Dive into
"Shantaye's World"
A film and novel of romance, drama, and strength. A story that highlights the beauty of Caribbean culture and tells the story of every Caribbean migrant.
If you're in or near New York City, your time is now!
A little about "Shantaye"
Shantaye Anderson is bold, black, beautiful, intelligent, and passionate about love.
Born in rural St. Lucia during post-colonial times, she struggles to process the loss of a mother who passed away hours after bringing her into the world. She finds consolation in her loving paternal grandmother, Mam Lucess, who tries to equip her for the world.
Her father, Edson Anderson, does his best to care for Shantaye after the passing of his wife. However, when he remarries, the young girl is suddenly exposed to the jealous wrath of an unreasonable stepmother.
Her life changes forever when she falls in love with Jean Claude Le Marche. He is the handsome son of the community's white doctor, a charismatic young man who promises to love her until death.
All hell breaks loose when Shantaye's family and the community folk realize the pair are in love. To save Shantaye from making what he believes to be a grave mistake, Edson sends her to war ravaged England, still reeling after World War II.
"Shantaye's" reviews
Discover what people think about "Shantaye's World"
"Shantaye's World is a St Lucian, Caribbean film that documents so much of our historical culture that it was much more than entertainment. It was education - creatively woven into the narratives of its characters. Learning that both its creator and leading lady were educators like myself and hearing about some of the 'bottom of the iceberg' moments in the film's production gave fuel to the slow-burning fire inside me. I left with all of Shantaye's courage and conviction - self-belief and commitment to pursuing my heart's desires.
The time for documenting and celebrating ourselves is always NOW."
Curmiah Lisette | Poet, Educator, Performer
"I thoroughly enjoyed "Shantaye's World." It felt incredible to have an insight into what life was like during what may seem like such a long time ago. It felt nostalgic, emotional and so heartwarming! Seeing St. Lucian films on an international scale is very rare so I'm very appreciative to have this slice of home, made so accessible.
Sometimes it's easy to forget what our ancestors experienced when making the difficult decision to leave their countries and lives behind to move abroad. This film explored this brilliantly touching on the Windrush generation, institutional and system racism, migration and our expectations vs. reality, family, love and friendship. This is a masterpiece that is definitely still relevant today."
Lyaina Vitalis Abimbola | Editorial production editor
"People came from all walks of life, to see the Saint Lucian produced film, with some even making a 140 mile round trip just to see it. The film was screened to a predominantly female audience. However, because the cinema was full to capacity some people had to be turned away.
Such was its popularity!
Overall, the film was very good and the acting of the young Shantaye deserves a special mention too. I highly recommend this feature film, and the book, Shantaye's World."
Scherin Barlow | CaribDirect Multi-Media Limited
"Go see "Shantaye's World. " Not only will you be caught by an interesting story, but you will be drawn into the imaginative recreation of a Caribbean Island in the 1950s-60s. This was the period of the Windrush generation when thousands of West Indians migrated to England. Shantaye's World is ultimately a celebration of the triumph of the human spirit. It is on the surface a celebration of the survival of love and romance but on a deeper level it is celebration of the values that shaped the Saint Lucian that came of age in postcolonial, pre-independence Saint Lucia."
Dr. Travis Weekes | Department of Creative and Festival Arts, University of the West Indies
A short story about us
Iyanola Pictures was founded by Mathurine Emmanuel over two decades ago after the dramatic success of our first award winning film, "Ribbons of Blue."
4+
25
Over Years of experience
Feature Films
She's now joined in her pursuit of her dream by her son, Keddy Emmanuel, who shares her love of stories and bringing fresh perspective to the silver screen.
Also - please help Jane
Jane is family, not only Iyanola Family, but family if this company never existed. She's fighting cancer right now and we're on her team. Please, band with us to help her get the care she needs. See her gofundme link here: https://gofund.me/d312b162
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Awards and
Achievements
Our work has been recognized by the University of Greenwich in the UK!
Mathurine Emmanuel, our founder, received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts degree!
Other significant awards are as follows:
“Best Documentary Feature” - New York International Film and Video Festival
[2005 - “Ribbons of Blue”]
“Best Director” - New York Independent Film Festival
[2005 - “Ribbons of Blue”]
“Best Picture” - M&C Fine Arts Festival
[2006 - “Ribbons of Blue”]
“Best Feature” - International New York Film Festival
[2022 - “Shantaye’s World”]
"Best Film Directed by a Woman of Color" - African Diaspora International Film Festival
[2023 - "Shantaye's World]