Saint Lucian filmmaker Elijah Anatole has achieved remarkable international recognition as his short film ‘Omyra’ secures official selection in three prestigious film festivals across the globe. The thriller, entirely shot in Saint Lucia, will screen at the ÂME International Film Festival in Australia, Chandler International Film Festival in Arizona, and Sundarban International Film Festival in India throughout 2026.
Anatole, who wrote, directed, produced, and operates through his Artlas Studios, created ‘Omyra’ under typically challenging Caribbean filmmaking conditions characterized by limited funding, minimal access to high-end equipment, and absence of structured industry support. Despite these constraints, the film has earned its place alongside international productions with substantially larger budgets.
The festival journey begins January 25, 2026, at the ÂME International Film Festival, which celebrates filmmakers who push creative boundaries and amplify diverse voices. The Chandler International Film Festival will feature ‘Omyra’ in its Best Short Film Block C category on January 31, 2026, at Regal Gilbert in Arizona. February brings the Sundarban International Film Festival in India, which focuses on bridging audiences with arthouse cinema that combines aesthetic excellence with philosophical depth.
Anatole expressed profound gratitude for the international recognition, noting that each selection reinforces the value of meaningful, human-centered cinema. ‘I am grateful for the recognition and for a jury that connected with this story beyond borders,’ he stated, adding that he awaits responses from several additional festival submissions.