Freda Sideroff: The Powerhouse Behind GIIFF and Guardian of Garifuna Heritage
Meet Freda Sideroff, the mastermind and driving force behind the Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival (GIIFF). A native of Belize, a jewel nestled on Central America’s east coast, renowned for its Mayan ruins and pristine beaches, Freda embodies the spirit of the Garifuna people.
Now calling the US home, Freda’s heart remains firmly rooted in her Belizean origins and her commitment to the Garifuna culture. Reflecting on the cultural challenges the Garifuna faced, Freda once told Eleanor Criswell of the Somatics Society, “The Garifuna language and culture might’ve been lost due to exile, as our customs and tongue were banned. I owe it to the tenacity of my forebears to pass on our legacy.” Today, she lives in California, with her accomplished husband, Dr. Stephen Sideroff, a psychologist and esteemed professor at UCLA.
Established in 2012, GIIFF is Freda’s passion project, a platform dedicated to preserving indigenous cultures globally via the artistic medium of film. This annual cinematic experience honors indigenous community stalwarts and showcases a gamut of creations, from thought-provoking documentaries to culturally rich presentations.
Delving into the festival’s roots, it highlights the captivating story of the Garifuna people, whose lineage traces back to West Africa. Their saga unfolds from the 1600s in the Caribbean, where their identity solidified on St. Vincent Island after a shipwreck brought them into contact with the Carib Indians. In 2001, in recognition of its significance, UNESCO honored the Garifuna language, music, and dance.
Since its inception, GIIFF has garnered accolades, with Los Angeles and California marking May 26th as Garifuna International Film Day. As GIIFF gears up for its 12th installment from November 10-12, 2023, at Venice’s Electric Lodge, participants can look forward to a riveting lineup, including the premiere of Lara Jacowski’s documentary, “ESKAWATAKAYAWAI.”
GIIFF’s core is its commitment to spotlighting indigenous stories, celebrating their legacy, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling. From VIP celebrity experiences to Native American narratives, from Diwali celebrations to discourse on colonial narratives, GIIFF offers an immersive journey into the world of indigenous cultures.
Freda’s sentiment aptly summarizes the festival’s essence: “Our culture’s core fades if we don’t pass down the knowledge.”
Join this cinematic odyssey! For sponsorship, donation, and media opportunities, explore the links provided or reach out to info@garifunafilmfestival.com.
