'Danm', a La Diablesse Story: A Bold New Chapter in Caribbean Horror Cinema

Tenn Productions Ltd. is proud to announce the upcoming feature film Danm—formerly titled La Diablesse—a gripping folklore-inspired horror-thriller directed, written, produced, and starring acclaimed Trinidadian filmmaker Teneille Newallo. Rooted in Caribbean mythology, Danm reimagines the terrifying legend of La Diablesse through a deeply personal, female-driven narrative. Its logline sets the tone for the haunting psychological journey ahead:

“Trapped in a post-colonial estate in Trinidad, a tormented mother is pursued by a vengeful demoness with insidious ties to her secret family history.”

The film, shot entirely on location in Trinidad in April 2024, stands as a testament to the power of regional storytelling and international collaboration. Post-production is currently taking place across the globe—with editing by Jamaican filmmaker, Joel Burke in Trinidad, music composition by Trinidadian artist, Dion Howe in South Africa, sound design by Cinema Sound Production in Ukraine, and visual effects by Retics Digital in Pakistan. The remainder of the production team remains proudly Trinidadian, including the film's Director of Photography, Dominic Koo, showcasing the country’s creative reach on a world stage.

Post-production is expected to be completed before the end of 2025, as Danm prepares to embark on the international film festival circuit. Following its festival run, the film will return home to Trinidad and Tobago for a red-carpet premiere and national theatrical release, bringing this powerful Caribbean story full circle.

A Female-Led Vision Backed by Local and Global Partners

At the heart of Danm lies an all-female production team: Teneille Newallo, Pauline “Merikin” Mark (Trinidad & Tobago), and Trinidadian, Jolene Mendes (Los Angeles). Their collaboration represents a milestone in Caribbean cinema—a story conceived, led, and driven entirely by women. The film’s Executive Producer, Rodney Seemungal, and his company Star Global Productions - production company of the internationally acclaimed Carnival Catwalk series - serve as the main financial backers, investing most of the production's equipment into this bold and culturally resonant project. Tenn Productions also hired some of SGP's crew members who completed Danm's highly-skilled production team, ensuring world-class standards for the production of this project, right here in T&T.

Danm’s production was made possible through the support of an impressive roster of sponsors whose contributions have been vital to bringing the project to life. Chief among them are The Sport and Culture Fund, The Office of the Prime Minister, and The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts—key institutions recognizing the importance of preserving and modernizing local folklore through film.

The project also received support from several private-sector partners, including KFC, Look Opticians, Subway, Pita Pit, Pizza Hut and Food Hall, whose backing underscores the growing synergy between corporate Trinidad & Tobago and the creative industries. Additional sponsors— the National Gas Company of Trinidad & Tobago, FilmTT, the National Carnival Commission, AllRidi, and Solo Beverages—also contributed to the success of the film, helping to create a model of national collaboration across sectors.

Cast and Storytelling Rooted in Local Identity

The film stars Shevonne Metivier, Teneille Newallo, Jeffrey Hugh Alexander Wight, Anand Lawkaran, and Arianna Rodas Laing, alongside other prominent Trinidadian actors, Chanel Quesnel and Stephen Hadeed Jr., with cameos from several other well-known local names in the acting community. The ensemble embodies the diverse talent of Trinidad and Tobago’s growing film industry, grounding Danm in authenticity and regional identity.

Global Recognition at the European Film Market

Adding to its list of achievements, Danm was previously selected to participate in the inaugural Fiction Toolbox Programme at the European Film Market (EFM)—one of the largest and most prestigious film markets in the world. Held annually in Berlin as part of the Berlinale International Film Festival, the EFM connects global distributors, financiers, and producers, giving Danm invaluable exposure to international audiences and investors. This recognition cements Tenn Productions’ reputation as a Caribbean production company capable of competing on the global stage.

UNESCO Grant Powers the Marketing of Danm

In addition to its industry recognition, Tenn Productions was recently awarded a UNESCO “Creative Caribbean: An Ecosystem of 'Play' for Growth and Development” grant. While the grant supported multiple projects, a key component included the development of a comprehensive marketing plan for Danm, led by Christopher Badal, Tenn Productions’ Chief Marketing Officer. This initiative aims to position the film for national and regional release in 2026, amplifying its reach and impact across the Caribbean.

Building a Sustainable Caribbean Film Ecosystem

During its production, Danm directly employed over 60 local professionals and circulated more than one million TT dollars within the Trinidad and Tobago economy—an investment that demonstrates the tangible benefits of homegrown filmmaking. As the project moves toward completion, it continues to showcase how culture, creativity, and commerce can intersect to build a thriving, self-sustaining industry.

With Danm, Tenn Productions reaffirms its commitment to creating authentic Caribbean stories that are as globally competitive as they are culturally grounded.

For more information about Danm and Tenn Productions, email tennproductionsfilmtv@gmail.com