A new short film that celebrates the rich and diverse voices of the Queer Caribbean community will debut at this year's Brooklyn Pride's LGBTQIA+ movie night on Friday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Caribbean Queen, directed by GLAAD award-winning director Sekiya Dorsett, chronicles the journey of Q, a young Caribbean boy who dreams of becoming Queen of the West Indian Day Carnival Parade. Despite facing prejudice from his family and community, Q's unwavering determination, supported by his best friend Joe, propels him toward his dream.
This poignant narrative pays heartfelt tribute to Caribbean culture and the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, according to a press release.
"Q’s journey deeply resonates with me. Growing up in a strict Caribbean household, advocating for oneself and taking risks was never easy. It underscores the importance of claiming our space and standing up for ourselves," said Karl O’Brian Williams, who wrote and stars as Uncle Pete in Caribbean Queen.
Dorsett launched this project after a conversation with cinematographer Tiff Armour-Tejada during their recent feature film.
"We talked about our childhoods and what it meant to be queer and Caribbean. We wanted to infuse our personal experiences into this project, illustrating that we can overcome obstacles" Dorsett said.
The film employs carnival as a powerful metaphor for transformation and freedom, reclaiming its roots as a site of resistance.
"Queer Caribbean stories are often invisible in the media,” said Mohamed Q. Amin, executive producer and executive director of the non-profit Caribbean Equality Project. "It is crucial for our intersectional identities to be seen and honored, especially at events like the West Indian Day Parade, a traditional site of resistance."
The film pays tribute to Josiah “Jonty” Robinson and showcases his original song "The Crowd." His artistry and legacy endure through "Caribbean Queen" and the ongoing promotion of his message of acceptance and inclusion, the press release said.
RSVP here for a free ticket for the showing.
