Caribbean Union Film Festival Celebrates a Century of Mission Through Creative Storytelling
Centennial event showcases the power of film to preserve Adventist heritage and launch a new era of media evangelism.
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More than 700 church members, leaders, filmmakers, and guests gathered at the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown, Guyana, on June 13, 2026, as the Caribbean Union Conference hosted its second Film Festival, one of the signature events commemorating the Union's 100th anniversary.
Held under the theme "The Pioneers," the festival featured seven original films submitted by conferences and missions across the Caribbean Union. Through historical reenactments, compelling storytelling, and creative filmmaking, the productions honored the faith, sacrifice, and commitment of the pioneers whose ministry established the Seventh-day Adventist Church throughout the English-speaking Caribbean, Guyana, and Suriname.
Opening the festival, Caribbean Union President Dr. Kern Tobias reminded attendees that the event was much more than a celebration of filmmaking. This is an evangelism celebration, a celebration of the commitment of each young person in spreading the gospel," Dr. Tobias said.
Organized by the Caribbean Union Conference Communication Department, the festival formed part of the Union's centennial closing celebrations while creating opportunities for members to use their creative gifts in advancing the mission of the Church. Leaders said the event demonstrated how visual storytelling can preserve Adventist heritage, strengthen discipleship, and communicate biblical truth in engaging ways.
A Platform for Creative Mission
Throughout the evening, audience members watched stories portraying Adventist pioneers who carried the gospel across islands and communities despite limited resources, difficult travel, and social opposition. The films reminded viewers that the Caribbean Union's first century of ministry was built on the faithfulness and sacrifice of ordinary believers who answered God's call.
Pastor Royston Philbert, communication director of the Caribbean Union Conference, said the festival reflects the Union's commitment to using every available platform to proclaim the everlasting gospel.
"The leadership of the Caribbean Union believes that the preaching of the gospel should take place on every possible platform. That is why we create spaces like this for members to place their God-given gifts and talents in His service," Pastor Philbert said. "It's all about training, collaborating, celebrating creative content, and inspiring a transforming encounter with Jesus—the Creator, Screenwriter, and Director of our lives."
Pastor Philbert said the festival is intended to cultivate a new generation of Christian storytellers who can communicate biblical truths through film and digital media while working collaboratively across the Caribbean.
Celebrating Excellence in Storytelling
Following the screenings, the seven films were evaluated by a panel of judges led by Chief Judge Kivonne Ramsawak, who assessed each production for historical accuracy, storytelling, creativity, cinematography, technical quality, and overall impact.
Ramsawak described the festival as a significant milestone for Christian creatives throughout the Caribbean.
"The initiative of this festival is a dream for those of us dedicated to the audiovisual world and to be able to meet so many creative people," Ramsawak said. "In a world so saturated with images and sounds, the Caribbean Union has opened an authentic and meaningful space where emerging talent can share its vision and passion while telling the greatest story ever told."
The Guyana Conference captured first-place honors with "Bethany," a portrayal of the faith and sacrifice of Adventist pioneers in Guyana's interior. Suriname Mission earned second place with "The Dream That Dared to Do," highlighting the courage to pursue God's calling despite challenges. The South Caribbean Conference placed third with "Walking With Jesus," a film emphasizing faithful discipleship and the transforming power of Christ.
"Receiving this recognition is a tremendous honor for our team," said Samuel Mahon of the Guyana Conference production team. "'Bethany' was our tribute to the pioneers whose faith and sacrifice made it possible for us to enjoy the blessings of the Adventist message today. We hope the film inspires others to value our history and continue sharing the gospel with the same commitment."
Among the participating productions was "Education for All," submitted by the South Leeward Conference. The film tells the story of the late Vera James, whose lifelong commitment to education helped lay the foundation for Adventist education in Antigua.
Beyond the Festival
Rather than ending with the awards ceremony, the Caribbean Union plans to expand the reach of the festival through ongoing evangelistic initiatives.
Pastor Philbert announced that the seven films will be shared in churches and communities through virtual movie nights in the coming months. In addition, the Union has invested in a permanent Film Festival website that will serve as a digital home for Hope Media productions, including the films featured during the festival and future content created across the territory.
Looking ahead, he said the Caribbean Union also plans to collaborate with Hope Media centers throughout the Inter-American Division to establish one or two media centers within the Union. The centers are envisioned as creative hubs where young filmmakers, videographers, writers, editors, and digital content creators can receive training, develop their skills, and produce Christ-centered media.
"Following this second Film Festival, the Caribbean Union will begin discussions with Hope Media centers across the Inter-American Division on establishing one or two media centers within our territory," Philbert said. "Our vision is to create places where young creatives can discover opportunities to develop and dedicate their talents to God's service. It is an idea whose time has come."
Closing the evening, Dr. Tobias congratulated the young filmmakers for using their gifts in support of the Church's mission and pledged the Union's continued support.
"I'm happy for the accomplishments of each one of you in these productions," Dr. Tobias said. "Your creativity and dedication demonstrate that God is raising up a generation committed to sharing the gospel through media. The Caribbean Union will continue supporting your evangelistic efforts."
As the Caribbean Union enters its second century of ministry, leaders believe creative storytelling will continue to play a vital role in preserving the Church's history, strengthening faith, and reaching new generations with the hope of Jesus Christ. More than a film festival, the event marked the beginning of a broader vision to equip, mentor, and empower Adventist creatives to proclaim the everlasting gospel through excellence in media