Big boost for Caribbean film distribution

CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution (CTWD), a Barbados-based film distribution company, has received a funding grant from the ACPCultures+ Program, financed by the European Union and implemented by the ACP Group of States for ‘The 3D Distribution Project’ (3D) that will enhance CTWD’s digital, domestic and Diaspora distribution.

The partners involved with the 3D initiative include the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company, the National Institute of Culture and History, Belize, the Caribbean Examinations Council, the Film Commission of the Dominican Republic, Banyan Productions, and the German digital platform Onlinefilm.org. 

CTWD describes itself as the main global platform for Caribbean film and television content, and is a full service film distribution company that specializes in the acquisition, marketing and sales of Caribbean-themed programmes.

“This EU funding is hugely exciting.  With it, we will raise the bar and really concentrate on delivering sustainable long-term income-generating streams for producers that will benefit our industry and the Region as a whole," said Frances-Anne Solomon, founder of CTWD, who is also a producer and filmmaker.

She said her organization had already put in place a Project Team.  "We plan to acquire international distribution rights for 100 more films, expand our online platform, build strong broadcasting relationships with local and international television channels, and promote a wide-ranging marketing campaign, so as to make our Caribbean-themed content easily accessible to wide audiences around the world," she added.

Founded in 2010 with a grant from the Barbados Business Enterprise Trust, CTWD’s programming also includes its Annual Film Festival , along with its Content Development and Market Training Program for filmmakers in Toronto, and the Video on Demand Platform.

CTWD’s current catalogue consists of more than 300 films and television programs of all genres, by 40 producers from 20 countries. These include “Kingston Paradise,” Mary Well' award-winning feature,, “A Winter Tale” starring Dennis ‘Sprangalang’ Hall and Leonie Forbes, award-winning Barbadian film “Hit for Six”, the cultural favourite “Calypso Dreams”, as well as episodes of “E-Zone”, “Caribbean Eye”, “Lord Have Mercy” and “Gayelle”.

The new Catalogue will be launched in early 2015.