Transforming traditional myths into modern visuals and storytelling, the Film and Folklore Festival unveiled its 2026 calendar of events on Wednesday, introducing a new platform for preserving and celebrating heritage.
On opening night, an eager audience gathered at the National Scout Headquarters in St Ann’s for an evening of immersive folklore storytelling.
Founder of the Film and Folklore Festival, Leslie Ann Wills-Caton, explained the origin of the festival.
“The truth is we would’ve worked on a film, a folklore film called The Hike, and we wanted a platform where we can showcase our local storytelling and, of course, the folklore element of it. In 2019, we realised when we were talking about the folklore, there was a bit of a negative connotation when we were approaching different partners and sponsors, and some people were like, ‘That is devil thing,’ and it really dawned on me that some of us understand and appreciate the folklore history, and the other half still have a different type of reaction or disposition towards it.”
Ms. Wills‑Caton said the festival’s diverse programme ensures there is something for everyone.
“We also have the Beat the Bobolee on Good Friday. We have a ‘Beat the Bobolee’ competition, so people can come. But we also have participants who signed up, and they have to come and talk about their Bobolee. And of course, we all get to beat it, so we have prizes there. And then on the Monday, we have Camp Folklore. So Camp Folklore and the storytelling, traditional games, and activities that people can come and enjoy. It’s all free. We have screenings and they can come. The screenings are only ten dollars, “
Consultant of the Trinidad and Tobago Commerce Export Action Programme, Danielle Romany, said it is the company’s aim to take our local stories to an international audience.
“We don’t think too much about how we can package our culture through the Creative Arts other than Carnival, right? So I think that the festival has a really interesting and feasible option, and through this programme we are going to help them strategise even further and structure those systems to ensure that we get those export footprints expanded.”
The series will continue until April 7th.