SHE PARADISE New Auteurs

SHE PARADISE

World Premiere

Following the film, AFI FEST Senior Programmer Claudia Puig leads a conversation between filmmaker Maya Cozier, writer Melina Brown and actor Onessa Nestor.

A film about sisterhood and dance that celebrates the sheer joy of movement, SHE PARADISE is an engaging coming-of-age tale. Audiences get a potent sense of life in Trinidad and the fresh energy and allure of Soca music, which stands for “soul of calypso” and combines elements of African and Caribbean styles. Seventeen-year-old Sparkle spends her days taking care of her grandfather when she discovers a free-spirited dance troupe. Initially shy and tentative, Sparkle soon lives up to her name, forming strong friendships, surrounding herself with vibrant music and earning more money than she ever has, performing in music video shoots. She also endures a traumatic experience that helps her grow into a strong woman who stands up for herself. Trinidadian director/writer Maya Cozier expanded the story from an earlier short film she made. –Claudia Puig

Maya Cozier was raised by artist parents — Irenée Shaw and Christopher Cozier — in Trinidad and Tobago. She worked as a dancer/choreographer for music videos and television shows before transitioning into directing. Her short films have been shown at festivals internationally. She is currently pursuing an MFA at Columbia University.

Mishka Brown
brownmishka@gmail.com

Details

Country: Trinidad, USA

Year: 2020

Director: Maya Cozier

Screenwriters: Maya Cozier, Melina Brown

Producers: Mishka Brown, Jennifer Konawal Brady, Kara Baker, Jolene Mendes, Marie-Elena Joseph

Executive Producers: Erika Pearsall, Kristina Loggia

Director of Photography: Jackson Warner Lewis

Editor: Gordon Grinberg

Production Designer: Shandelle Loregnard

Music: Zane Rodulfo, Phillip Quinaz

Cast/Featuring: Onessa Nestor, Kimberly Crichton, Chelsey Rampersad, Kern Mollineau, Michael Cherrie, Denisia Latchman

Running Time (minutes): 75

Languages: English, Trinidadian Patois

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