Caribbean film lovers now have a new home to enjoy regional cinema, thanks to a partnership between HaMaFilms Antigua and Julees Restaurant on Tanner Street.

The collaboration is designed to continue the spirit of the Travelling Caribbean Film Showcase, an initiative of the Cuban Film Institute that HaMa hosted locally for a decade beginning in 2010. With UNESCO funding, the showcase brought hundreds of Caribbean films to audiences across the region. However, the programme came to a halt in 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic and the passing of Cuban filmmaker Rigoberto Lopez, who led the initiative.

Now, HaMa is determined to keep the tradition alive. Mitzi Allen, Managing Director of HaMaFilms, explained the importance of the project:
“We must help to preserve our uniqueness and our identity through film for generations to come. Our stories matter, and showcasing them not only entertains but also inspires future filmmakers.”

To achieve this, the film company has joined forces with Julees Restaurant, a rustic and romantic venue on the corner of Cross and Tanner Streets that has become known for hosting cultural and entertainment events. The setting provides the perfect backdrop for audiences to watch films, celebrate Caribbean storytelling, and engage in lively post-screening discussions.

According to Joseph Martin, proprietor of Julees Restaurant, patrons have embraced the initiative wholeheartedly.

“Those who attend really like the mood, they like the atmosphere—it’s something different, and it’s free.”

The weekly screenings began in early September with the HaMa classic “The Sweetest Mango”, followed by Caribbean staples such as “The Harder They Come”, “Home Again”, and “Diablesse.” Every Thursday night, a new film is featured, free of charge, inviting Antiguans and Barbudans to experience and celebrate Caribbean cinema.