Trinidad & Tobago — [December 5th 2025]
The highly anticipated animated film YAMINA (The African Warrior Princess) made its Caribbean premiere at the 24th Edition of the Animae Caribe Animation Festival, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from audiences, students, and industry professionals across Trinidad & Tobago. The film’s Executive Director and Co-Producer, Mr. Gabriel Odartei, attended the festival for a week of screenings, discussions, media engagements, and youth outreach.
A Resonant Storytelling Moment for the Caribbean
YAMINA opened the festival to a packed audience, who immediately connected with the film’s themes of ancestry, resilience, and cultural pride. Viewers, many of whom share deep ties to African heritage described the film as meaningful, empowering, and timely. Audience members of all ages, including youth as young as 10 years, engaged Mr. Odartei in a vibrant Q&A session, reflecting the film’s ability to bridge generations through storytelling.
“The connection we felt in that room was powerful,” said Mr. Odartei. “Hearing people share how YAMINA reflects their own identity and history was deeply moving. It reaffirmed why telling African and diaspora stories through animation is so important.”
A Week of Cultural Exchange and Industry Engagement
In addition to the premiere, Mr. Odartei participated in a full slate of festival events, including:
- A Media Day featuring interviews on the significance of African animation
- A panel discussion exploring diaspora storytelling in global markets
- A second screening of YAMINA with the University of Trinidad & Tobago at the IMAX theatre
- A student-focused Q&A session that highlighted the role of animation in cultural preservation and youth empowerment
The festival created an invaluable platform for dialogue about African representation in animation and the growing influence of diasporic creatives.
Special Acknowledgements
Mr. Odartei extended his gratitude to Camille Selvon, Founder and Festival Director of Animae Caribe, for her vision and for inviting him to share Yamina with the Caribbean audience. “Camille has built a world-class space that uplifts diverse voices in animation,” he noted. He also thanked the entire team and the attendees for their incredible support.
Impact Beyond the Screen
YAMINA’s Caribbean premiere marks a major milestone for MAKU Productions and for African diaspora storytelling in the global animation industry. The film continues to inspire young people, spark meaningful dialogue, and build cultural bridges across continents.
“This trip was a reminder that our stories travel and when they do, they transform,” Mr. Odartei shared. “I leave Trinidad encouraged, humbled, and more committed than ever to finishing this film and championing our narratives on the world stage.”
About Animae Caribe 2025
Animae Caribe Animation Festival is one of the leading animation events in the Caribbean, showcasing regional and international talent while fostering innovation, education, and cultural exchange within the creative industries.
About YAMINA
YAMINA (The African Warrior Princess) is an animated film that celebrates African mythology, identity, and heritage through a bold, empowering story designed for global audiences, especially youth across the diaspora.
VISIT THE MOVIE WEBSITE – YAMINAMOVIE.COM
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