Winner of the “People’s Choice Award” at the 2023 Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival, Panazz: The Story chronicles the formation, impact and legacy of Panazz—one of the most influential and genre defying Steelpan ensembles to emerge from Trinidad & Tobago. Through intimate interviews, archival performances, and breathtaking visuals of the Trinidad & Tobago landscape, this film invites audiences into a powerful celebration of innovation, resilience, and cultural pride. Blending original compositions and Steelpan arrangements from Panazz’s five re-released albums with emotionally resonant storytelling, the documentary explores how a small Caribbean band defied social expectations and changed the global perception of what Steelpan music and performance could be.
This is more than a music documentary. Panazz: The Story resonates with universal themes of belonging, generational legacy, and cultural innovation. It appeals to diverse audiences—from lovers of music and Caribbean culture to those drawn to intergenerational storytelling and visually rich cinema. The film has sparked a renewed sense of national identity in Trinidad & Tobago while striking chords of nostalgia, admiration, and hope in international viewers.
After the screening, there will be a panel discussion with Barry (Finbar) Bartholomew, Co-Director / Co-Producer of Panazz: The Story.
Merchandise will be on sale on the night.
Barry’s journey started in the banking field, but his musical passion found expression in the world of Steelpan when, as a young man in his early 20s, he started off playing with premier large band “Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra”. This led to him co-founding and leading as musical director of the award-winning Steelpan ensemble Panazz. This small but mighty ensemble toured the world delighting audiences in Europe, North America and as far as Japan. Following Panazz, Barry’s artistry has continued in the culinary field where he is now popularly known as “Chef Finbar”.
THIS IS NOT TO BE MISSED
This event will take place on Thursday 17 July 2025 at 19:00.
This screening will be held at The Lexi Cinema, 194b Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, London, NW10 3JU.
Located 3 minutes from Kensal Rise Overground Station. Located 10 mins from Kensal Green and 15 mins from Queens Park on the Bakerloo Line. Via Bus, the Okehampton Road stop is right outside the Lexi Cinema, served by 52, 452, 6, 187, 302.
Free on-street parking in local streets.
Please book your ticket(s) here
https://thelexicinema.co.uk/TheLexiCinema.dll/WhatsOn?f=8952606
