The 12°N, 61°W Grenada Film Festival, also known as the 1261 Film Festival, has elevated Grenada’s cultural visibility and created pathways for sustainable growth in Grenadian cinema since its inception in 2019.
What started as a development platform to support local Grenadians interested in film and content has evolved into a dynamic cultural gateway for showcasing Caribbean and global talent in Grenada. Led by founder Meschida Philip, the festival’s vision goes beyond just film screenings. It seeks to position Grenada as a creative hub that unites local artists with voices from the global majority — communities traditionally underrepresented in mainstream Western media. The festival acts as a homecoming platform for creators from the diaspora, bridging cultural gaps and celebrating shared heritage. This global perspective is vital to its mission, as it strengthens diaspora connections and fosters economic growth within Grenada’s creative sector.
The 1261 Film Festival is committed to nurturing Grenadian filmmakers through skills development, mentorship, and co-production initiatives. These programmes aim to create export opportunities for Grenadian films and position the island as a key player in the Caribbean film industry. This approach fosters a more inclusive narrative by amplifying the voices of the global majority while enhancing Grenada’s creative sector.
The festival has become a beacon for regional and international filmmakers, uniting celebrated professionals with Grenadian talent. This year’s screenings included over 30 films, with standout Grenadian contributions such as Open Season by Nicolas Winkler, Robot & Scarecrow by Kibwe Tavares, and The Great British Documentary by Joan Hillery. These selections reflect the festival’s dedication to uniting creators worldwide and building a multicultural storytelling community.
A highlight of this year’s festival was an interactive session at T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC). Students from various creative clubs engaged with industry professionals, including Kibwe Tavares, co-founder of Factory Fifteen, and Tiffany Yarde, screenwriter and Director of Competition at Roadmap Writers, Giaka and Meschida. After viewing Tavares’ films, a student remarked, “Meeting Kibwe made me realise that my passion for science and robotics can be used to tell stories also.” This session opened students’ eyes to the vast opportunities within film and creative storytelling.
The festival’s impact extends beyond film, driving tourism, cultural exchange, and economic growth in Grenada. This year’s Creative Immersive series, The Business of the Film Industry, brought together industry leaders like Kerri Birch of 13 Degrees North Production, Petra Roach, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, Teddy Frederick of Grenada Film Company and Andre Hayes of Mindzeye Productions.
In a unique cross-regional collaboration, the festival’s closing night celebrated Caribbean culture with legendary musician Bankie Banx, founder of Anguilla’s Moonshine Festival. An electrifying concert by Banx, Grenadian artist Sabrina Francis, and The Treehouse Band set the stage for the screening of Banx’s biographical film, offering a profound look at his legacy. This impactful finale underscored the festival’s dedication to regional unity and positioned Grenada as a vibrant hub for cultural tourism and artistic collaboration.
The 1261 Film Festival reignites Grenada’s love for traditional cinema in a digital age. Through its partnership with Movie Palace Grenada, the island’s only theatre, the festival brings diverse Caribbean films to local audiences, preserving the communal moviegoing experience and spotlighting stories that deserve global attention. More than just an annual event, the festival serves as a launchpad for Grenadian cinema, a bridge to the broader Caribbean, and a celebration of storytelling resilience. Supporting the festival helps amplify Grenadian voices, ensuring their stories reach and resonate with audiences worldwide.
Each year, the festival attracts talent, tourism, and investment, cementing Grenada’s reputation as a cultural and creative powerhouse in the Caribbean. For those who cherish Grenadian culture and the power of film, the 12°N, 61°W Grenada Film Festival offers an opportunity to witness, support, and be part of the future of the global majority storytelling.
To learn more about the 12°N, 61°W Grenada Film Festival, visit www.1261filmfestival.com.
