Top Caribbean films - A must see

The Caribbean in mostly known for its beaches, exotic settings and beautiful people, but beyond that lies an abundance of films featuring the rich history and diverse culture of the Caribbean.

The first Caribbean film to hit the international  scene was "The Right and the Wrong" (Trinidad 1970), followed by the "Harder They Come (Jamaica 1972), which is the most accomplished film from the region.

Let's take a look of an array of top Caribbean films that are doing well worldwide.


Better Mus' Come (Jamaica)

An urban love story unfolds against a backdrop of political turmoil.
Set in 1970's Jamaica the story of "Better Mus Come" follows Ricky, a young man from an inner city community fighting against all the odds to escape the prevailing hardships of life in the ghettos of central downtown Kingston.

Haunted by the recent tragic death of his devoted young wife and psychologically paralyzed by conflicting feelings of guilt and loyalty, he tries desperatley to navigate his way through the political minefield created by the constant social upheaval that seems to be umbiquitous in his community.

After months of incarceration as a suspected political agitator Ricky is released. At his surprise home coming party he meets Kemala.

Calypso Rose: The Lioness of the Jungle (Trinidad &Tobago)

An insight into the life and times of Calypso Rose, the musician from Trinidad & Tobago.

Calypso Rose, the ambassador of Caribbean music, is a living legend, a charismatic character and the uncontested diva of Calypso Music. Traveling with Rose from Paris to New York via Trinidad, Tobago and back to Africa, in each place, we learn a little more about the many faces and facets of her life. It is a film not only about memory, the exchange and discovery of world cultures, but also the journey of a militant and authentic woman, an Afro-Caribbean soul, an exemplary artist, far from the glitz and glitter, at the dawn of her life.

The First Rasta (Jamaica)

The film retraces the life of Leonard Howell, one of the movement’s founders, who died in 1981. Born into a successful Jamaican family, Mr. Howell traveled the world as a sailor, zigzagging to the Panama Canal, Leninist Russia and Renaissance-era Harlem. Drawing inspiration from the black nationalism of Marcus Garvey and the biblical prophesies in Revelation, he returned to Jamaica as an anti-colonial agitator and soon after declared Haile Selassie I, the ascendant emperor of Ethiopia, to be the second coming of Christ.





Havana Eva (Cuba)

In a Havana shaken by Fidel's retirement, a young seamstress, stifled working in a clothing factory, dreams of becoming a fashion designer. She has no support from her Cuban boyfriend, who is adorable but lazy. Her life changes when she meets a dazzling and very capitalistic ex-patriot, who fans her hopes but is on a greedy personal mission. After many twists, deceptions, and surprises, Eva has to choose between these two men she loves. Hers is an unexpected decision. A humorous metaphor of Cuba's future options




Jean Gentil ( Dominican Republic)

A Haitian man who recently lost his job as a French teacher, begins a desperate search for work in Santo Domingo. A graceful figure, he stands out in the crowd: a model Christian. On his journeys we see the changing scenario of the city, its excessive development. Although a job on a building site is a possible option for the unemployed Haitian, Jean does not feel up to it, feeling old and weak. He is looking for something more suited to the intellectual he considers himself to be. And so he spends years looking for employment worthy of himself and his education. Jean starts to give up hope; he feels the natural need to grow, to have a home, a wife. His desires and thoughts become confused. Bad feelings start to grow within him, distorting his perception of everyday life…




Marley (Jamaica/UK)

Bob Marley's universal appeal, impact on music history and role as a social and political prophet is both unique and unparalleled. MARLEY is the definitive life story of the musician, revolutionary, and legend, from his early days to his rise to international superstardom. Made with the support of the Marley family, the film features rare footage, incredible performances and revelatory interviews with the people that knew him best.




Rasta: A Soul's Journey(Canada)

The film tells the story of the journey of Rita and Bob Marley's granddaughter, Donisha Prendergast, to eight (8) countries around the world to explore the roots and evolution of Rastafari. Her journey takes her to places where her grandfather's captivating performances and his message are still fondly remembered. The documentary boasts an uplifting and inspiring reggae soundtrack that features established as well as emerging contemporary, reggae stars such as Humble, Matisyahu and Damian Marley. This exciting mix of travel, music and culture packs a powerful punch that will appeal to audiences around the world.



Unfinished Spaces (Cuba/USA)

“Cuba will count as having the most beautiful academy of arts in the world.” —Fidel Castro (1961)

Cuba's ambitious National Art Schools project, designed by three young artists in the wake of Castro's Revolution, is neglected, nearly forgotten, then ultimately rediscovered as a visionary architectural masterpiece.

In 1961, three young, visionary architects were commissioned by Fidel Castro and Che Guevara to create Cuba's National Art Schools on the grounds of a former golf course in Havana, Cuba. Construction of their radical designs began immediately and the school's first classes soon followed. Dancers, musicians and artists from all over the country reveled in the beauty of the schools, but as the dream of the Revolution quickly became a reality, construction was abruptly halted and the architects and their designs were deemed irrelevant in the prevailing political climate. Forty years later the schools are in use, but remain unfinished and decaying. Castro has invited the exiled architects back to finish their unrealized dream.

Unfinished Spaces features intimate footage of Fidel Castro, showing his devotion to creating a worldwide showcase for art, and it also documents the struggle and passion of three revolutionary artists.