The short film ‘Artist Nation’, directed by acclaimed local filmmaker/Director Nigel Thompson of The Nomad Picture Company (NPC), has been officially selected for the 2025 Paris Lift-Off Film Festival and is currently in the lead. The film can be seen in the festival’s “New Voices Shorts” programme, a segment dedicated to showcasing bold and innovative talent from around the globe.
Artist Nation, a powerful and evocative short, is a testament to the vibrant artistic spirit of Trinidad and Tobago. It is a 12-part series of which only one episode was submitted and is being showcased. This particular episode features writer/photographer Kevin Browne. Artist Nation was also featured in the Film and Folklore Festival 2024, Caribbean Film Festival 2025 and CARIFESTA Film Showcase 2025.
The Paris Lift-Off Film Festival is a premier event known for celebrating independent filmmaking and providing a platform for artists to gain international exposure. Being chosen from a highly competitive pool of global submissions is a distinguished honour that recognizes the film’s artistic merit, narrative strength, and directorial vision. It also places a spotlight on Trinidad and Tobago’s creative potential and underscores the world-class quality of its storytellers.
“We are incredibly proud to represent Trinidad and Tobago in Paris,” said Nigel Thompson. “Artist Nation is a story deeply rooted in our culture and our passion for the arts. This selection is a victory for every local artist who strives to share their work with the world. It shows that our stories matter and that our voice is powerful.”
The success of films at the Paris Lift-Off Festival is driven by audience engagement. The public can view the “New Voices Shorts” programme, including Artist Nation, from anywhere in the world through the festival’s online platform. To watch the film and cast a vital vote of support:
- Visit the Paris Lift-Off Film Festival official website.
- Navigate to the “New Voices Shorts” category.
- Purchase an Online Festival Pass for only $12 USD.
- Stream Artist Nation and cast your vote.
The festival scoring consists of two rounds:
Round 1: Public Round
During the festival, the programmes are reviewed by the judges & the attending public. Participants vote for their favourite along with 3 other films (voting forms can be found in the ticket email sent to festival participants).
Round 2: Network Round
The voted ‘audience choice’ projects from each programme go to the Network Round alongside the judges’ selections.
The Network Round is held on the Network Hub – the digital home for festival participants. Network members, official selections, and the festival jury judge the finalists in multiple creative areas.
The films with the highest overall scores win. Winners are awarded in their respective categories and are considered for a Lift-Off Season Award nomination.
Every vote is a crucial show of support, not only for Nigel Thompson and NPC but for the entire creative community of Trinidad and Tobago. It sends a powerful message that the world is watching and appreciating the talent emerging from our twin islands.
Let’s come together as a nation to rally behind this incredible achievement. Your view and your vote can help carry a piece of Trinidad and Tobago to even greater heights.
This media release has been published as received from Teal Creative Ltd. on behalf of the Nomad Picture Company
ABOUT NOMAD PICTURE COMPANY
Nomad Picture Company, founded by Nigel Thompson, is a Trinidad and Tobago-based production house dedicated to crafting compelling visual stories. Known for their world class cinematography and impactful narratives, NPC specializes in narratives that often highlight Caribbean culture and talent. Their work has garnered both local and international acclaim and awards, establishing them as a leading creative force in the region.
The Trinidad and Tobago Performing Arts Network 