00:00The Keys Studios Film Fest is an annual celebration of
00:05Tobegonian and Caribbean filmmaking, focusing on storytelling through visual
00:10and performing arts, with screenings, discussions and exhibitions. The festival
00:15spotlights diverse voices and stories from the region.
00:19Keys Studios Film Fest was born out of a simple idea to create a platform where
00:25the stories of Tobago and beyond can be told, seen and felt. As filmmakers we
00:32understand the stories, they're the heartbeat of any culture and our island
00:39holds an untapped reservoir of narratives that the world needs to hear
00:43and see. Through this festival we aim to bring those stories to light, bringing
00:50together tradition, innovation and imagination. For its inaugural year, the
00:56organizers say the festival brings something truly extraordinary, an immersed
01:01look into the creative fusion of film and fashion, with the launch of the
01:06Fashion in Carnival exhibition. The showcase features stunning costume
01:11pieces from the highly anticipated film Glory, Forbidden Love, a celebration of
01:17carnival culture with dramatic flair and vibrant artistry.
01:21Artiste Marge Blackman was also in attendance with the theme song Colors.
01:27What a beautiful day today is, really what a beautiful day today is because I
01:33feel like what we are witnessing here or guarded here to witness is history in
01:37the making. It's not a cliche, it's actually the truth and that is how I
01:42felt when Kealan brought this to me. I think I can speak for everyone here when
01:47I said we all know it was a yes and that we had to be a part of this and as an
01:53artist for myself my journey has always been to be able to write about what is
01:59necessary and what is needed to be said and this there is no greater production
02:05and I call it a revolutionary piece of art. On display one-of-a-kind
02:11costumes inspired by the rich storytelling of the film combining
02:16traditional carnival with modern design. The exhibition aims to provide a
02:22behind-the-scenes glimpse into the craftsmanship that went into producing
02:27the film's visual splendor. Reverend Sonia Whitlock, mother of
02:32designer Kealan Whitlock, was also in attendance. Kealan, my second child, I want
02:41to say today how much I'm proud of you. I sanction what you're doing. Being able
02:49to tell the story of my dad, the legacy of us growing up in a Christian home.
02:56None of us were able to go to carnival because mom and all of us she grew us up
03:02in the fear of the Lord and not that Kealan has not been growing up in that
03:06same fear but what I've done is I've allowed my children to be very liberated
03:12and allowed them to live their lives to honor and please God.
03:16Elizabeth Williams TV6 News
