Georgetown Film Festival expands Caribbean Cinema Showcase ahead of annual festival

The Georgetown Film Festival (GFF) is continuing its efforts to build a vibrant film culture in Guyana through its monthly movie nights with preparations for its annual film festival scheduled for August.

The non-profit organisation, which focuses on showcasing Caribbean and international stories through film, has been providing audiences with regular opportunities to experience regional cinema that is not typically available in local theatres.

One of the festival’s flagship year-round initiatives is its movie nights, held on the last Saturday of every month at the Herdmanston Lodge Hotel. The screenings are designed to create a consistent platform for Caribbean filmmakers while exposing local audiences to diverse storytelling from across the region.

Among the films previously featured are Sugar Island from the Dominican Republic, directed by Johanne Gómez Terrero, and Kidnapping Inc., a Haitian production directed by Bruno Mourral. Organisers say the selections reflect the depth and range of Caribbean cinema, covering themes that span social commentary, cultural identity and experimental storytelling.

This month’s screening will feature La Bachata de Biónico, a Dominican dark comedy mockumentary directed by Yoel Morales. The film follows the story of Biónico, a hopeless romantic battling addiction while attempting to turn his life around in time to marry his fiancée. Organisers describe the production as a blend of humour and emotional storytelling that explores themes of love, vulnerability and recovery.

The screening will take place on Saturday, June 27, at 7:00 p.m. in the Ogle Room of Herdmanston Lodge Hotel. Admission is $2,000 and tickets will be available at the door.

Meanwhile, anticipation is building for the annual Georgetown Film Festival, which returns from August 20 to 23. Festival organisers revealed that submissions have officially closed, with more than 300 short films received from filmmakers around the world.

The programming team is currently reviewing entries and selecting the final lineup, which is expected to feature a strong mix of Caribbean and international productions.

According to the festival, the volume and quality of submissions received this year demonstrate growing interest in Caribbean storytelling and signal the event’s increasing regional and international profile.

Organisers noted that the Georgetown Film Festival remains committed to supporting filmmakers, creating exhibition opportunities and fostering a sustainable film culture in Guyana.

The festival’s work is supported by several partners, including the Inter-American Development Bank and Herdmanston Lodge, whose contributions help make screenings and cultural events accessible to the public.

Festival representatives are encouraging film enthusiasts and members of the public to attend upcoming screenings and support the continued growth of Caribbean cinema in Guyana.

“At the Georgetown Film Festival, we’re creating a space where Caribbean stories come alive on the big screen,” Marketing and Technical director Tujay Macey said, inviting audiences to participate in both the monthly screenings and the annual festival later this year.