Kalina: the flagship show revealing Dominica’s hidden treasures

Kalina

An exceptional showcase for Dominica

Season 2 of Kalina : The Treasure of Ancestors captivated viewers in 2024, providing an exceptional showcase for the Dominique. This adventure show, created by the talented Joslyn Vautor, broke audience records on France Télévision Outre-mer channels and the national site.

Innovative concept wins over the public

Kalina  skilfully blends the codes of popular adventure games such as Koh-Lanta or Pékin Express, while adding a unique touch. The program features four teams of four people, from Martinique, Guadeloupe, Mayotte and France, in a thrilling quest for the Kalinagos’ treasure.

Challenges in the heart of breathtaking nature

Candidates compete in a variety of events:

  • Sports challenges
  • General culture tests
  • Logic puzzles

These challenges take place in Dominica’s breathtaking landscapes, revealing the island’s natural and cultural wealth. The diversity of the events not only showcases the participants’ physical abilities, but also their knowledge of Caribbean culture.

Kalina
Kalina
Kalina
Kalina

Dominica: a natural setting ideal for adventure

Known as the “nature island” of the Caribbean, Dominica offers an exceptional setting for filming. Situated between Martinique and Guadeloupe, it is distinguished by :

  • Lush tropical forests
  • Preserved natural sites
  • Its unique biodiversity

The wild beauty of the island not only acts as a backdrop, but also plays a central role in the experience of participants and viewers alike.

A resounding success on all fronts

Season 2 of Kalina was a remarkable success:

  • 164,567 video views on the France Télévision website
  • Top 3 most-watched content on France.tv
  • Over 80,000 views per Instagram post

The program’s popularity reflects the public’s growing interest in programs that showcase the cultural and natural wealth of the French overseas territories.

Ambitious distribution

The program was broadcast from September to December 2024, with :

  • 40 daily episodes
  • 8 weekly bonuses
  • A breathless finale that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

Kalina's key success factors

A dynamic presentation

Charismatic host Shanel Hill brings her infectious energy to the show. A fitness champion and popular artist, she has racked up over 8 million views on his YouTube channel. His enthusiasm and passion for Caribbean culture are felt throughout the show, contributing to its success.

Quality production

The show benefits from the expertise of :

  • Joslyn Vautor (producer-designer-director)
  • Julien Fevre (co-director, Pékin Express alumnus)
  • Dream Master WI (production company)

This talented team has created a program that not only entertains, but also educates audiences about Kalinagos culture and history.

A tempting challenge

Teams compete to win the hidden treasure of the Kalinas, worth 20 000 €. This amount is not only a prize, but also a symbol of the cultural and historical wealth represented by this treasure.

The positive impact on Dominica

Kalina offers unprecedented visibility to Dominica, highlighting :

  • Tourist attractions
  • Its cultural richness
  • An exceptional natural heritage

This media exposure could have a significant impact on tourism on the island, attracting new visitors.

Behind the scenes of the production

The filming of Kalina represented a major logistical challenge:

  • Transporting equipment on the island
  • Management of technical teams and candidates
  • Location scouting

The production works closely with local authorities to minimize the environmental impact of filming, ensuring that the island’s beauty is preserved for future generations.

Kalina
The production team. Source: AdrienBouchet

Future prospects for Kalina

The success of season 2 suggests a bright future for the show. Speculation is rife as to where the next season will take us. Producers may consider exploring other Caribbean islands, offering a showcase for other territories in the region, such as St. Lucia or St. Vincent.

Kalina's cultural impact

Beyond entertainment, Kalina plays an important role in promoting Caribbean culture:

  • Learning about the history of the Kalinagos
  • Showcasing local traditions
  • Educating the public about the region’s unique biodiversity

By integrating these elements into the program, Kalina becomes an educational tool that also entertains viewers.

Kalina: The ancestors’ treasure has established itself as a flagship program, combining entertainment and discovery. Its success testifies to the public’s growing interest in programs that showcase the natural and cultural wealth of overseas territories. Thanks to this media exposure, Dominica could well become a popular destination for lovers of adventure and unspoilt nature.

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