Documentary - Treatment

Since I have a fair advantage to Trinidad and as I have lived here all my life, I could pretty much get a cover on anything I could think of. The savannah is a decent access point and once I could talk to the right people, I could get a decent documentary on the savannah and how it was established. This is a decent idea and it is something I could do. I practiced taking some shots of scenery and they were beautiful, but I needed something more. I know many places in Trinidad where I could put my grip on and deliver a beautiful plot, but then there was Tobago. I occasionally ventured into this other island related to Trinidad, but that was it and my memories of the twin island country was somewhat faded.

I heard stories about their customs, and it seemed so uncanny that this country is right next door to us in Trinidad, yet they so different from us. This is where the documentary on Tobago came forward, which eventually led to a documentary on the Harvest specific to a popular group of people residing in Scarborough, Samgster's Hill. I needed to caputure these people in their natural form, becuase as far as I remembered they moved me in that visit a long time ago, and made me feel like a part of the family.

Treatment for the Documentary “35 B Harvest”

Exploring the harvest traditions specific to Tobago can embrace a greater part of a community we in Trinidad do not know about. The people celebrate this custom with such warmth and neighborly love, that it pulls you inside their world and encourages you to find out when, where and how to get there. This is the emotional impact this documentary would leave on your mind.

Cecil Caruth, nickname “Pravy” has hosted Harvest celebrations right in the comfort of his home, at different periods in the year. Residing at 35 B, to which the documentary coined its name, Pravy has solidified the meaning of brotherly sharing and thanksgiving. At no cost, he gives his heart when producing every bit of food for his guests, who can now be considered family. Over the years these guests have been so regular, that everyone is familiar with each other and there is no such thing as a stranger at 35 B.

He reaps his fruits and provisions in his own backyard, and shares it with his entire community. The people at 35 B would open you up to a new world, which embraces a new kind of kindness. The men are well known for their sweet fingers, as they spend all day in the kitchen cooking various meats. You would be guaranteed a taste of rare meats; rabbit, duck, goat and lamb. We get to know characters like Kurtis Carrington, who manages the group of men and supervises every section of the meals, while dipping his sweet fingers in the pot to give that extra flavor. The women are mainly supervised by Pravy’s wife, Janice. They spend the time in the kitchen serving the people that pass through, just to spend time at 35 B.  

The meaning of Harvest stems primarily from the church where the people give back to their community as a form of thanksgiving. The act of reaping the fruits of the land and provisions of the earth, is what the Harvest represents; everything in its natural element. After a day’s work of cooking, the neighbors and nearby friends, join in on the Harvest. People, dance and celebrate the regular tradition into morning. It reminds you of a ‘sweet lime’ in Trinidad, but everything is free and you can sit back and enjoy each other’s company.

Cavielle