The Problem

Across the Caribbean diaspora, bold new playwrights are shaping stories that challenge, heal, and reimagine the world around us. Yet these stories often struggle to reach the stage.

Many Caribbean heritage writers lack access to the resources that fuel artistic growth—rehearsal space, dramaturgical support, equitable pay, and production opportunities. Without this, powerful plays risk going unheard.

This is the moment when Conch Shell Productions steps in and says:
“These stories matter. These artists matter.”

Our Solution

Conch Shell International Film Fest (CSIFF)

A platform uplifting bold, original films by Caribbean heritage indie and student filmmakers through screenings, panels, and community events that expand global conversations about identity, culture, and the diaspora experience.

We’re thrilled to announce that the Conch Shell International Film Fest (CSIFF) 2026 will take place in November 2026, in partnership with York College’s Performing & Fine Arts Department.

CSIFF continues to be a space where Caribbean and Caribbean-diaspora filmmakers are celebrated, supported, and brought into community.

🌟 New in 2026: Youth Filmmaker Showcase

For the first time in our history, CSIFF 2026 will feature a Youth Filmmaker Showcase featuring a curated collection of films by young filmmakers ages 12-18.

“Messy Coming-of-Age” Anthology Project

At the heart of our upcoming season is The Messy Coming-of-Age Project, a multi-year new play production initiative. The plays explore identity, inheritance, belonging, and becoming—across generations and geographies from a Caribbean heritage perspective.

Participating Playwrights & Works:

Gretchen Suarez-Peña
Peaches and the Black King
Petron Dee Brown
Stand Right There and Perish or (May I Never Lose You)
Magaly Colimon-Christopher
Access Granted

In 2026, we will begin with development and productions in New York City, in partnership with York College and other New York City theatres.

In 2027, the vision expands outward—our goal is to partner with theatres across the U.S., and potentially the Caribbean and beyond, in service of increasing awareness of the unique and complex voices of playwrights of Caribbean heritage.

Year-Round Creative Development Programs + CSP NEW WORKS FEST

Your donation also supports the ongoing artist-centered programming that nurtures Caribbean heritage storytellers long after the festival closes:

Online Artist Chat Series – A virtual space where playwrights, filmmakers, and cultural creators share insights, explore craft, and connect with audiences across the diaspora.
CSP Artist Collective Writers Incubator – Our monthly writers lab that offers dramaturgical guidance, mentorship, accountability, and community for emerging and mid-career Caribbean-heritage playwrights developing new work throughout the year.

Operational Costs (Essential Infrastructure)

Your contribution helps maintain the foundation that keeps CSP strong, sustainable, and artist-centered. These crucial operational needs ensure our artists receive the professional support they deserve and that our programs run year-round:

Administrative costs (staff support, bookkeeping, scheduling, internal communications)
Office supplies and administrative tools
Website hosting, updates, and maintenance
Insurance and organizational compliance
Accounting, documentation, and reporting
Communications, marketing, and digital platform subscriptions
Equipment upkeep and rentals

These behind-the-scenes essentials allow CSP to operate with integrity, stability, and creativity—so Caribbean heritage artists can continue to shine.

Be the hero

Your generosity makes you the hero in this story.

When you donate to the CSP New Works Fest 2025 Annual Fundraiser, you champion artists who have stories the world needs right now—stories of resilience, migration, joy, liberation, and belonging.

You empower them to create, develop, and shine.
You put Caribbean-heritage voices on stages where they have too often been absent.
You help build an artistic home where their talent can flourish.

How Your Donation Makes an Impact

$25 – Provides scripts for one reading.
$50 – Helps pay an actor or stage manager for their festival rehearsal.
$100 – Funds a playwright’s dramaturgical consultation.
$250 – Underwrites rehearsal space for a developing play.
$500 – Supports stipends for directors and dramaturgs.
$1,000 – Fuels 2026 programming: Conch Shell International Film Fest, new-play production pipelines, and the “Messy Coming-of-Age” project.
$2,500+ – Becomes a CSP Sponsor, sustaining year-round artist development and Caribbean storytelling initiatives.

Every contribution strengthens the creative ecosystem we are building together.

Now is the time

Join us in empowering the next generation of Caribbean heritage storytellers.

Donate today—and share our campaign with your community—to help us continue developing bold new voices and presenting meaningful, joy-filled, socially conscious art in 2026 and beyond.

Donate now. Be part of the story. Help Caribbean voices thrive.

Conch Shell Productions 2026

Help Us Champion Caribbean Heritage Storytellers

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