Award-Winning film Doubles screens at MovieTowne locations

The award-winning feature film Doubles, directed by Ian Harnarine, is being screened at MovieTowne Port of Spain, San Fernando, and Guyana from July 18-31.

This film explores the intricate dynamics of an Indo-Caribbean family, focusing on the emotional journey of Dhani, a young street vendor from Trinidad, as he travels to Toronto to reconnect with his estranged, terminally-ill father, Ragbir.

On July 17, the High Commission of Canada, in collaboration with Filmco and FilmTT held a private movie screening to celebrate the theatrical premiere in TT. Among those in attendance was Harnarine; lead actor Sanjiv Boodhu; Canadian High Commissioner Arif Keshani; Heroes Foundation CEO Lawrence Arjoon; Denise Deonarine, Filmco general manager; FilmTT general manager Leslie Ann Wills-Caton; Creative TT marketing manager Josanne Lord; Miss Universe 1977 Janelle “Penny” Commissiong; and Miss World 1986 Giselle Laronde-West.

Acting deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry Ava Mahabir-Dass delivered the opening remarks.

“The Ministry of Trade and Industry is always delighted to be part of events like these which is an affirmation of the amazing talent and achievements of our stakeholders within the film industry. Today’s premiere is a demonstration of the unwavering support by the Government.

“This is very inspiring for us, not only because it represents an infusion of local content at our cinemas, which is traditionally dominated by foreign films, but also demonstrates closer integration among key stakeholders of the film value chain locally and regionally.

“Through these collaborations, we are transforming our filmic landscape to reaffirm Trinidad and Tobago’s position as a globally attractive film location.”

Doubles delves into themes of migration, family separation, cultural identity, and the sacrifices parents make for their children. It serves as an expansion of Harnarine's acclaimed short film Doubles with Slight Pepper, which was produced by Spike Lee. The film beautifully showcases the vibrant Indo-Caribbean culture through its rich depiction of food, music, and familial bonds, providing a heartfelt perspective on the immigrant experience.

Lead actor Boodhu portrays Dhani, supported by a strong cast including Errol Sitahal, who won Best Supporting Actor at the Feature Film Jury Awards.

Doubles won three awards at the 2024 Canadian Film Fest, including the People’s Choice Award, the Reel Canadian Indie Award, and Best Supporting Actor for Errol Sitahal.

Harnarine, born in Toronto to Trinidadian immigrants, transitioned from a background in physics and astronomy to filmmaking. He holds an MFA from NYU’s Graduate Film School and has received numerous accolades for his work, including an Emmy nomination for his contributions to Sesame Street. His previous short film, Doubles with Slight Pepper, won the Best Short Film Award at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Canadian Academy Award.

“Doubles is a testament to the incredible talent and skill of the actors, the technicians, the fellow artists that collaborated to tell this story. This film is very special to me and to be able to screen it here in TT at MovieTowne means a lot because this is why we make movies. We make movies for audiences to see it,” Harnarine said.

“That’s the dream situation that all filmmakers are hoping for and that’s what’s happening for me and this movie. I’m really grateful for that. People in the US and Canada who have seen the story loved it. They get it and understand it, even though there is a lot of Trinbagonian culture in it, there it’s still a very human story and I think that’s what attracts people.”