Kevin Garbaran’s ‘Old Toy Train’ spotlights at Suriname’s film festival

In the world of filmmaking, the path to success is often paved with passion, dedication, and an unwavering belief in one’s work. For Kevin Garbaran, a rising filmmaker in Guyana, this journey has led him to unexpected heights, culminating in a series of international screenings that have put Guyanese cinema on the map.

Kevin’s film, Old Toy Train, may be his first, but it has already made an impressive impact on the global stage.

Recently, he and his team were invited to participate in the Suriname Short Film Festival, an event hosted by the Co Pix Foundation, an organisation that promotes filmmaking in both Suriname and the Netherlands.

The festival, founded by Dwight Cooman, not only showcased local talent from Suriname but also provided an international platform, inviting filmmakers from across the Caribbean to present their work.

It was here that Old Toy Train made its third international appearance, following successful screenings at the International South Asian Film Festival in Canada and the 33 and Me Film Makers Festival in Pennsylvania, USA.

“It’s hard to believe,” Kevin admits, reflecting on the film’s unexpected journey. “This is my first film, and even though everyone who worked on it believed in it, I never expected it to go this far. But now, it’s a reality, and it’s opening doors for more stories from our region to be told,” he told the News Room on Sunday.

Old Toy Train is more than just a film for Kevin; it’s a symbol of what can be accomplished when passion and perseverance meet limited resources.

Like many independent filmmakers, Kevin and his team work with modest budgets, often relying on funds they raise or from private backers.

In a country like Guyana, where the film industry is still in its infancy, this can be a daunting challenge. Yet, Kevin remains optimistic, driven by the belief that his team has the talent and skill to make a mark on the global stage.

“We make films because we want to, not because we have to,” Kevin shares. “The industry isn’t fully established here, so we’re not looking for profit right now. We’re doing it for the art, for the stories we believe in. But we know that for our work to be sustainable, we need to start somewhere. This is just the beginning.”

The support that Kevin and his team received at the Suriname Short Film Festival was a testament to the growing interest in Caribbean filmmaking.

The festival, which featured a strong turnout and a wide range of sponsors, offered a glimpse into the potential of an emerging industry.

For Kevin, it was also a powerful reminder of the importance of seeing one’s culture and stories represented on screen.

“In Guyana, we don’t often get the opportunity to see ourselves on screen. But when films like Old Toy Train get screened internationally, it sends a message: our stories matter, and they’re worthy of being told,” Kevin explains. “It’s a way of showcasing Guyanese talent to the world, and it’s amazing to see how much interest is building around our work.”

With each screening, Kevin’s belief in the importance of showcasing local talent only grows stronger. “When these films get shown to a wider audience, people start to take notice of what’s happening in Guyana. They want to know more, and that opens doors for other filmmakers in the region.”

As Old Toy Train continues its journey on the international film circuit, Kevin remains hopeful for the future of Guyanese cinema. He knows there’s still much work to be done, but he’s confident that the path forward is clear.

In the end, Kevin Garbaran’s journey is a story of resilience and belief in the power of storytelling.

He and his team are proving that, with determination and heart, even the smallest of industries can rise to global prominence—and that the world is ready to hear the stories of Guyana.