In a vibrant cultural revival, HaMafilms Antigua has partnered with Julees Restaurant to breathe new life into the Travelling Caribbean Film Showcase, a beloved initiative that once thrived under the Cuban Film Institute and UNESCO’s support. The showcase, which began in 2010, was abruptly halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the passing of its visionary leader, filmmaker Rigaberto Lopez. Now, HaMafilms is determined to reignite this cultural gem, offering free screenings of Caribbean films every Thursday night at Julees Restaurant, located at the corner of Cross Street and Tanner Street in St. John’s. The screenings kicked off in September with the Caribbean classic ‘The Sweetest Mango,’ HaMafilms’ debut feature film, followed by other iconic titles like ‘The Harder They Come,’ ‘Home Again,’ and ‘Diablesse.’ Mitzi Allen, Managing Director of HaMafilms, emphasizes the importance of preserving Caribbean identity through film, stating, ‘We must help to preserve our uniqueness and our identity through film for generations to come.’ Julees Restaurant, known for its romantic and rustic ambiance, provides the perfect setting for these cultural gatherings. Proprietor Joseph Martin notes the enthusiastic response from attendees, who appreciate the unique atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with peers. Over the past three decades, HaMafilms, led by Director Howard Allen and Producer Mitzi Allen, has produced five feature films, numerous documentaries, and TV series, all aimed at celebrating and preserving Antiguan and Barbudan art and culture.
HaMaFilms Antigua partners with Julees Restaurant to showcase Caribbean Films
