About the Conch Shell International Film Festival

Presented by Conch Shell Productions, Inc., a New York City-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Conch Shell International Film Festival (CSIFF) is dedicated to elevating the voices of Caribbean and Caribbean diaspora filmmakers and expanding their presence within the American film industry.

Since its founding in 2021, CSIFF has brought together filmmakers, industry professionals, community leaders, and film lovers to create meaningful spaces for dialogue, education, collaboration, and celebration. Through film screenings, industry conversations, and networking opportunities, the festival champions stories that inspire social change, preserve cultural heritage, and foster greater cross-cultural understanding.

CSIFF 2026 | October 9–11, 2026

This year's festival begins on Friday, October 9, with a full day of engaging industry panels, professional development sessions, and networking opportunities at HB Playwrights Theatre (124 Bank Street) in Manhattan. On October 10–11, audiences will gather at Regal UA Midway Cinema (108-22 Queens Blvd.) in Forest Hills, Queens, for two days of screenings showcasing the official selections of CSIFF26, followed by filmmaker Q&As that invite audiences to engage directly with the artists behind the work.

This year, the festival experienced a 40% increase in film submissions, reflecting both the rapid growth of CSIFF and the extraordinary talent emerging throughout the Caribbean and its diaspora. Official Selection films represent filmmakers from the United States and more than 11 countries, offering audiences a rich tapestry of stories, cultures, languages, and perspectives.

Building Community Through Partnership

CSIFF is proud to collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to expanding opportunity, increasing representation, and strengthening the independent film community. Our 2026 community partners include:

Stuart Cinema & Cafe – Official host of our Pre-Festival Filmmaker Gathering, providing a welcoming space where filmmakers, audiences, and community members connect.
Minorities in Film – Championing greater representation and opportunity for underrepresented filmmakers and creative professionals.
Alliance of Women Directors – Supporting women directors through advocacy, professional development, and community building.
The Animation Project – Inspiring young artists through animation education while creating pathways into careers in the creative industries.
ReelWorks – Empowering the next generation of filmmakers through media education, mentorship, and workforce development.

Together, these partnerships help expand the festival's educational programming, strengthen community engagement, and create new opportunities for filmmakers at every stage of their careers.

Why Your Sponsorship Matters

Your sponsorship helps transform the festival into more than a weekend of screenings—it creates a platform where emerging and established Caribbean filmmakers can connect with industry professionals, build lasting collaborations, and reach new audiences.

Your investment supports:

Award-winning film screenings and filmmaker Q&As
Educational industry panels and professional development opportunities
Networking events that connect artists, audiences, and industry leaders
Affordable and accessible programming for diverse communities
Greater visibility for Caribbean and Caribbean diaspora storytelling
Opportunities for young and emerging filmmakers through our community partnerships

As a sponsor, your brand will stand alongside a growing network of respected arts organizations and community partners committed to advancing diversity, creativity, and cultural exchange through film.

Together, we are building more than a film festival—we are building a vibrant ecosystem where Caribbean stories, artists, and audiences can thrive. Join us as a sponsor and help amplify the voices shaping the future of Caribbean cinema.

Conch Shell International Film Fest 2026 Corporate Sponsorships