Kambule – the film

Where to watch?

TTT – Monday February 15, 5 a.m. 

Digicel Facebook and Play Go

Port of Spain: The first ever showing of a new docudrama about the 1881 Canboulay riots took place at 5am on J’ouvert morning, Monday on Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT).  Kambule, the film premiered as part of a morning of activities dedicated to keeping the spirit of Carnival alive. This new retelling of the classic story of the 1881 Canboulay Riots is directed by award winning filmmaker Maya Cozier.

“It’s been an exciting and challenging process taking this play in such a different direction. It has been a joy to work so closely with Maya to realise her vision of how to translate the play to the screen,” explained playwright Eintou Springer who wrote the play Kambule. Scenes from the play were shot in iconic locations across East Port of Spain, as well as at the recently restored Mille Fleurs. The story is weaved together by interviews with Eintou Pearl Springer, Rawle Gibbons and Rondel Benjamin of Bois Academy. “Like other elements of Carnival, we were financially affected by the official decision to not host Carnival related events. However it gave us an opportunity to rethink our product and thanks to the kind support of both private and public sector entities, we are able to mark this watershed moment in the history of the struggle for Carnival to be accessible for all parts of our society,” said Dara E. Healy, Founder of Idakeda and also movement and dance choreographer for the film.

Kambule 2021 is made possible with support from Digicel, National Lotteries Control Board, National Gas Company of T&T, Unit Trust Corporation, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago, University of Trinidad and Tobago, TTT, NH International, Film TT and Gregory Aboud.

“We are also extremely grateful for the support of our community who came forward to offer us other kinds of resources. Our thanks to Chee Mooke Bakery, Belmont Secondary School, The Cloth, Fire Services, the Port of Spain Division and Mounted Branch of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Little Caesar’s, Coca Cola, Hott Shoppe, Martin Daly SC, Emancipation Support Committee and the community of upper Oxford Street and East Port of Spain.” Healy said. Kambule will once again be in focus on Carnival Tuesday, February 16th, as Idakeda leads Las Lap activities, live on TTT from 11pm to midnight.

For more updates and to support Idakeda’s production of the Kambule film, like Kambule Movement on Facebook and YouTube, follow Kambule 1881 on Instagram or call 868-461-8637. Donations may also be made at Republic Bank 340 006 330 901 or at https://fundmetnt.com/campaign/kambule-the-spirit-of-resistance-and-creativity-in-the-trinidad-carnival. All contributions are appreciated.

Kambule film trailer

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