FOLKLORE tales, soucouyant songs and colourful Carnival characters were among the highlights at the Red Carpet of the sixth annual Film and Folklore Festival (FFF).

Attendees driving into the event on February 29 at Green Meadows, Santa Cruz, would have had their vehicles directed by friendly pierrot grenades in white and some would take photos with them later in the night. And after exiting the vehicle they would have been accosted by a baby doll reminding them about a fateful Carnival experience and their fiscal responsibilities to their estranged infant child.

[caption id="attachment_1067823" align="alignnone" width="1024"] UNCLE ERROL: Veteran comedian and media personality Errol Fabien tells a story to patrons at the Film and Folklore Festival Red Carpet event on February 29 at Green Meadows, Santa Cruz. - courtesy the Film and Folklore Festival[/caption]

The event featured the premiere of the film Terra & Naiara written and directed by festival founder Leslie Ann Wills-Caton. The short film, which was shown after some technical difficulties, followed two star-crossed lovers from the warring ancient Earth and Water kingdoms. It featured solid acting by leads Jarlon George and Chelsea Pooran, and some impressive costuming and practical effects. It was shot at the Mud House Museum in Avocat and the Cunapo Growing Stone in Biche.

Wills-Caton told the audience the film, which followed the theme "folklore in love," was shot in two days and several cast members had to double up on roles. She also acknowledged Rodney Seemungal, founder of Star Global Production Studios Ltd.

"He supports what we're doing. He supports filmmakers who are making content."

[caption id="attachment_1067824" align="alignnone" width="954"] FIVE FINGER SALUTE: Musician RemBunction performs at the Film and Folklore Festival Red Carpet event on February 29 at Green Meadows, Santa Cruz. - courtesy the Film and Folklore Festival[/caption]

Seemungal said he believes in the industry and this year and in 2025 there will be a lot of content released including two major feature-length films. He invited people from the industry interested in working with Star Global to send in their resumes.

Festival manager Donelle Wills, who also did hair and makeup on Terra & Naiara, said the Red Carpet was at the mid-point of this year's edition of the festival.

[caption id="attachment_1067825" align="alignnone" width="881"] LIFT YOURSELF: Dancers perform at the Film and Folklore Festival Red Carpet event on February 29 at Green Meadows, Santa Cruz. - courtesy of the Film and Folklore Festival[/caption]

"It is with immense pleasure and excitement that I stand before you tonight as we continue to celebrate the enchanting journey of Film and Folklore Festival 6: Folklore in Love."

She noted the festival began on February 26 with captivating virtual panel discussions on agenting, intellectual property law and film, and film directing, and the two "Streetlight Stories" community screenings at Pleasantville Community Centre and Techier Com