The fourth annual CSIFF strengthens its position as one of the leading U.S. festivals dedicated to Caribbean and Caribbean diaspora storytelling, connecting filmmakers, industry leaders, and audiences through film, education, and cultural exchange.
(WorldFrontNews Editorial):- New York City, New York Jul 24, 2026 (Issuewire.com) – Conch Shell Productions is pleased to announce Hyatt Place Long Island City / New York City as the Official Host Hotel of the 2026 Conch Shell International Film Festival (CSIFF), taking place October 9-11, 2026, in Forest Hills, Queens.
Through this partnership, Hyatt Place Long Island City will welcome filmmakers, jurors, sponsors, industry professionals, and festival guests from across the Caribbean, the United States, and around the world. Festival attendees will have access to a dedicated room block at a discounted rate from October 8-12, 2026, providing a comfortable and convenient home base just minutes from festival venues. The agreement includes a courtesy room block, with no financial responsibility to Conch Shell Productions for unused guestrooms.
Now in its fourth year, CSIFF has emerged as one of the premier showcases for Caribbean and Caribbean diaspora cinema in the United States. The festival champions bold, authentic storytelling while serving as a vibrant hub where filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences connect, collaborate, and celebrate the richness and diversity of Caribbean culture. Through film screenings, educational programming, online events, industry panels, networking opportunities, and cultural exchange, CSIFF continues to elevate Caribbean voices, expand opportunities for filmmakers, and strengthen the global film community.
The 2026 festival will feature two days of film screenings at Regal Midway Cinema in Forest Hills, Queens, along with post-screening artist Q&A sessions, industry networking events, and awards recognizing excellence in Caribbean cinema, and one day of educational industry panel discussions at HB Playwrights Theatre in New York City’s West Village. By creating opportunities for artists from across the Caribbean and its global diaspora to share their stories, build professional relationships, and engage with audiences, CSIFF continues to strengthen the film ecosystem while positioning Queens as an international destination for Caribbean arts and culture.
“Our vision has always been to create a festival where Caribbean filmmakers feel seen, supported, and celebrated,” said Magaly Colimon-Christopher, Founding Producing Artistic Director of Conch Shell Productions and Festival Director of CSIFF. “Partnering with Hyatt Place Long Island City allows us to provide an exceptional experience for the artists and industry professionals traveling to Queens while reflecting the spirit of hospitality and community that defines our festival. We are thrilled to welcome Hyatt to the CSIFF family.”
Amanda Sharp-Grubb, Regional Director of Sales for Hyatt Place Long Island City, added:
“We are delighted to partner with the Conch Shell International Film Festival and welcome filmmakers and guests from around the world to Hyatt Place Long Island City. We look forward to providing a comfortable, welcoming experience while supporting a festival that celebrates creativity, culture, and diverse voices.”
Conveniently located in Long Island City, Hyatt Place offers contemporary accommodations, complimentary breakfast, modern amenities, and easy access to both Manhattan and Queens — an ideal home base for festival guests attending CSIFF while exploring New York City.
The Hyatt Place booking link is now available at www.conchshelliff.com. Additional festival announcements– the official 2026 film lineup, and ticket sales–will be released in the coming weeks.
About Conch Shell International Film Festival
Conch Shell International Film Festival (CSIFF) is an annual celebration of Caribbean and Caribbean diaspora storytelling presented by Conch Shell Productions, Inc a Queens, NY-based 501c3 nonprofit organization. Through film, education, and community engagement, CSIFF amplifies underrepresented voices, fosters cross-cultural dialogue, and creates opportunities for emerging and established filmmakers to connect with audiences and industry leaders. The festival is committed to strengthening the global Caribbean film ecosystem while inspiring the next generation of storytellers.
About Hyatt Place Long Island City / New York City
Hyatt Place Long Island City / New York City is a contemporary hotel in the heart of Queens offering spacious guest rooms, complimentary breakfast, modern amenities, and convenient access to Manhattan, Forest Hills, and New York City’s major cultural destinations. Designed for today’s traveler, Hyatt Place provides a welcoming environment for business and leisure guests alike.
This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
