In the heart of Brooklyn, where diversity thrives and cultures intersect, a new film is set to illuminate the struggles and triumphs of the Caribbean LGBTQ+ community. Titled "Caribbean Queen," this upcoming short film offers a poignant glimpse into the life of Q, a young Caribbean individual with a dream as bold as the colors of the West Indian Day Carnival Parade.
This is a story that goes beyond the desire to win a carnival competition. "Caribbean Queen" delves into themes of self-expression, acceptance, and the courage to be yourself. The film explores the complex relationship between Caribbean culture and LGBTQ+ identity.
The project is a collaboration between GLAAD Award-winning filmmaker Sekiya Dorsett and the Caribbean Equality Project, a non-profit organization. The film's creation was fueled by a desire to increase visibility for the Black and queer Caribbean experience.
"Caribbean Queen" isn't just about one person's story. The film's production team itself embodies the rich diversity of Caribbean culture, with members hailing from Jamaica, Panama, the Bahamas, and Guyana.
The film's screening at Brooklyn Pride is a significant moment. For too long, LGBTQIA+ Caribbean individuals have felt excluded from fully celebrating their identities at the West Indian Day Carnival Parade. "Caribbean Queen" is a powerful statement of inclusion and a tribute to the resilience of the Caribbean LGBTQ+ community in New York City.
The film's genesis traces back to a lunch conversation between Dorsett and cinematographer Tiffany Amour Tejada, where the seeds of storytelling were planted. Inspired by the desire to amplify the Black and queer Caribbean experience, "Caribbean Queen" was born out of a shared vision to celebrate diversity and foster understanding.
Karl Sully of So Karl and Erry, known for elevating untold narratives, joins the endeavor as the host of the film's sneak peek at Brooklyn Pride Inc. Festival. As a Brazilian native of Haitian descent, Sully brings a personal resonance to the project, aiming to increase visibility and provoke dialogue around the black "queer-ribbean" experience.
The film will also feature music by the late singer-songwriter Josiah “Jonty” Robinson, a rising star who tragically lost his life to violence in Grenada. Including Jonty's music is a way to honor his memory and the fight for justice and equality.
"Caribbean Queen" transcends the boundaries of cinema, evolving into a rallying cry for inclusivity and celebration of intersectional identities. Mohamed Q. Amin, Executive Producer and Executive Director of the Caribbean Equality Project, emphasizes the film's significance in amplifying the nuances of Caribbean LGBTQ+ experiences, both in the diaspora and homeland.
Catch a sneak peek of "Caribbean Queen" at the Brooklyn Pride Inc. Festival on June 7th, 2024 at 7:30pm.
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