St. George’s Grenada, June 17, 2020 – The​ 12​ °N61°W Grenadian Film Festival (1261 Film Festival) continues to observe Caribbean Heritage Month, and stands with Black Lives Matter. We believe that not only Black Lives Matter, but the support and preservation of BLACK ART & CREATIVITY MATTERS.

Caribbean Heritage Month promotes the diverse and rich culture of Caribbean people and the significant contributions they’ve made to the World.   

In support of Black & Brown creatives globally, our Executive Director and Filmmaker Meschida Philip will host a FREE virtual screening of her latest film “Searching for Crystal” Wednesday, June 24, all-day access. Then, join us for an exclusive Q&A at 6 PM, with the filmmakers and cast on FACEBOOK LIVE. 

“Searching​ for Crystal​” CRYSTAL explores the cruel and dehumanizing practices of human trafficking. CRYSTAL uncovers how vulnerable the Caribbean nations are by playing on the innocence of our protagonist. Meschida Philip and Eva Minemar produce the film. It was filmed exclusively in Grenada with an entirely local cast, Rose Bhagwan, Earl McLeish, Amilio Degale, Lex Wilks, and Kerrie Shawn Allert. 

As a collective team, we recognize the significant role the 1261 Film Festival plays in supporting and amplifying storytellers’ voices in film and media arts, especially from the Caribbean Diaspora.

We are taking actionable steps towards developing programming as part of our commitment and strengthening our existing partnerships, while seeking new allies with a focus on collaboration, mentorship, and education for Black storytellers from Grenada and the Caribbean diaspora.

To our filmmakers, sponsors, and the entire film community worldwide, we thank you for your patience and understanding due to the postponement of this year’s festival initially scheduled for May 2020. Our team will be announcing the new dates and program shortly.   

Please visit www.1261filmfestival.com to register for access to watch Searching for Crystal and for updates for our 2020 virtual festival, dates announcing soon. 

Submissions for the 2021 festival will begin on August 1, 2020.