The award-winning feature film Doubles, directed by Ian Harnarine, is being screened at MovieTowne Port of Spain, San Fernando, and Guyana from July 18-31.
This film explores the intricate dynamics of an Indo-Caribbean family, focusing on the emotional journey of Dhani, a young street vendor from Trinidad, as he travels to Toronto to reconnect with his estranged, terminally-ill father, Ragbir.
[caption id="attachment_1098490" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Ian Harnarine delivers the opening remarks at the private movie screening for his film Doubles. -[/caption]
On July 17, the High Commission of Canada, in collaboration with Filmco and FilmTT held a private movie screening to celebrate the theatrical premiere in TT. Among those in attendance was Harnarine; lead actor Sanjiv Boodhu; Canadian High Commissioner Arif Keshani; Heroes Foundation CEO Lawrence Arjoon; Denise Deonarine, Filmco general manager; FilmTT general manager Leslie Ann Wills-Caton; Creative TT marketing manager Josanne Lord; Miss Universe 1977 Janelle “Penny” Commissiong; and Miss World 1986 Giselle Laronde-West.
Acting deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry Ava Mahabir-Dass delivered the opening remarks.
[caption id="attachment_1098484" align="alignnone" width="768"] Director Ian Harnarine and lead actor Sanjiv Boodhu from the film Doubles. -[/caption]
“The Ministry of Trade and Industry is always delighted to be part of events like these which is an affirmation of the amazing talent and achievements of our stakeholders within the film industry. Today’s premiere is a demonstration of the unwavering support by the Government.
“This is very inspiring for us, not only because it represents an infusion of local content at our cinemas, which is traditionally dominated by foreign films, but also demonstrates closer integration among key stakeholders of the film value chain locally and regionally.
“Through these collaborations, we are transforming our filmic landscape to reaffirm Trinidad and Tobago’s position as a globally attractive film location.”
[caption id="attachment_1098483" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Ian Harnarine, Sanjiv Boodhu and Acting deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry Ava Mahabir-Dass greet each other and the private screening for the film Doubles. -[/caption]
Doubles delves into themes of migration, family separation, cultural identity, and the sacrifices parents make for their children. It serves as an expansion of Harnarine's acclaimed short film Doubles with Slight Pepper, which was produced by Spike Lee. The film beautifully showcases the vibrant Indo-Caribbean culture through its rich depiction of food, music, and familial bonds, providing a heartfelt perspective on the immigrant experience.
Lead actor Boodhu portrays Dhani, supported by a strong cast including Errol Sitahal, who won Best Supporting Actor at the Feature Film Jury Awards.
Doubles won three awards at the 2024 Canadian Film Fest, including the People’s Choice Award, the Reel Canadian
