WILLEMSTAD – Submissions to the Caribbean Focus segment of the Curaçao International Film Festival (CIFF) have nearly doubled compared to the previous edition, marking a significant and encouraging development for the local and regional film sector. The call for entries for CIFF 2026 closed in mid-December, as preparations for the festival’s twelfth edition continue.
According to the festival organization, the growth is largely driven by a sharp increase in submissions from filmmakers living and working in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and Suriname, as well as from members of the Caribbean diaspora. CIFF says the rise demonstrates that more filmmakers are finding their way to the festival as a platform to showcase their work both locally and internationally.
A key factor behind the increased interest is the introduction of the Watapana Award. Following the success of the Caribbean Focus segment during CIFF 2025, the festival decided to establish a new competition specifically aimed at local and regional filmmakers, including those from the diaspora. With this award, CIFF seeks to further strengthen its role in supporting and developing both established and emerging talent from the Caribbean.
All films submitted within the Caribbean Focus segment are eligible for nomination for the Watapana Award Competition. From the total number of entries, five filmmakers will be selected to compete for the prize. In addition to financial support, the award offers international exposure. The winner will receive a cash prize of XCG 5,000 and screenings at the Morelia Film Festival in Mexico and the Film by the Sea Festival in the Netherlands. A special mention will receive a cash prize of XCG 1,500.
CIFF says the strong increase in submissions aligns closely with the festival’s long-term vision. Caribbean Focus was created to provide a stage for stories from the region and to encourage filmmakers to make their voices heard within an international film environment. The organization notes that the growing number of entries confirms that this approach is resonating and that Caribbean film culture continues to gain momentum.
The twelfth edition of the Curaçao International Film Festival will take place from April 14 to April 19, 2026. The official selection for the Caribbean Focus segment and the Watapana Award Competition will be announced in the lead-up to the festival.