The St. Barth Film Festival was launched in 1996, allowing the island to open its doors to the cultural richness of the Caribbean by way of its cinema. The success of the first festival encouraged its growth into an annual event, with the second festival in 1997; the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth years of the festival confirmed the role of “Cinèma Caraïbe” as an important showcase for Caribbean cinema. Now an established event on the island’s cultural calendar, the festival has put St. Barth on the map as a meeting place for regional filmmakers to come together to screen and discuss their work.

Cinèma Caraïbe is organized by Ellen Lampert-Grèaux, Joshua Harrison and Rosemond Grèaux with the support of the St. Barth Cultural Center, and Alain Grèaux and the staff of A.J.O.E. Additional support is provided by the Municipality of St. Barthèlemy, the Regional Cultural Affairs Office of the French Ministry of Culture in Guadeloupe, and the St. Barth Municipal Tourist Office, as well as other cultural organizations in St. Barth. Numerous island hotels, restaurants, and businesses have offered their generous support as sponsors since the festival was launched in 1996.