In the first edition of the Caribbean Shorts competition, seven short films compete for the Award: screening of the winning film on the 6 filmfestivals (Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago) CIFFR signed a cooperation agreement with in 2016. Object of this cooperation is to exchange knowledge and experience and encourage film talent. Each of the six filmfestivals submitted a short film by their local talented filmmaker.

From the 10 short films entered into the local competition by filmmakers from Curaçao, Aruba, and Suriname, the nominee on behalf of CIFFR was selected: the short film E yobida di ayera (Yesterday’s Rain) from the Aruban filmmaker Armand Simon.

CON SANA ALEGRÍA (Days of Wholesome Joy) • Claudia Muñiz Pérez | Cuba | 2016 | 18 min | Spanish | e.s.
For some time, Zayda has been taking care of her grandmother Juana, who suffers from dementia. On the eve of her birthday, she tries to change things a little and regain her previous life.

CHOCOLATE • Fernando Peña | Dominican Republic | 2015 | 11 min | Spanish | e.s.
Love and fantasy join forces when Yan finds the solution of his problem, but not without consequences.

NIGHTMARE BEFORE WEDDING • Fabienne Orain-Chomaud | Guadeloupe | 2015 | 19 min | French | e.s.
Lili has an appointment to get married at noon but she cannot remember in which church. She crosses Guadeloupe’s Grande-Terre on her grena (local name for a moped) crossing through cane fields and banana plantations. A creole adaptation of Alice in Wonderland.

SWEAT • Josiah Persad | Trinidad & Tobago | 2016 | 16 min | English | e.s.
Since having lost his parents in a car accident, Arshad finds it difficult to cope with his life. Despite the support of his older sister Shriya and best friend Riad, he turns to other means to fill thee void. One bad choice can lead to a next. Is it too late?

TI COQ • Nadia Charlery | Martinique | 2015 | 23 min | French | e.s.
Josué, lovingly raised by his grandmother, has developed a special relationship with his rooster, strongly convinced that he could train it as a dreaded fighting rooster. A succession of unexpected events will invariably frustrate his plans.

VERDE (Green) • Alonso Ruizpalacios | Mexico | 2016 | 22 min | Spanish | e.s.
Ariel, a silent security guard in charge of transporting other people’s millions, has just discovered he’s about to be a first-time father. While deciding what to do about his paternity, he suddenly finds himself faced with the possibility of fleeing with the money.

E YOBIDA DI AYERA (Yesterday’s Rain) • Armand Simon | Aruba | 2017 | 10 min | Papiamento | e.s.
Monica is in love with her friend. And now she has finally gathered enough courage to tell her. Today will be her coming out day.

The nominees are screened in two groups:
Caribbean Shorts I: Sweat • Ti coq • Verde
FRI 7 APR 17:15 • SAT 8 APR 13:15

Caribbean Shorts II: Chocolate • Con sana alegría • Nightmare before Wedding • E yobida di ayera
FRI 7 APR 15:15 • SAT 8 APR 13:15

The full festival program will be announced Thursday 30 March. Ticket sale starts at The Cinemas on Saturday 1 April at 10:00. Tickets can be purchased at the Central Box Office and – NEW this year – at the cash registers of restaurant The Concession on the 1st floor. For box office opening times see the Festival – FAQ page.