The inaugural Black River Film Festival is set to make waves at Independence Park in Black River, St Elizabeth, from June 27 to 30.

Founded and organised by Dr Ava Brown, the festival aims to shine the spotlight on the often-overlooked stories and talents of the south coast, departing from the traditional urban areas.

“Returning to St Elizabeth, I was inspired to initiate the film festival to spotlight the often-overlooked stories and talents of the vibrant south coast. My goal is to create a platform that not only celebrates our rich cultural heritage but also fosters economic and cultural growth in this dynamic region of the island,” said Brown.

The event is more than a film festival; it is set to be a journey of discovery for the potential of local talent and youth from rural communities to connect with international casting directors and producers.

The festival’s primary goal is to act as a catalyst for local talent, inspiring youth to explore the realms of filmmaking, documentary creation, and various creative expressions, all within reach with their mobile devices.

In endorsing the festival, the St Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce – Black River Chapter publicly declared its support for the initiative.

“We believe that an event of this nature will undoubtedly bring renewed interest to the Town of Black River, as we boast on the Jamaican landscape a rich cultural and historical heritage that is losing its significance and, in other ways, unexplored,” StECC stated.

“And so we applaud the entire management team of the Black River Film Festival group and its supporters for their efforts, which are largely supporting other significant activities in the parish, highlighting the significance of our towns and by extension our parish as a place to live, work, do business, and raise families.”

Floyd Green, member of parliament for St Elizabeth South Western, said he believes Black River is the ideal venue for the prestigious event.

“I can think of no better home for a festival of this nature than Black River. St. Elizabeth has already developed worldwide acclaim for providing a platform for some of the island’s most creative literary talents and now Jamaica’s most storied capital provides the perfect backdrop to catalyze our film industry. Looking forward to not only hearing from the best and helping to highlight and showcase some of Jamaica’s talent but also excited to play host to the world,” added Green.

The Black River Film Festival will also include workshops and masterclasses for filmmakers.

Masterclasses will be led by luminaries that include the United Kingdom’s Jeremy Zimmerman, Casting Director; Nigeria’s Judith Audu, Nollywood Production; Dr Ava Brown, Book to Script; the UK’s Nicolas Beveney, Script to Screen; Kwame McPherson, Science of Storytelling; and South African Carolyn Carew Success to the Great Documentary.

An exciting panel of guests has also been assembled to lead stimulating discussions. They include Zenande Mfenyana an actress in Generations; Zolisa Xaluva, from Kings of Joburg; Connie Chiume from Black Panther; and Cornelius Grant from Bob Marley: One Love.

McPherson, the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2023 Winner, Caribbean and Global, in expressing his support said, “A first for Black River, the Film Festival provides Jamaica and the island’s South Coast, a forum for homegrown and Diasporan talent to be seen by a local, regional, and international audience. As the first Jamaican to win a global literary award and a storyteller, I am proud to be contributing and participating in this groundbreaking event that will generate great benefits for St Elizabeth, filmmakers, residents and visitors alike.”

Beveney also emphasised the importance of film and media in the diaspora.

He said, “Film and media in the diaspora are the most important and overlooked mediums. It is a source not only of rich cultural learning experiences but important in the documentation of our experiences and historical events. It is important that our platforms and sources for audiences connect, learn and share.”

“Jamaica has a diverse and rich heritage which is overlooked but is one of the most important exports in popular culture. It is one of the cornerstones in the Caribbean and has high importance in being the foundation of the launching of the festival,” she continued.

Filmmakers interested in participating in the festival can find submission rules and guidelines on the official website, www.blackriverfilmfestival.com.