‘Mas’ and culture take center stage at upcoming film series premiere

The vibrant fusion of Caribbean Carnival culture and cinematic artistry takes center stage as Scene Productions Ltd launches its groundbreaking Mas + Movies film series with a special preview event in Dominica. The inaugural screening, set for January 3, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, will be hosted at the Prevo Cinemall as part of the Waitukubuli Artist Association’s ongoing “Paradise of Colours & Expressions” Exhibition.

This cultural initiative marks its Caribbean debut with the world premiere of “Just Iere” (2026), a television series pilot directed by Trinidadian filmmaker Shari Petti. The series follows Thandi, an ambitious radio host and DJ navigating themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery within Port of Spain’s dynamic musical landscape. The screening event will additionally showcase the 12-minute short film “Fantastic Friday” (2023) and select episodes from “Mas Prep,” a documentary series exploring Trinidad and Tobago’s traditional mas-making artistry, including Dragon, Stick Fighter, and Jab Molassie traditions.

Mas + Movies represents a significant cultural platform for Caribbean storytelling, combining film screenings with interactive dialogue. The event will conclude with an audience Q&A session, fostering direct engagement between creators and the community. A subsequent screening is already scheduled for February 1 at Movietowne during Trinidad’s Carnival season, with additional regional presentations planned throughout 2026.

The hosting “Paradise of Colours & Expressions” Exhibition continues through January 9 with daily viewings from 11 AM to 7 PM. Complementary events include a January 6 watercolor workshop with artist Aaron Hamilton and a January 7 panel discussion titled “The Cost Of Expression,” featuring prominent local creatives examining the economics of artistic entrepreneurship in Dominica.

Supported through partnerships with Waitukubuli Artist Association and Prevo Cinemall, with special recognition to Michael Lees and Sandra Vivas, the series demonstrates growing institutional support for Caribbean cultural production. Audiences can follow @kubuliarts on social media for updates or visit @scenepresents for detailed series information.