerging filmmakers and original storytelling from Curaçao and the region.
A CIFF delegation is attending the Morelia International Film Festival this week for Q&A sessions and meetings to discuss future collaborations between the two festivals.
This milestone further strengthens Curaçao’s role as a growing hub for Caribbean cinema and reaffirms CIFF’s commitment to bringing local voices and stories to the global film stage.
