By S.Browne. Updated 1:42 p.m., Friday, July 3, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The Vincentian documentary Madulu, The Seaman is now streaming across the United States and Canada on the Criterion Channel, filmmaker Akley Olton has announced following the film’s screening at the DC Caribbean Film Festival.
The announcement came after the documentary was showcased during the festival, held June 5–11, 2026, at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. According to the Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the United States, the film was screened on June 9 and 10 before an international audience as part of the Embassy’s first participation in the festival.
Speaking about the response to the screenings, Olton said the documentary attracted a capacity audience.
“It was a completely full house, and they literally had to bring in extra chairs to the front row for paying patrons who came out to support Vincentian Documentary,” he said.
Olton also announced that the documentary has expanded its reach beyond the festival.
“For those who couldn’t be in the room, this is just the beginning – I am incredibly proud that Madulu, The Seaman is now streaming across the USA and Canada on the Criterion Channel, bringing our homeland’s rich seafaring history to a global stage,” he said.
According to the Embassy, Madulu, The Seaman, written and directed by Olton, explores tradition, resilience and the enduring strength of community in the Barrouallie whaling town. The Embassy said the documentary brings attention to stories rooted in Vincentian culture while encouraging dialogue on cultural preservation amid evolving discussions on marine conservation.
Introducing the film and its filmmaker, Ambassador of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the United States Lou-Anne Gilchrist highlighted Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as a destination of “breathtaking natural beauty” with the potential to serve as a backdrop for filmmakers from around the world. She also underscored the country’s wealth of creative talent, describing Olton as one of its accomplished artists, and emphasised the importance of advancing the creative industries as drivers of cultural expression and economic opportunity.
The Embassy said the screenings were followed by a reception and booth display featuring Vincentian condiments, artisanal products and crafts. Patrons also had the opportunity to engage with Olton while Vincentian music played in the background.
According to the Embassy, the festival also provided an opportunity to connect with co-presenters, resulting in “concrete follow-up commitments” and opening discussions on future short-film screenings.
The Embassy said its participation in the DC Caribbean Film Festival forms part of its broader efforts to promote Saint Vincent and the Grenadines through cultural diplomacy and to support Vincentian filmmakers in expanding the reach of their work to international audiences.
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