By S.Browne. Updated 2:44 p.m., Thursday, May 7, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The Hairouna Film Festival has announced that St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) will make its first-ever entry into the Cannes Film Festival in France, a major global film festival and industry event for international cinema.
The 2026 edition of the festival is scheduled to take place from May 12 to May 23, 2026.
Founder and director of the Hairouna Film Festival, Aiko Roudette, will participate in the Pavilion AfroNova’s Caribbean Day programme at the festival, a platform for African and Caribbean film professionals to connect with international industry partners and showcase their work.
Roudette will speak on Panel 1 titled “Festivals as Gateways to Global Opportunity,” which explores how film festivals create pathways for filmmakers to connect with international audiences and industry opportunities.
Speaking on the upcoming participation, Roudette said: “Representing St. Vincent and the Grenadines at Cannes is a historic moment for Vincentian cinema and for the future of our creative industries. It is proof that SVG belongs in the global film conversation. Film is more than entertainment — it is a powerful tool for cultural preservation, youth engagement, international visibility, and economic opportunity. This moment reflects what is possible when we invest in our creativity and believe in the value of our own stories. I’m proud to be the first Vincentian film professional to bring my work to Cannes, and to continue advocating for film as a transformative force within our society and for the international visibility of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”
According to the Hairouna Film Festival, the participation reflects its role in positioning St. Vincent and the Grenadines within global film spaces and supporting the development of local film industry capacity.
About The Hairouna Film Festival
Founded in 2019, the Hairouna Film Festival is a cultural initiative based in St. Vincent and the Grenadines that supports the development of local film culture and industry infrastructure. It provides training, mentorship, and development opportunities for emerging filmmakers, with a focus on storytelling rooted in Vincentian identity, history, and lived experience.
About Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival is held annually in Cannes, France, and is regarded as one of the most influential events in the global film industry. It brings together filmmakers, producers, distributors, critics, and industry professionals for film premieres, screenings, and industry networking.
Established in the 1940s, the festival has grown into a key platform for international cinema, where films are premiered and distribution and production opportunities are developed. It is also known for attracting major figures in the global film industry, including internationally recognised directors and actors.
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