September 2014


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In the beginning, there was a lecturer’s office and one secretarial space; and there were two lecturers managing the film programme. In 2007, there was a change of location, and the lecturers: Dr Jean Antoine-Dunne and Dr Bruce Paddington, found their enterprise relocated to one of the oldest buildings on the St. Augustine campus: the ARCON Building at the School of Education. Here, with a makeshift studio and editing suite, they plodded on, building the programme until May 2013, when they found a new home on Carmody Road.

Just over a year later, on July 18, 2014, supporters gathered for the official launch of the Faculty of Humanities and Education Film Programme Building in a ceremony that was chaired by a student of some renown who had been a member of the first cohort attending the programme, Michael Cherrie. Another well-known actor, Errol Sitahal delivered the feature address. It was a poignant event for at least two of those present: Dr Brue Paddington, a founder, and the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Professor Funso Aiyejina. Both men are officially retiring after years of service within the university.

As Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, Professor Clement Sankat acknowledged that service, he reminded the audience that although it was not easy, he felt gratified that he had been able to fulfil a promise he’d made when he became Principal to find a home for the programme.

He thanked staff for their dedication, and included members from the Film Industry “for continuing to partner with us, and in particular the Trinidad and Tobago Film Company who continue to fund prizes annually for our students, in addition to providing bursaries for students in need.”

Professor Sankat said film was not the only area that could contribute to our society. “I think also of the cultural industry and its supporting sectors including the creative industries. I think about language, festival arts, history and heritage, and in the globalized world, so many more new ones – communication in all its facets – print, radio, TV and in journalism there are big opportunities which can undoubtedly bring significant economic and socio-cultural benefits to the people of our country and region,” he said.

And, warming to the subject, he made another promise.

“As I did early in my career as Principal in 2008 to work towards the building of this facility for film, I do make a promise tonight to work towards a new Centre for Journalism/Communication using current new digital media – and to do so before I end my term as Principal.”