WILLEMSTAD – The first films produced under the Studio Caribe program will premiere at the Curaçao International Film Festival, marking a major milestone for the initiative aimed at supporting filmmakers from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
During a special screening, audiences will get their first look at the short films Mane Hòmbu and Adrift Wak Leu. Both productions were developed through Studio Caribe, a program established by the Netherlands Film Fund to help Caribbean filmmakers develop and realize their own projects.
Mane Hòmbu, directed by Angelo Lourens, tells the story of a mechanic struggling with grief following a miscarriage, exploring themes of masculinity and emotional resilience. Adrift Wak Leu, by director Velvet Zoé Ramos, follows a young girl in a surreal daydream, using an experimental and non-linear storytelling approach.
The premiere represents a significant step for Studio Caribe, which was launched in 2024. The program received nearly 60 applications in its first round, with 12 projects selected for coaching and training. Ultimately, six short films were completed.
The festival screening marks the first time the results of the program will be presented to the public. According to the Netherlands Film Fund, this is an important step in its mission to support filmmakers from the Caribbean and bring their stories to a wider audience.
Following the screening, the filmmakers will engage in a discussion with the audience, alongside representatives from the Film Fund and the festival.
Meanwhile, the second round of Studio Caribe has officially opened. Filmmakers from the Caribbean islands and Suriname have until May 5 to submit their applications.