Film-makers and cultural enthusiasts turned out in droves at the third staging of Shot List on Sunday, May 26 at Hope Gardens in Kingston.

Coordinated by the Jamaica Film and Television Association (JAFTA) and UK-based film exhibition and distribution agency We Are Parable, the event featured an array of films, sold-out workshops and panels.

JAFTA president Saeed Thomas expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming attendance of youth interested in film-making.

“Shot List has once again proven to be a cornerstone for the development and promotion of Jamaican and Caribbean cinema. The enthusiasm and support we’ve seen this year are truly inspiring and demonstrate the incredible potential of our filmmakers to make a significant impact on the global stage,” he said.

The workshops were delivered by Jamaican film and photography director Gabrielle Blackwood on cinematography; Kingston Monologues Slam’s Fela Oke on the art of acting; Shari Bedasse on producing music videos; and former JAMPRO Film Commissioner Renee Robinson on the business of film.

The film screenings were the highlight of Shot List. In addition to films from the UK and Barbados, there were five Jamaican films: ‘BLACK GIRL IN THE RING‘, ‘RAW MATERIALS‘, ‘SONSHINE‘, ‘JUST LIKE MOMMY‘, and ‘EGO SUM‘.

‘BLACK GIRL IN THE RING‘ is a seventeen-minute film written, produced, and directed by
Saeed Thomas and co-directed by Joshua Paul. The film gives viewers a unique look into the
life of Nanny of the Maroons.

‘RAW MATERIALS‘ is a thirty-minute film written, produced and directed by Sosiessia Kelly about a teenage boy who is a fashion enthusiast and faces discrimination by his father and his community as he seeks to understand his own path to self-acceptance.

‘SONSHINE‘ is a sixteen-minute film written, produced and directed by Kaleb D’Aguilar and co-produced by Dana Wallace about a mother facing phases of grief as she recounts significant moments with her
young son.

‘JUST LIKE MOMMY‘ is a fourteen-minute film written by Renee Williams, directed by Kaleb D’Aguilar and Renee Williams and produced by Cleo Anderson is about domestic abuse and the effects it can have on children who witness it.

‘EGO SUM‘ is a five-minute, sci-fi, animated film directed by Adrian Lopez, and co-produced with JAMPRO It was co-written by Lopez, Wendel Murphy, and Tristan Roach.

The event also featured a performance by Jamaican singer and actress Sevana as well as panel discussions which explored topics such as the evolution of music videos in Jamaica.

Teanne Andrews, co-founder of We Are Parable, echoed Thomas’ sentiments.

“It’s been an honour to collaborate with JAFTA on the Shot List. The well-supported workshops and the engaging panels are a testament to the vibrant film community here in Jamaica. The reception to the screenings, especially the Jamaican films, was phenomenal and highlights the bright future for Caribbean storytelling.”