Transsexuals, Black Caribs and Bobo Shanti

The TTFF is currently taking place at MovieTowne in Port-of-Spain with selected films being screened in Tobago, San Fernando and at UWI in St.Augustine.

One film certainly set to be an eye-opener is Queens of Curepe, directed by Michael Mooledhar. This documentary delves into the working lives of a group of prostitutes, who ply their trade on the streets of Curepe along the East-West Corridor. What makes these particular members of the so-called world’s oldest profession unique, however — and a greater than usual object of society’s disapproval — is that they are transsexuals.

The film takes a non-judgmental look at how these sex workers from both Trinidad and other territories in the region, came to be who, what and where they are. Revealing without being prurient, sympathetic without being sentimental, Queens of Curepe is a glimpse into the world of some remarkable individuals who live the lives they lead without shame or apology.

Another film to be screened about a unique Caribbean community is The Garifuna Journey. The Garifuna people of Central America are descendants of the Black Caribs from St Vincent, exiled in the 18th century for fighting the British. Much of the Garifuna’s traditional culture survives, and the story of these fiercely independent people is told in The Garifuna Journey. Shot in Belize by filmmakers who worked intimately with the Garifuna, this film celebrates the language, food, music and dance of a historically marginalised yet proudly resilient people.

Back in Trinidad, there is a community that most people know of, but know precious little about. They are the Bobo Shanti, who go about with their heads wrapped in turbans, and their clothes adorned with pins bearing images of Haile Selassie, Africa and Marcus Garvey. The documentary Binghi seeks to separate fact from fiction about the Bobo Shanti, as members of the sect talk about their beliefs and way of life.

For more information, visit the TTFF website at www.trinidadandtobagofilmfestival.com.