About the Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival (GIIFF)

The GIIFF was founded in 2012 with a mission to preserve the values and aspirations of all indigenous people and Garifuna cultures. Founded by Freda Sideroff an indigene of the Garifuna, the GIFF’s mission is to specifically support the preservation of all indigenous cultures in the world through art and film.

An annual event where leaders and members of the community are recognized for their contributions to the betterment and elevation of the dignity of humanity, GIIFF showcases a variety of films and documentaries created by Garifuna filmmakers as well as by many other indigenous people including feature films & short films as well as panel discussions, workshops and cultural presentations. It is equally an annual venue that reconciles, entertains and portrays the very diverse and brilliant cultures to participants of the festival.

At a time when Western civilization is struggling with global problems, the GIIFF showcases important lessons to be learned from indigenous cultures such as interconnectedness, wisdom of our elders, sustainable living and how to live in harmony with nature.
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​Who Are The Garifunas?

​The Garifuna people’s origins can be traced to West Africa. Brought to Central America by the Spanish, the epic story of the Garinagu begins in the early 1600’s on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent when two Spanish ships carrying West Africans sank off the coast of the Caribbean island of St. Vincent in 1635.

The survivors swimming ashore found shelter in the Carib Indian settlements there. On St. Vincent Island they intermixed, intermarried and fused together becoming a single Black Carib culture, called the Garinagu. Afro-Caribbean, the “Garinagu” culture and language are called “Garifuna.” UNESCO’S Proclamation Masterpieces of Oral an intangible Heritage of Humanity issued to Garifuna Language, Music and Dance on May 18th 2001due to an urgent need of preservation.

Awards
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• Upon its launching in 2012 GIIFF was recognized by the City of Los Angeles, and the State of California.
• Former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa signed a proclamation declaring May 26th, Garifuna International Film Day in the City of Los Angeles and state of California.

​About The Founder
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Queen Mother Chief Freda Sideroff is a distinguished traditional leader, dedicated cultural guardian, and internationally recognized cross-cultural bridge connecting the global African diaspora to the continent. A proud native of Belize, she serves as a prominent leader of the Official Yurumein Royal Delegation and has dedicated her life to the preservation, elevation, and celebration of indigenous heritage.
As a visionary leader in global cultural diplomacy, Chief Freda is the Founder and CEO of the globally acclaimed Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival, an elite platform that amplifies the voices, histories, and artistic expressions of indigenous populations worldwide.
Reflecting her profound commitment to ancestral reconnection and international unity, Chief Freda holds verified lineage and traditional honors uniquely bestowed upon her by sovereign councils across West and Central Africa:

• Princess of Women Development (Houmechim): Conferred by the Tikar Kingdom of Bankim, Cameroon, via Royal Act N° 091.
• Chief Nne-Mmili (Mother of Water): Bestowed by the Ancient Iduu Eri Kingdom of Anambra State, Nigeria, under the sovereign authority of HM Eze Dr. Chukwuemeka Eri.
• Nneora Abagana (Mother of All): Conferred by the prestigious Abagana Royal Council of Nigeria.
• Award of Excellence Recipient: Presented by the Olori Abebi-Oba Makama Foundation Family, in partnership with her close friend, Her Royal Highness Olori Oluwaseyi Abebi Oyelude Makama.

Through her unique blend of indigenous statecraft, media advocacy, and international alliances, Queen Mother Chief Freda Sideroff continues to spearhead monumental efforts in cultural tourism, ancestral healing, and diplomatic bridging between continental Africa and its global diaspora networks.

​Contact Us

Email: [email protected]

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