The vibrant sounds, stories, and scenes of the Caribbean are once again lighting up the screens in Miami as the Third Horizon Film Festival (THFF) celebrates its eighth edition. Running from May 29 to June 1, 2025, at the Koubek Center in Little Havana, and online from June 2 to 8, this year’s festival promises a rich blend of cinematic innovation, cultural reflection, and community engagement.
As the only festival of its kind dedicated exclusively to Caribbean filmmakers and their diasporas, THFF continues to cement its reputation as a cultural touchstone in South Florida and beyond. Its return this year has been met with enthusiasm from cinephiles, artists, and cultural institutions alike.
Opening Night Sets the Tone
The 2025 edition of THFF began with a grand opening night at the Pérez Art Museum Miami. This event featured a keynote from Festival Director Jonathan Ali, who underscored the festival’s ethos: “Third Horizon is more than a film festival; it’s a space for Caribbean and diasporic communities to come together, reflect, and celebrate our stories.”
Ali, a respected voice in global cinema, has guided THFF through a transformative journey from a niche gathering to a globally recognized platform. His leadership has been instrumental in amplifying voices that often go unheard in mainstream media.
A Platform for Diverse Voices
This year’s film lineup features a compelling mix of feature films, shorts, and documentaries that explore themes of identity, displacement, cultural memory, and resistance. Among the highlights is L’OUBLI TUE DEUX FOIS (Twice Into Oblivion), a haunting meditation on post-colonial amnesia by Guadeloupean filmmaker Yannis Sainte-Rose.
Also garnering attention is the shorts block titled Just a Dream, Like All Others, featuring works that push the boundaries of narrative and form. These films delve into surrealism and poetic realism, offering unique lenses through which Caribbean identity is examined.
The programming emphasizes gender and LGBTQ+ representation, with several female and queer filmmakers included. Notable among them is Swimming in Your Skin Again by Terence Nance, whose experimental film explores spirituality and family in a post-Irma Caribbean.
Engaging the Community
Beyond screenings, THFF offers a robust slate of panels and workshops aimed at fostering dialogue and professional growth. Topics this year include “The Role of Theater in Caribbean Film,” a discussion on the historical interconnection between stage and screen in Caribbean storytelling. Another popular session, “Performing the Archive,” focuses on how filmmakers use archival material to reclaim narratives and construct cultural memory.
These educational components are integral to the festival’s mission of empowering emerging artists. “We’re not just showing films,” said THFF co-founder Romola Lucas. “We’re creating a space for learning, connecting, and building a future for Caribbean cinema.”
International Collaborations
This year’s festival has received notable support from international cultural institutions. Villa Albertine, a French-American cultural organization, has partnered with THFF to spotlight French Caribbean cinema. Their collaboration brings acclaimed films from Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guiana, reflecting the linguistic and cultural diversity within the Caribbean.
The partnership also includes filmmaker residencies and curated dialogues between French and English-speaking Caribbean creatives, fostering transnational collaboration.
Virtual Expansion for Global Access
Acknowledging the global interest in Caribbean cinema, THFF has expanded its virtual programming. From June 2 to 8, audiences worldwide can access selected films and events via the festival’s digital platform hosted on Eventive. This move not only broadens accessibility but also addresses inclusivity for audiences and artists who cannot attend in person.
“Digital access democratizes our festival,” said Program Coordinator Andrea Gómez. “Caribbean stories deserve global reach, and we’re excited to bring this cinema to every corner of the world.”
Cultural Impact in Miami
Locally, the festival has become an essential fixture in Miami’s arts calendar. Held in Little Havana—a neighborhood steeped in immigrant culture and history—the Koubek Center offers an intimate and historically rich venue that aligns perfectly with THFF’s mission.
According to the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the festival also plays a role in the city’s cultural economy, boosting local businesses and tourism while enhancing Miami’s profile as a hub for diasporic arts.
Local media such as Miami New Times and WLRN Public Media have highlighted THFF’s contribution to Miami’s multicultural identity. Their coverage emphasizes how the festival unites communities and fosters intercultural understanding through storytelling.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 edition unfolds, there’s already anticipation for the festival’s future. Plans are in the works to expand THFF’s presence throughout the Caribbean, with satellite events proposed in Trinidad, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.
There’s also growing interest from academic institutions, including partnerships with Florida International University and the University of the West Indies, to use the festival as a resource for Caribbean studies.
Conclusion
In a world increasingly defined by migration, displacement, and digital interconnectedness, the Third Horizon Film Festival stands as a beacon for cultural preservation and artistic innovation. With its unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling, community empowerment, and global reach, THFF continues to shape the narrative of what Caribbean cinema can be.
As Director Jonathan Ali poignantly stated, “Cinema is our memory, our imagination, and our resistance. At Third Horizon, we honor all three.”