Growing community short film festival, GATFFEST, returns for its 12th annual staging at Mona campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI).

The much-anticipated festival was launched on Tuesday (June 18) at the Bob Marley Museum in St Andrew. 

GATFFEST is gearing up to captivate audiences from June 22 to July 7, featuring screenings of 32 films showcased across 13 events, culminating in a prestigious awards ceremony that honours outstanding contributions to the world of film.

From powerful documentaries to thought-provoking narratives, GATFFEST 2024 will offer an immersive experience that will bring together local and international filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts. 

Since its inception, GATFFEST has evolved into a major cultural event, providing a platform for both emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with a diverse audience. This year, GATFFEST has partnered with the embassies of Canada, Colombia, France, and Germany to showcase films from these nations, alongside Jamaican and international films. Additionally, GATFFEST has partnered with the Caribbean School of Media and Communication (CARIMAC) and the Jamaica Film and Television Association (JAFTA) to feature their respective films.

The documentary ‘Remembering Tomorrow‘ produced by the UWI’s Centre for Community Outreach and Development and funded by the Bob and Rita Marley Foundations will make its debut on the opening night of the GATFFEST Film Festival.

Directed by Eka Campbell and Rosemarie Murphy, this compelling film delves deep into the intricate world of dementia, celebrating the profound human spirit of resilience in the face of cognitive decline.

Campbell believes that the film will raise awareness and inspire viewers to better understand and support those affected by dementia.

“As a filmmaker, my goal was to shed light on a condition that affects millions worldwide yet is often misunderstood. This film is not just about the struggles of dementia but also about the strength and courage of those affected. It is a tribute to their resilience and an exploration of the evolving landscape of dementia care,” she explained.

Festival director Savannah Peridot shared her enthusiasm for this year’s event, stating, “We are thrilled to bring GATFFEST back to the UWI Mona Campus for an outdoor experience and to launch it at the Bob Marley Museum, a site that holds immense cultural and historical significance. We have an interesting array of films from Jamaican filmmakers and CARIMAC film students, including a profile documentary on entertainer the late Gully Bop.  GATFFEST will also be bringing the magic of cinema directly to the heart of communities such as Tivoli Gardens.”

In addition to screenings, GATFFEST will host an industry masterclass in association with Women in Film and Television Jamaica, featuring filmmakers Nadean Rawlins, Ina Sotirova, Natasha Griffiths, Lesley-Ann Wanliss and Tanya Batson-Savage offering invaluable insights into various aspects of filmmaking, from scriptwriting and directing to cinematography and post-production.

Panel discussions will explore the issues shaping the film industry today, addressing challenges and opportunities for Caribbean filmmakers on the global stage.

Originating from the Greater August Town Film Project and later rebranded as the UWI Community Film Project, GATTFEST has grown into one of the most significant and anticipated events on the film calendar, attracting submissions globally and a wide range of attendees.

It provides a vital opportunity to showcase independent and emerging filmmakers, telling stories via the short film and documentary format.

The annual festival includes premieres, screening of feature-length and short films, panel discussions, workshops, awards and other events bringing together community groups, members of the diplomatic community and stakeholders in tourism, academia, and the film and creative industries.

The festival is organised by UWI’s Centre for Community Outreach and Development.