(The St. Christopher National Trust) April 10, 2018: The National Trust has launched free weekend film screenings of two documentaries by acclaimed Martiniquan filmmaker Patrick Baucelin, “At the Time of the Sugar Islands” and “The Secrets of Caribbean Fortresses Pt. 2”
“At the Time of the Sugar Islands” (Au Temps des Iles À Sucre) explores the mills on Caribbean plantations, and brings to life a period in the region’s history where the entire economy depended on the sugar trade. The documentary includes the reenactment of historical events surrounding sugar mills on various Caribbean islands including Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Martinique and St. Kitts and Nevis. The film, which runs about 45 minutes, has been nominated in film festivals in New York, Houston and Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, Baucelin’s “The Secrets of Caribbean Fortresses Pt. 2” (Les Secrets des Forteresses de la Caraibe) recently received an honorable mention in California. In addition to winning an award at the New York Film Festival, “Les Secrets…” is also nominated in Milan, and is an official selection at the Pan-African festival in Cannes and the 51st International Festival in Houston.
“The Secrets of Caribbean Fortresses Pt. 2” (50 mins), transports viewers to a time when forts and fortresses represented the only defense against invasions. Today, known or unknown, some lie in ruins, others are restored, all tell the story of the Caribbean’s tumultuous past. The film looks at the marvels of the fortified architecture and their location, and through reenactments invites us to push open the door and witness history. It features, fortifications in a number of islands including Martinique, Guadeloupe, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica and St. Kitts.
M. Baucelin, an author, producer and director, graciously provided the National Trust with copies of his films on a visit to St. Kitts two weeks ago.
The screenings are being held in the Museum’s annex room every Saturday in April, “At the Time of the Sugar Islands” runs at 10:00 a.m. and “The Secrets of Caribbean Fortresses Pt. 2” at 11:00 a.m.
Admission is free but patrons are being encouraged to make donations (of $5 or more) toward the Trust’s Building Restoration Fund, something that M. Baucelin wholeheartedly supports. Following the first screening on April 7th, the filmmaker spoke in social media about his work supporting the Trust’s fundraising efforts.
“My films will contribute to the restoration of the National Museum of St Kitts & Nevis,” raved Baucelin, sharing a copy of the Trust’s promotional poster.
Baucelin’s career producing films and documentaries centered on the Caribbean, spans over 30 years. Last summer, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) presented him with its “Lifetime achievement award” in recognition of his dedication, talent and work documenting the Caribbean culture throughout the years.
