PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — The Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival (TTFF) has successfully launched its UK screening series, Crossroads: Where Caribbean Cinema Meets the UK, with the sold-out UK premiere of Queen of Soca presented in partnership with BEAM in Hertford recently.

The screening formed part of TTFF’s wider 20th anniversary celebrations, marking two decades of championing Caribbean cinema, filmmakers and regional storytelling since the festival’s founding in 2005.

Mariel Brown, TTFF director, said the event reflected the wider ambition of the festival’s anniversary year.

“As TTFF marks 20 years, we are proud to celebrate not only the films and filmmakers that have shaped Caribbean cinema, but also the connections, audiences and cultural spaces that will sustain it into the future. The UK premiere of Queen of Soca was everything I hoped Crossroads could be, full of heart, Caribbean diaspora spirit and a strong sense of community and connection through film,” Brown said.

The opening night welcomed members of the Caribbean diaspora, film enthusiasts, cultural stakeholders and media representatives for an evening that highlighted the vibrancy and global impact of Caribbean culture. Guests enjoyed Caribbean food, drinks and a lively Soca soundtrack ahead of the screening, creating an immersive cultural experience that reflected the spirit of the festival.

Queen of Soca, a dynamic portrait of Caribbean musical legacy and identity, received an enthusiastic response from audiences, according to Brown, who said this underscored the growing appetite for authentic Caribbean stories on international screens. Following the screening, audiences participated in a virtual Q&A with director Kevin Adams, who shared insights into the film’s development and themes.

Steve Sargeant, venue director at BEAM Hertford, said the collaboration reflects the venue’s commitment to cultural inclusion and global storytelling.

“BEAM is more than a venue; it’s a vibrant home for artists, ideas and community, where everyone can belong. We therefore couldn’t be prouder to host the Trinidad+Tobago Film Festival, an extraordinary series of screenings that celebrate bold storytelling, global voices and the joy of shared cultural experience,” he said.

Patrice Robinson, cinema programmer at BEAM Hertford, said the launch event created meaningful opportunities for cultural connection and dialogue.

“The UK premiere of TTFF Crossroads was a unifying experience, bringing together audiences from Hertford and beyond to enjoy the vibrancy of Queen of Soca. The standout post-film Q&A with Kevin Adams provided invaluable behind-the-scenes insight, while the launch itself sparked rich conversations celebrating Caribbean culture. Audiences can expect even more cinematic gems from across the region throughout the season,” Robinson said.

Crossroads continues across four venues in the South East of England through June 18. Brown informed that this year’s programming also includes 10 for 20, TTFF’s monthly anniversary screening series taking place at the Little Carib Theatre in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The curated series revisits 10 landmark films from the festival’s archive, reconnecting audiences with works that helped shape Caribbean screen culture over the last two decades.

Brown said that through initiatives such as Crossroads and 10 for 20, the Trinidad+  Tobago Film Festival continues working to     strengthen the visibility of Caribbean cinema globally while creating new opportunities for local and regional filmmakers and     audiences and for cultural exchange.

The 20th edition of the festival will take place this September in Trinidad and Tobago.