Carnival on Film: Preserving Culture Beyond The Road
Award-winning Trinidadian filmmaker, cinematographer and educator Shari Petti joins Virmala to explore the deep and evolving relationship between Carnival and film.
Drawing on years of documenting Carnival beyond the road, Shari reflects on what first inspired her to tell Carnival stories through a cinematic lens and what audiences often miss when they only experience the festival at its most visible moments.
The conversation centres on her acclaimed docuseries Mas Prep, which foregrounds the wire benders, designers and artisans whose labour and creativity bring Carnival to life. She also shares insights on controlling Caribbean narratives, teaching the next generation of filmmakers, and deciding what aspects of a constantly changing Carnival are most vital to document for the future.
