NYC x Grenada Film collaboration expands creative opportunities for emerging Caribbean talent

The New York-based Forrester Creative Renaissance Fund, in collaboration with Faceless Studios and MProjekts Creative Group, is currently developing two upcoming NYC x Grenada short films, “Cutting Dead Ends” and “Sunday,” while creating hands-on educational and industry opportunities for emerging Caribbean creatives.

Led by filmmaker and nonprofit founder Mickalia Forrester Ewen, alongside Shania Forrester, Karl Bigby of Faceless Studios, and Meschida Philip representing MProjekts Creative Group, the initiative combines filmmaking, arts education, and community collaboration to help strengthen creative infrastructure within Grenada and across the Caribbean Diaspora. 

Forrester Ewen, a former Miss Grenada USA, told Caribbean Life on Sunday, May 18, that the productions recently partnered with the Department of Arts, Humanities, and General Studies at the T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) in Grenada in hosting a live casting call, alongside a professional lighting and production workshop.

Forrester Ewen said the April 27 session brought together about 25 students and local creatives for an “immersive filmmaking experience” that included auditions, lighting instruction, camera work and on-set collaboration. 

“Rather than simply observing, participants actively worked within a professional production environment while learning how technical and creative departments collaborate during active productions,” Forrester Ewen said. 

She said the production workshop was hosted by Karl Bigby, who guided participants through professional lighting, production, and on-set filmmaking techniques used within active film environments. 

Forrester Ewen said students participating in the initiative also earned community service hours toward their degree requirements and will continue to do so by shadowing cast and crew members during production activities taking place in Grenada throughout June 2026. 

“Cutting Dead Ends,” written by Forrester Ewen, is currently crowdfunding through Seed&Spark. 

Forrester Ewen said the short film is a “comedic yet powerful exploration of women’s safety, dignity, accountability, and the role community plays in shaping healthier and more equitable relationships.” 

She said the film follows a young man who challenges an older generation’s understanding of love and responsibility, prompting a room full of men to confront the line between tradition and accountability.

“Through humor and honest conversation, the story encourages dialogue around respect, protection, and cultural attitudes surrounding women within Caribbean communities,” Forrester Ewn said. 

She said the initiative also includes “Sunday,” written by Karl Bigby, “a heartfelt story exploring how changing generations and modern technology impact family traditions, communication, and connection within a Caribbean household.”

Rooted in authentic Caribbean experiences, Forrester Ewen said the film examines the tension between preserving cultural traditions and adapting to an increasingly digital world, “highlighting the emotional dynamics that exist between older and younger generations navigating change together. 

“Together, both films reflect a commitment to authentic Caribbean storytelling while creating opportunities for Grenadian actors, students, and creatives to participate directly in the filmmaking process,” she said.

Forrester Ewen said the team is currently raising US$15,000 to support production expenses for “Cutting Dead Ends.”

She said supporters can contribute through the project’s Seed&Spark crowdfunding campaign, where pledges will not officially be charged unless the campaign successfully reaches its goal by June 6, 2026. 

Forrester Ewen said donations can also be made directly through the Forrester Creative Renaissance Fund’s non-profit donation platform available on the organization’s website.

You can learn more and donate at seedandspark.com.

Through workshops, internships, mentorship opportunities, production shadowing, and international creative collaboration, Forrester Ewen said the team hopes to continue building sustainable pathways for Caribbean creatives interested in film, television, and media production.

She said both films will feature Grenadian actors and creatives working alongside a mixed local and international crew, “helping ground the stories and production process in authentic Caribbean collaboration.” 

Forrester Ewen said additional programming is planned through July 2026 and will include pre-production workshops, principal photography, on-set training opportunities, and internship experiences for students interested in entertainment careers.

Those interested in supporting, partnering, or building with the initiative can contact [email protected]