Saint Lucian filmmaker Elijah Anatole is celebrating a major milestone as his short film Omyra secures official selection at three international film festivals across Australia, the United States and India—an achievement that signals growing global recognition for Caribbean storytelling.
Omyra, a suspense-filled thriller set in Saint Lucia, was written, directed and produced by Anatole, who is also the owner and operator of Artlas Studios. The film marks another step forward for the filmmaker as he continues to place Saint Lucian cinema on the international stage.
The film’s first screening on the global festival circuit will take place at the 2026 ÂME International Film Festival in Australia, which begins on January 25. The festival is known for spotlighting both emerging and established filmmakers from around the world, with a focus on strong storytelling and artistic integrity.
Omyra will then travel to the United States, where it has been selected for the Chandler International Film Festival (CIFF) in Arizona. The film will screen as part of the Best Short Film Block C category on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 7:05 p.m. at Regal Gilbert in Gilbert, Arizona.
In February, the Saint Lucian production will reach audiences in Asia with its selection for the Sundarban International Film Festival in India. Festival organisers describe the event as a platform designed to bridge the gap between audiences and arthouse cinema, promoting films that are visually compelling while offering a strong philosophical perspective.
Reacting to the news on social media, Anatole expressed excitement over the Australian selection, stating: “We in Australia, we are thrilled to announce that Omyra has been officially selected for the ÂME International Film Festival. The ÂME International Film Festival is an international platform dedicated to showcasing independent films from around the world, celebrating strong storytelling, artistic integrity and emerging voices in global cinema.”
The three festival notifications received so far have all resulted in official selections, a notable achievement for the Saint Lucian filmmaker. Anatole has also revealed that he is currently awaiting feedback from several additional international festival submissions.
With its continued recognition across multiple continents, Omyra is building steady momentum, suggesting that the film’s themes and storytelling are resonating well beyond Saint Lucia’s shores and reinforcing the island’s growing presence in global cinema.
