The Krioyo Film Festival is a unique cultural film festival dedicated to films in Papiamentu, the native language of the ABC Islands: Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire. The festival celebrates Caribbean storytelling, identity, and creativity by providing a platform for filmmakers who create stories rooted in our language, culture, and traditions.

Held annually in Curaçao, the festival brings together filmmakers, actors, producers, students, and film lovers to experience the richness of Krioyo cinema. The program includes film screenings, filmmaker Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that encourage collaboration and growth within the regional film industry.

The Krioyo Film Festival aims to strengthen and promote the audiovisual sector of the ABC Islands while preserving and elevating the Papiamentu language through cinema. By showcasing local and regional talent, the festival contributes to the development of Caribbean film and gives international audiences the opportunity to discover authentic island stories.

Our mission is to support emerging and established filmmakers, inspire new generations of storytellers, and position Papiamentu cinema on the international stage.

Awards & Prizes

The Krioyo Film Festival honors excellence in filmmaking and storytelling in Papiamentu and from the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) and the Diaspora in the Netherland.

The highest distinction of the festival is the Kadushi di Oro (Golden Cactus Award). Inspired by the iconic Kadushi cactus of Curaçao, this award symbolizes resilience, creativity, and the strong cultural roots of Caribbean storytelling.

Films selected for the official competition will compete for the following awards:

Main Award
• Kadushi di Oro – Golden Cactus Award (Best Film of the Festival)

Festival Awards
• Best Krioyo Feature Film
• Best Krioyo Short Film
• Best Documentary Film
• Best Director
• Best Actor
• Best Actress
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Original Music Score
• Audience Choice Award

Winners will receive the official Kadushi di Oro Festival Trophy, recognition from the festival jury, and international exposure through the festival’s promotional platforms and media partners.

Selected filmmakers will also have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions, filmmaker discussions, and networking activities during the festival.

Rules & Terms

By submitting a film to the Krioyo Film Festival, the submitter agrees to the following rules and regulations.

1. Eligibility
• Films must be in Papiamentu or strongly connected to the culture of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao).
• Films in other languages are accepted only if they contain significant cultural relevance to the ABC Islands.

2. Categories
Films may be submitted in the following categories:
• Feature Film
• Short Film
• Documentary
• Student Film
• Animation / Cartoon Film

3. Production Date
Films must have been completed within the last three years prior to the festival edition.

4. Submission Format
• All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway.
• Preview screeners must be available via a secure online link (Vimeo, YouTube, or FilmFreeway upload).

5. Selection Process
• All films are reviewed by the festival programming team.
• Official selections will be notified through FilmFreeway.
• The festival reserves the right to determine the appropriate category for each selected film.

6. Screening Format
Selected films must provide a high-quality digital screening file (such as DCP or high-resolution digital format) for festival exhibition.

7. Subtitles
• Films with non-Papiamentu dialogue must include Papiamentu subtitles.
• Additional subtitles may be requested by the festival if necessary for screening.

8. Rights & Permissions
• The submitter confirms that they hold all necessary rights and permissions for the film.
• The festival is not responsible for copyright infringement.

9. Promotional Use
By submitting, the filmmaker grants the Krioyo Film Festival permission to use film stills, trailers, posters, and excerpts (up to 30 seconds) for promotional purposes on television, social media, websites, and press materials.

10. Final Decision
• Decisions of the festival selection committee and jury are final.
• The festival reserves the right to make necessary adjustments to the program.