The Other Side of Carnival is to be a 60-minute documentary on the socioeconomic effects of Carnival in Trinidad. The documentary will give the audience insight into Trinidadian culture, and highlight the underlying historical conflict and socioeconomic impact not usually associated with modern day Carnival.

Other Side of Carnival

The Other Side of Carnival is to be a 60-minute documentary on the socioeconomic effects of Carnival in Trinidad. During a nine-day trip to the island in July 2008 the team managed to shoot 28 interviews with professors, police officers, Carnival entertainers and the general public.

Why Carnival? Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival has been imitated worldwide, for example in New York, Miami, London, and Antigua. While Carnival affects those cities for a couple of days only, Trinidad's society and economy lives and breathes this event all year round. Personal attitudes change during Carnival: certain crimes are higher and the social welfare of the country deteriorates. Currently, inflation is at an all-time high with Carnival 2009 approaching.

The aim to focus on how the country has continued to cater for Carnival and what is being done to address the issues associated with the event. The film will also explain the origins of Carnival and compare the old time traditions to the current trends. The documentary will give the audience insight into Trinidadian culture, and highlight the underlying historical conflict and socioeconomic impact not usually associated with modern day Carnival.

All members of the crew are under 25 years of age and we look forward to educating the public on this topic. To find out more about, or are interested in funding or sponsoring the project please email Other Side of Carnival