
By Admin. Updated 6:54 p.m., Thursday, March 13, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The Hairouna Film Festival (HFF), renowned for its commitment to showcasing impactful and inspiring Caribbean storytelling, is set to host Animation Night on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
This event would take place at Calliaqua Playing Field from 6:30 PM. This enchanting evening serves as a prelude to the festival’s official opening on March 21 and promises a captivating cinematic experience for audiences of all ages.
Animation Night, a family-friendly event, will showcase two exceptional full-length animated films:
ICARUS – Directed by Carlo Vogele (France) From former Pixar animator Carlo Vogele, Icarus is a visually stunning retelling of the myth of Daedalus and Icarus. The film follows young Icarus, son of the legendary inventor Daedalus, who befriends a mysterious boy with a bull’s head hidden within the royal palace. As their bond grows, the King of Crete devises his own plans for this peculiar creature, leading to a heart-wrenching adventure filled with wonder and danger.

OPAL – Directed by Alain Bidard (Martinique) A milestone in Caribbean animation, Opal is the first-ever feature-length animated film from Martinique, directed by award-winning filmmaker Alain Bidard. Set in a magical kingdom where immortal beings thrive, the story follows Princess Opal, the source of all magic. Legends say her joy brings prosperity, but her sorrow could unleash chaos. Opal has already received 135 awards and over 200 nominations, solidifying Bidard’s place as the most celebrated Caribbean animation director to date.
Animation Night underscores HFF’s dedication to making world-class cinema accessible to Vincentian audiences while celebrating the vibrant world of animation. This special event is made possible through a valued partnership with the European Union.
Since 2019, the Hairouna Film Festival has enriched St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ cultural landscape by curating transformative cinematic experiences. The annual festival spotlights the best of Caribbean cinema, creating a unique platform for Vincentian filmmakers while hosting workshops and mentorship programs to nurture local talent. This year’s festival runs from March 21 to April 12 with screenings across the mainland and the Grenadines.

The 2025 Hairouna Film Festival is proudly supported by The European Union, Soho House, Beachcombers Hotel, North Eleven, Sundown Cinema, Guardsman, and Offhannd, with additional contributions from Flow/Fowt/Bungalow, Ada Restaurant, Gonsalves Liquors, the Hub Collective, Dougans Bar, Lahbelle Studios, and Bequia Plantation Hotel.
For more details, visit hairounaff.org and follow Hairouna Film Festival on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.


