Day two of Art and the City film screenings drew a modest crowd.
Three short films were screened on day two of the two-day schedule: The Bench and Voice of Reason, both by filmmaker Demedrius Charles, and Kyvon Edwin’s Lettre La. Carnival: They Can’t Steal Our Joy, a feature-length film featuring Fiona Compton, was also part of the lineup.
However, Trinidadian filmmaker Kevin Adams’ Queen of Soca was not shown, as previously indicated.
Film has not previously been a core component of Art and the City, nor a major draw within the wider Jazz and Arts Festival. This year’s inclusion, however, was a welcome addition.
That said, the film component is still finding its footing within the festival, with room to grow into the level of attention it warrants. Screening times for both days were confirmed shortly before the first day (Sunday, April 26), which may have impacted turnout.
On the second day, it was announced at the theatre that the short film segment would be screened twice before the feature-length film. For those unaware of the schedule, this proved challenging. I missed Compton’s screening altogether.
Of the three short films, there was a commendable variety, with each story offering a distinct flavour and thematic focus.
The Bench explores the experiences of schoolchildren navigating adolescence in a digital world, highlighting the consequences of digital misuse and the role relationships play in helping young people cope.
The film was ambitious, particularly in its effort to give young talent an opportunity to appear on the big screen. Claudia Edwards also appears and delivers a standout performance.
There were some technical shortcomings, including inconsistencies in audio. However, the film does not appear to aim for a high-budget, polished look, and as such, these issues do not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience.
Lettre La, by Saint Lucian-born actor and filmmaker Kyvon Edwin, who is based in the United States, was a standout. Edwin also stars in the film. In a previous interview with St. Lucia Times, he noted that the cast includes talent from across the Caribbean, including St Kitts.
Inspired by the late Juke Bois’ radio show of the same name, Lettre La offers a snapshot of the emotional turmoil that arises when a romantic relationship teeters on the brink of collapse. Edwin, alongside the rest of the cast, delivers compelling performances, supported by seamless production. The film is an engaging watch.
Charles’ Voice of Reason also takes a bold approach, confronting complex themes such as health, family, culture, and alternative spiritual and medicinal practices.
Like The Bench, the storytelling carries the film. With better technical execution, it could become an even stronger production.
Overall, despite some logistical challenges surrounding the film screenings at Art and the City, the inclusion of film remains a promising development. With additional resources and planning, the festival’s film component has the potential to become a stronger fixture and further support the growth of the industry.
