The Caribbean Film & Fashion Night, presented by the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of the Northeast (CACCNE) in partnership with the Wilmington International Film Festival, brought Hollywood flair and island pride to Delaware. The sold-out red-carpet celebration, held at The Screening Room and The Chancery Market, showcased four acclaimed films — Someone Loves You, Unbelievable, Doubles, and Sugar Dumplin — followed by a dazzling Caribbean fashion show that closed the night in style.
The event opened at 2:00 PM with Someone Loves You, directed by Amanda “Mandii” and co-directed by Victoria Perry, a heartfelt story tackling mental health and family love within a Caribbean household. Reggae legend Nadine Sutherland delivered a powerful performance as a mother battling schizophrenia, while Eonnah Lynae shone as her devoted daughter. The trio — Sutherland, Lynae, and Mandii — later graced the red carpet, embodying Caribbean grace and pride.
At 3:00 PM, Jamaican-born filmmaker Cleon A. James, founder of Top Notch Vision Films, presented his feature Unbelievable, joined by dancehall icon Spragga Benz in his first-ever Delaware appearance. Spragga captivated the audience with reflections on creativity and cultural representation before staying to enjoy the fashion showcase later that evening.
By 5:30 PM, the spotlight turned to Indo-Trinidadian director Ian Harnarine, whose film Doubles offered a lively celebration of Indo-Caribbean culture. Guests were treated to authentic island fare from KP’s Kitchen, including doubles, pholourie, and samosas. A post-screening panel — featuring Ashley Abdul, founder of Brown Gyal Diary; David Mahabir of Trinidad; and Rachael Parris, Vice President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cultural Association of Delaware (TTCAD) — discussed themes of identity and heritage. The conversation was skillfully moderated by Jean Wintz Dabney of the Young Caribbean Professionals Network.
The night continued at 7:30 PM with Sugar Dumplin, a heartwarming film that set the tone for the much-anticipated Caribbean Fashion Show at 8:00 PM. Designers Dell Scott Collection, Dahsar by Rashad, JMar by Jessimar, and Zoulette by Yasmine Jean brought vibrant Caribbean aesthetics to life on the runway, merging bold creativity with cultural elegance.
Distinguished guests included Christopher Chaplin, Honorary Consul of Jamaica, who praised the event’s celebration of Caribbean unity and artistry. Major sponsors Judy Malcolm, founder of the Jamaican Heritage and Reggae Museum, and Stephen Reeves, CEO of Montage Diversity, lent vital support to the initiative.
Culinary sponsors KP’s Kitchen, the West Indian Cricket Team of Delaware, Nyron’s Caribbean Café, and Grapes Jamaican Cuisine added delicious authenticity to the evening, offering guests a true taste of the islands.
“This was a milestone night for Caribbean culture in Delaware,” said Lexi Whilby, President of CACCNE. “Our filmmakers, designers, and community partners are elevating Caribbean excellence on a global stage.”
With its successful debut, the CACCNE and the Wilmington International Film Festival plan to continue spotlighting Caribbean stories, talent, and artistry in future editions — ensuring Delaware remains a vibrant hub for Caribbean creativity.
