The National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) will host Asian Nights from April 17 – 19, 2024 at the National Library of Trinidad and Tobago, 23 Abercromby Street, Port of Spain.

Asian Nights is a celebration of Asian arts, culture and cuisine. The programme aims to facilitate the cultural and educational development of the people of Trinidad and Tobago and to bridge cultural divides by providing insight on the Asian culture.

The official opening ceremony will be held on April 17, 2024 at 6:30pm. The opening night will feature a cocktail reception and an exhibition launch. The exhibition will feature artefacts, memorabilia and other significant materials from the three participating countries, India, Japan and Korea, in the Rotunda, National Library of Trinidad and Tobago.

After the official opening ceremony, the High Commission of India and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-operation will present their cultural performances, which will entail a yoga demonstration followed by a vocal and dance performance.

The other nights’ activities will include movie and animation screenings, tea ceremony workshops and booths such as origami, manga drawing, calligraphy, Yukata wearing and beauty products by the embassies of Japan and Korea.

The Asian Nights’ Schedule of Activities follow:

April 17, 2024 I 7:30pm I Ground Floor

High Commission of India and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-operation

The High Commission of India and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Co-Operation will showcase a yoga demonstration followed by a vocal and dance performance.

The night will culminate with a cocktail reception hosted by the participating embassies, Japan and Korea and the High Commission of India.

April 18, 2024 I 6:00pm I Pamella Benson Audio Visual Room

Embassy of Korea

The Embassy of Korea will present the movie – “Parasite.” This movie is a 2019 South Korean black comedy thriller and winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 92nd Academy Awards, becoming the first non-English language film to win Best Picture. The movie shows how, one by one, the crafty members of a destitute family insinuate themselves into the household staff of a wealthy couple living in oblivious privilege.

Korean beauty products will also be on display.

April 19, 2024 I 6:00pm I Pamella Benson Audio Visual Room

Embassy of Japan

The Embassy of Japan will present the film “5 Centimeters Per Second”, which depicts the story of two elementary school classmates, whose friendship is tested by distance.

After which, they will host two Japanese Tea Ceremony Workshops, demonstrating the ceremonial way of preparing and drinking green tea. Participants will be able to see, learn the process and take part in making Matcha tea.

To end the night, various booths will be on display, where participants can experience and learn Origami, Manga Drawing and Calligraphy and wear a Yukata.

For further details, contact 624-4466 ext. 2323 or email debbie.goodman@nalis.gov.tt or visit www.nalis.gov.tt.