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The 29th edition of the Saint-Barth Film Festival promises to be both enlightening and inspiring for today’s generations, who are increasingly distanced from the ancestral traditions of the Caribbean. From April 29 to May 2, the public is invited to discover the selected films and reconnect with the cultural roots of the Caribbean region.
To Our Gongonnes by Albane Harmange
“The short films we’re screening this year are neither too intellectual nor too complex. On the contrary, they were chosen because they appeal to a broad audience. They explore corners of the Caribbean we may not know, take us to unexpected places, and above all are imbued with love, tenderness, music, and intelligence. ” A presentation by Ellen Lampert-Gréaux, co-founder of the festival in 1996 alongside Rosemond Gréaux and Joshua Harrison. On the program are seventeen films highlighting ancestral Caribbean customs that have long remained in the shadows. The Ciné Saint Barth association, in charge of organizing the festival, has decided to dedicate the first day of the event to Saint Barth and its traditional practices. This section, titled “Tradition St Bat,” will present eight films, ranging from 9 to 15 minutes in length. Among other things, they will explore the art of straw weaving, galettes, Christmas pudding, and traditional fishing. Directing the films are three women: Albane Harmange, Emilie Berry, and Alyzée Joy Montana Eloi, along with her collaborator, Johan Androit. Committed to showcasing the talents of its region, the Territorial Collectivity has enlisted the festival to bring these works to the big screen. “As part of a separate initiative from the festival, called ‘St Barth Stories,’ the Collectivité launched a multi-vendor contract for the production of videos lasting about ten minutes,” explains Bettina Cointre, chair of the Culture Committee of the Collectivité of Saint-Barthélemy. “Themes related to Saint-Barthélemy’s heritage and the short format were mandated for the filmmakers. With the selection complete and the festival approaching, we decided to submit our documentary series to the festival. We hope these works will offer a fresh perspective on our heritage and, perhaps, inspire new vocations in the field of craftsmanship.”
Lanmè an nou (fishing) by Alyzée Montana Eloi and Johan Androit, aka KWT
Program
All screenings are free
Les maisons St Barth by Emilie Berry / Drôle de trame
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
• 8:00 PM, Ajoe Lorient: Tradition St Bat' / A series of short films on the island’s heritage
- Dialogue with Saint-Barth by Emilie Berry / Drôle de trame
Straw Weaving (11 min), The Christmas Truck (11 min), The Christmas Pudding (9 min), All Saints' Day (11 min), The Houses of St. Barth (10 min),
- Lanmè an nou (fishing)
(12 min) by Alyzée Montana Eloi and Johan Androit alias KWT
- Galettes: the taste of sharing (15 min) by Albane Harmange
- To our gongonnes (15 min) by Albane Harmange
Thursday, April 30, 2026
10 a.m., Théâtre du Paradis (Gustavia)
- No Bois Man No Fraid by Christopher Laird
In the presence of the director (2013, documentary/action, 1h18m)
• 8:00 PM, AJOE Lorient
- Un Tango Más by German Kral
In the presence of the director (2015, documentary, Germany/Argentina, 1h25
Friday, May 1, 2026
10:00 AM, Théâtre du Paradis (Gustavia)
- La Sirène et le Chevalier by Steve James
In the presence of the director and singer Charlotta Huldt (2019–2026, documentary, Guadeloupe, United States, France, Sweden, Cuba, 52 min)
• 8:00 PM, AJOE Lorient
- Soundtrack to a Coup D’État by Johan Grimonprez
In the presence of the director (2024, documentary, Belgium/France/Netherlands, 2h30m)
Saturday, May 2, 2026
• 10 a.m., Théâtre du Paradis (Gustavia)
- Retrospective of Christopher Laird’s short films
Partir (22 min), La mort du cygne (10 min), Concert dans la forêt tropicale (25 min), The Power Of Video (6 min) The Banyan Collection
• 8:00 PM, AJOE Lorient, closing night
- Cuban Food Stories by Asori Soto
In the presence of executive producer Joey Carey (2018, documentary, US/Cuba, 1h22m)
Sunday, May 3, 2026
• 6:00 PM, Anglican Church (Gustavia)
- Classical vocal concert featuring soprano Charlotta Huldt
Free admission; donations accepted
