Saint Lucian filmmaker Elijah Anatole’s short film Omyra has been officially selected for three international film festivals: the ÂME International Film Festival in Australia, the Chandler International Film Festival (CIFF) in Arizona, and the Sundarban International Film Festival in India.
Omyra, a thriller set in Saint Lucia, was written, directed and produced by Anatole who also owns and operates Artlas Studios.
The film is set to screen at the upcoming 2026 ÂME international film festival, later this month. The event promises to spotlight both emerging and established filmmakers “who push boundaries, amplify diverse voices, and bring authenticity and originality to their work”.
Reflecting on the growing international recognition of his work, Anatole said, “At Artlas Studios, we are incredibly proud of this achievement. Each selection reinforces the value of meaningful, human-centred cinema and affirms the strength of stories told with purpose and authenticity.”
The film will also screen in the Best Short Film Block C category at the 2026 CIFF. The screening is set for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 7:05 p.m. at Regal Gilbert in Gilbert, Arizona.
“Omyra was created under conditions familiar to many Caribbean filmmakers; limited funding, minimal access to high-end equipment, and the absence of a structured film industry or institutional support,” Anatole said. “Yet it has been programmed to stand alongside international productions made with significantly larger budgets and resources.”
In December, Omyra screened at the Sundarban International Film Festival, where it won the Best Short Film Award. Festival organisers say the event aims to bridge the gap between audiences and arthouse cinema by promoting films that are aesthetically engaging while conveying a philosophical point of view.
“I am grateful for the recognition and for a jury that connected with this story beyond borders,” Anatole said.
He added that he is currently awaiting feedback on several additional festival submissions.
