WILLEMSTAD – The third edition of the Krioyo Film Festival will feature 23 registered films from Curaçao, Aruba, Bonaire and the Netherlands, as organizers prepare to bring Caribbean filmmaking back to the big screen later this month.
The Krioyo Film Foundation recently presented the latest details of the 2026 festival during a press conference, outlining the film program, awards, workshops and other activities planned around the event.
Janella Refos explained that the festival aims to give local stories a screen, the local language a voice and filmmakers a platform to showcase their talent. She emphasized the importance of preserving Curaçao’s culture through film while encouraging the continued development of the island’s film industry.
Orlando Martina presented the updated selection of 23 films, consisting of both short and feature-length productions. Screenings for the general public will begin Monday, October 26, at Caribbean Cinemas at Sambil.
The films announced for this year's festival are Horsepower, Kaya Ta Nos Arena, Makamba Pretu, E Brua Brua 2, Nos Eskudo, Seeing Ourselves, The Car, TUTU, Bassa Marea, Wichi, Porshon, Weg’i Ladron, Entre Nos, Bosnan Silensia, Sikkelcel, Ki te Plan?, Man Enough, On the Eve, Pas ku Ne, Off Center, Kurashi, Res./Her, E KAS, E KAS and Un Bunita Dia.
In addition to the main selection, three films will be presented in the Nostalgia category. This year, the festival's screening blocks will be named after hills in Curaçao, Aruba and Bonaire.
Janice Welhous presented the Kadushi di Oro 2026 award and emphasized the importance of recognizing the talent, dedication and work of people both in front of and behind the camera. Organizers say the recognition is intended not only to honor their contributions but also to encourage filmmakers and other creatives to continue developing their skills and producing new work.
Krioyo Film Foundation President Giovanni Atalita thanked the partners and sponsors supporting this year's festival. He said their financial assistance, services, facilities and promotional support are essential to increasing the visibility of locally and regionally produced films.
The participating partners and sponsors include FLOW, Cpost, TeleCuraçao, Radio Hoyer, Vigilante/Kontentu, Caribbean Cinemas, Sambil, Royal Rentals, CAP, Crown Automotive and Hyundai, Aiuto, the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, Cursoft, the Netherlands Film Fund, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, and Bon Bini Supermarket.
Atalita also thanked the Committee for the Commemoration of the History of Slavery for presenting a special film block. He expressed the foundation's desire to strengthen partnerships throughout the year to create more opportunities for filmmakers.
The festival program will also include courses and workshops in videography and acting on a film set.
Ahead of the official opening, the Dutch Caribbean Orchestra will give a free concert on Sunday, October 25, at 5:30 p.m. The program will include music associated with cinema, and the concert will be open to the public free of charge.
The Krioyo Film Festival 2026 officially opens to the general public on Monday, October 26. Updates on the program and activities will be available through the festival's Facebook, Instagram and TikTok channels.