CSIFF Community Screenings at QPL Forest Hills

(Presented by Conch Shell Productions Inc in partnership with Queens Public Library)

Join us on Thursday, September 18th, 2025 at Queens Public Library for a powerful evening of short films at our CSIFF Community Screening.

This is a free public event spotlighting bold, thought-provoking films by Caribbean and Caribbean Diaspora filmmakers previously featured in our Conch Shell International Film Fests.

Date: Wednesday, Sept 18th 2025 - 5pm-7:30pm

Location: Queens Public Library Forest Hills Branch

Admission: Free | All are welcome!

Participate in a dynamic Q&A session with featured filmmakers!

Connect with community members who value authentic, underrepresented stories!

Be part of a growing movement to amplify Caribbean voices in film

(This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant program, a program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature and administered by Flushing Town Hall.)

Sam, a kind but withdrawn architect, feels increasingly alienated from the noise and pace of New York. While navigating the crowded hell of a summer commute, he notices April—a woman who doesn’t flinch at the chaos around her. She’s focused, still, and deaf. Their connection starts with a simple tap on the knee and blooms into an honest, delicate exchange through sign language. As the subway grinds through delays, detours, and sweltering impatience, their conversation unfolds in gestures, glances, and quiet revelations. April, a welder unbothered by noise, and Sam, who has always preferred the clarity of sign over the ambiguity of words, discover a space between them that feels like peace—without pretense or performance. A one-train ride becomes a turning point. A first touch becomes a promise. And a night of delays leads to something they both weren’t looking for—but deeply needed.

CSIFF Award: 2021 - Best Film + Best Screenwriter winner

(Language: American Sign language + English Subtitles)

FUEGO (2022) is a reflective short film that follows Gio, a stagnant bartender caught between past and present, as he shares a story with two regulars at the bar. Watching an old VHS tape of his father dancing salsa, Gio recalls the advice he never quite understood—about life, passion, and keeping one’s "fuego" alive. Through memory, music, and moments of self-awareness, Gio finally begins to understand what fueled his father—and what might finally spark his own fire.

CSIFF Award: 2021 - Best Screenplay

"Victorine"

written & directed by Haitian American filmmaker Lunise Cerin

On the one year anniversary of her mother's passing a Haitian American dancer claims her place in a long line of powerful women.

CSIFF24 Award Nominee

(Language: English, Haitian Creole (w/English subtitles)

"Raices"

written & directed by Puerto Rican filmmaker Misael Martinez

The sinking of a cargo ship serves as a warning for a Caribbean island. In "Raíces," we explore Puerto Rico's pursuit of food sovereignty from an intimate perspective, considering the impact of colonialism and the efforts of grassroots movements to reduce dependence on imported food. Each of these initiatives contributes to a shared goal of food sovereignty and empowerment, from urban gardens revitalizing concrete landscapes to non-profit organizations promoting economic self-sufficiency. Despite the challenges, hope flourishes in the fertile soil of resilience and unity.

CSIFF24 Award Nominee

(Language: Spanish w/ English subtitles)

From executive producer, Spike Lee, this film follows two Brooklyn teenage science prodigies who build make-shift time machines to stop one's brother from being wrongfully killed by a police officer.

CSIFF Award: 2024 - Best Student Film + Best Cinematographer

(Language: English)

Also check out other Entertainment events in Queens, Dance events in Queens, Festivals in Queens.