24 films vie for top honors at Conch Shell International Film Fest

New York-based Conch Shell International Film Fest (CSIFF) on Monday, Sept. 7, announced the CSIFF26 Award Nominees, recognizing outstanding work by Caribbean heritage filmmakers and artists participating in the 2026 festival.

Taking place Oct. 9–11, 2026 in New York City, CSIFF said the festival brings together filmmakers, artists, industry professionals and audiences for three days of films, conversations and opportunities to connect. 

CSIFF said film screenings will take place Oct. 10–11 at Regal Midway Cinema in Forest Hills, Queens. 

This year’s nominees span narrative film, documentary, student film, experimental work and animation, as well as directing, screenwriting, cinematography and performance, according to Magaly Colimon-Christopher, founder and festival director of Conch Shell International Film Fest. 

“CSIFF was created because Caribbean and Caribbean Diaspora artists deserve more spaces where the full range of our stories can be seen and celebrated,” she told Caribbean Life. “These nominations recognize artists doing exciting work in front of and behind the camera. 

“We’re looking forward to bringing filmmakers and audiences together in New York to experience their stories on the big screen,” Colimon-Christopher added. 

She said CSIFF26 award nominees are for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screen Play, Best Documentary, Best Student Film, Best Experimental Film, Best Animation, Best Cinematographer and Best Lead Performer. 

Colimon-Christopher extended gratitude to CSIFF26 jurors — Lamar Richardson, Sekiya Dorsett, Nambi Kelly, Lu Childs, Stefon Bristol and Gillian Isabelle — for “contributing their time, professional experience and thoughtful consideration to this year’s awards process.”   

“The 2026 festival theme, ‘Our Culture Lives in Our Stories,’ reflects CSIFF’s commitment to recognizing storytelling as a powerful way to preserve, examine and reimagine the experiences of Caribbean people and communities throughout the Diaspora,” Colimon-Christopher said. 

For more information, email: conchshelliff@gmail.com, or call 917-776-9647.