I didn’t make it to the premiere. I’d heard about the red carpet, the electric atmosphere, and the fact that Caribbean Cinemas was packed to capacity. Friends told me the energy that night was unlike anything they’d ever seen for a local production of this nature. So, when I finally got a ticket for a later screening of CSO: Caribbean Operation Power Trip, my expectations were sky-high and I’m happy to report, I wasn’t disappointed.

Written and directed by Naeem Richardson and Jahvid Allen, and produced in association with Studio 327 and Noir Works, CSO tells a gripping story of terrorism, loyalty, and resilience, with just the right touch of Caribbean humour to keep audiences laughing amid the tension.

The cast, including Richardson, Allen, Radhames Warner, Anthony Jeetlall, Siñea Henry, Omar Liburd, and Mickron Stephens, delivered authentic performances kept viewers engaged. The stunts were crisp, the cinematography polished, and the sound design world-class.

What amazed me most? This entire production was pulled off without any corporate or government funding. It was a labour of love, three years in the making, built purely on the passion and commitment of the cast and crew.

Why This Matters: The Orange Economy in Action

As I sat in the theatre, my attention split between the onscreen action and the crowd’s reaction to the dynamic scenes, it hit me: this is what the orange economy looks like in motion. The orange economy, the global sector that includes film, music, design, and other creative industries, is one of the fastest-growing economic drivers in the world. In Saint Kitts and Nevis, projects like CSO have the potential to create jobs for actors, writers, directors, production crews, and designers; inspire youth to pursue careers in creative fields; drive tourism by showcasing the Federation as an attractive film location; and build an international reputation for the depth and quality of our local talent.

The post-screening chatter was a mix of pride and disbelief.
“I didn’t know we had this level of talent here,” one young man said.
Another group talked about how the humour felt “real,” and the action sequences “looked like something you’d pay big money to see abroad.”

“Man, I’ve never seen anything like this come out of St. Kitts,” one viewer said, still grinning as she walked out of the theatre.
Another woman, eyes bright with emotion, said, “I felt like I was watching something from Netflix or the big screen…knowing it was all done here made it even more special.”

And that seemed to be the general consensus – CSO wasn’t just good for a local film. It was good, full stop.

Several moviegoers told me they planned to see it again, not just to support the filmmakers, but because they genuinely enjoyed it. That says a lot.

So yea, in my humble opinion, CSO is proof of concept. It’s a living example of what’s possible when creatives are given room to explore, breathe…be!

It’s a reminder that Saint Kitts and Nevis has the raw talent, the stories, and the landscapes to become a serious player in the film industry. All we need now is the will to invest in it.

If the packed theatre I sat in is anything to go by, the audience is ready.

Kudos to everyone-cast, crew, and supporters-whose talent, dedication, and vision brought this project to life. If you haven’t seen it yet, make every effort to do so and experience firsthand the creativity and skill that exist right here in Saint Kitts and Nevis. To parents especially, let this be a reminder: the creative economy is a viable, growing industry with limitless potential. Rather than steering children away from careers in the arts, let us encourage, support, and equip them to claim their place in this vibrant and valuable sector.

P.S. I’ve left out all the details that might spoil the magic, trust me, you’ll want to experience it for yourself. You know I wouldn’t steer you wrong… so go see it. Seriously, go see it!