CSIFF Community Screenings at QPL Forest Hills

Welcome to the **CSIFF Community Screenings at QPL Forest Hills**!

Celebrate Caribbean Cinema at Our Free Community Screening!

(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 wat our CSIFF Community Screening— produced by Conch Shell Productions,Inc a Queens-based nonprofit dedicated to developing new works by Caribbean heritage artists that challenge, inspire, and spark social change.

Why Attend?

Watch compelling short films that reflect the richness and complexity of Caribbean heritage.

About the films

Noisy

written & directed by Cedric Hill

Sam, a kind but withdrawn architect, feels increasingly alienated from the noise and pace of New York.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.

Awards won: Conch Shell International Film Fest 2021 - Best Film + Best Screenwriter winner;

Fuego

written & directed by Edwin Franko

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.

Awards won: Conch Shell International Film Fest 2021 - Best Screenplay

Victorine

written & directed by 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.

Raices

written & directed by 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.

See You Yesterday

written & directed by Stefon Bristol

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.

Awards won: Conch Shell International Film Fest 2024 - Best Student Film + Best Cinematographer

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 is a free public event spotlighting bold, thought-provoking films by Caribbean and Caribbean Diaspora filmmakers.

This event is free and open to the public, made possible by a Queens Community Arts Grant from Flushing Town Hall, with support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

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

Location: Queens Public Library (specific branch info to come)

Admission: Free | All are welcome!

We can't wait to see you there!