Kyvon Edwin a St. Lucia-born, New York-based director, has established himself as a rising star on the film scene thanks to his talent and commitment to Caribbean culture. A graduate of the Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute, he has already made his mark with his first film, LETTRE-LA, which was screened at prestigious festivals such as the American Black Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival. Now he’s back with an ambitious new project: BAGAY-LA NOU PÒTÉ (THE THINGS WE WEAR), a short film that promises to shed light on the realities and dreams of young Saint-Lucians.
BAGAY-LA NOU PÒTÉ: A story of dreams and resilience
Kyvon Edwin‘s latest project, BAGAY-LA NOU PÒTÉ, is much more than just a film. This sports drama follows the journey of a young cricket prodigy who aspires to join the West Indies national team. But his ambitions are hampered by the daily challenges he faces in his family and community. Through this story, he aims to capture the essence of life in Saint Lucia, exploring the struggles, hopes and resilience of the island’s youth.
The film is also a first for Saint Lucia: few films have explored cricket, a sport deeply rooted in Caribbean culture, from this narrative angle. By setting the action in authentic St. Lucian locations, he hopes to offer a faithful and inspiring representation of his native island.
Crowdfunding: essential support
To finance this ambitious project, Kyvon Edwin has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter with a target of 16,500 USD. These funds will be used to cover essential costs such as cast and crew salaries, equipment hire, transport costs and catering. Crowdfunding allows him to involve the community directly in the making of the film, while raising awareness of the importance of supporting emerging artists.
Through this initiative, Kyvon Edwin shows how filmmaking can be a collective effort. Contributions are not just about funding; they also represent a vote of confidence in a filmmaker who seeks to tell authentic stories about Caribbean culture.
Kyvon Edwin's creative journey
Since his early days in film, he has always sought to tell stories that resonate with his cultural heritage. With his company Roots Productions, he strives to amplify the voices of the Caribbean diaspora. His first film, LETTRE-LA, was hailed for its artistic sensitivity and poignant narrative.
For BAGAY-LA NOU PÒTÉ, he assembled a talented team including Junior Federick (producer) and Kentilia Louie (casting director). The project represents over a year of hard work, marked by financial challenges, but also by an unshakeable determination to create something impactful.
Kyvon Edwin is undoubtedly a rising star of Caribbean cinema. With BAGAY-LA NOU PÒTÉ, he’s not just offering a cinematic work; he’s also providing a platform to celebrate Saint Lucian culture and inspire future generations. Thanks to crowdfunding and community support, this film promises to be an important milestone for Saint Lucia and for Caribbean cinema as a whole.
