FROM JAMAICA WITH LOVE

We arrived at Kingston Airport Jamaica, and the first person we encountered was smiling from ear to ear and this set the tone of the entire trip. We found the locals to be warm, welcoming and always joyous. It is easy to understand why, Jamaica is simply stunning and more so thanks to the glorious weather. What’s not to love?

Dr Ava Eagle Brown, the visionary founder of the Black River Film Festival had invited us to attend the festival and also to explore the vibrant spirit of her beloved homeland Jamaica, we knew we were in for something special. What we didn’t expect was just how deeply the island would capture our hearts. The Jamaicans we met were genuinely astonished to hear that it was our first time on the island, and we were equally astonished by how instantly at home we felt. 

One thing is certain the amount of hard work and effort Dr Brown put into this year’s festival was evident. She managed to pull together an extensive list of VIP European, US and African Producers and Directors. The festival gave these industry leaders an insight into Jamaican film, television and cinema, and gave them the opportunity to connect with the local film makers. 

Cedric Pierre-Louis, the Programming Director of Nollywood TV, ROK and Zacu TV (Canal+), flew in from Paris especially for the event. Netflix Producer and Director Samad Davis came in from New York, and Executive Movie Producer Dolapo Erinkitola flew in from Atlanta. The young Jamaican film makers had access to these titans of industry over the two day period of the festival. An incredible opportunity for them, and this was all thanks to the effort and hard work of Dr Brown, the festival was a life changing experience and opportunity for the film makers who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to have this level of access. 

The location of the festival was just sublime, on a beach (it was our first ever experience of a film festival on a beach!) in Black River, in the south-western parish of St Elizabeth. A simply stunning backdrop, where we had the opportunity to watch the films, the documentaries, features and shorts that were being showcased - nothing quite like an outdoor cinema, especially on the beach under the stars. It gave us a unique insight into the Jamaican way of life, the struggles, the ambitions, the obstacles, as well as the triumphs and successes that they experience. The panel discussions were also of particular interest, it gave Dr Brown and the film makers an opportunity to discuss raising funds, and creating awareness, amongst other issues. 

The festival was hosted by the fabulous Actors and Producers Sherando Ferril and Cornelius Grant, who carried the audience through two days of excitement and activities, keeping our energy high and engaging us with their warm, entertaining presence. They were a fun duo, who kept things upbeat and interesting. 

Dr Ava did not restrict the screenings to films made in Jamaica; she also included the UK, Canada and Serbia. In fact it was British Actor, Sofian Frances who is also a stunt performer and film maker who was the recipient of five awards for his film Dante’s Inferno – The Ascension. 

Its Ava’s ambition to leverage Jamaica’s strong global brand and the government’s commitment to growing the film industry through financing initiatives has been the key to succeed with this. A goal which she believes is attainable, thanks to the festival bringing global awareness and also the festival being a global catalyst. 

Dr. Ava Eagle Brown, Founder and CEO of the Black River Film Festival, said: “This year’s festival proved that Jamaican storytelling resonates powerfully on the world stage and that Jamaica has more than enough hope, Jamaica has promise.” 

The success of the festival owes much to its sponsors and the leadership, hard work and dedication of its CEO and Founder Dr. Ava Eagle Brown, and of its curators, Wentworth Kelly and Sosiessia Nixon-Kelly. The festival brought meaningful benefits to communities, offering local and international creatives a space to connect, learn, and collaborate through a series of engaging panels and networking sessions. It also generated economic opportunities for businesses across St. Elizabeth such as sold out accommodations and vendors; and providing employment opportunities for local youth and residents. 

The Black River Film Festival continues to cement the town as a hub for creative business and culture, underscoring that rural Jamaica is an ideal location for world-class events. Plans are already underway for an even more expansive program in 2026.

Dr Brown is on a mission to elevate Jamaican film making, its her dream that it will influence and reach the same level of audience that reggae and dance hall have achieved, and I truly believe after seeing Dr Brown in action, that she will achieve this goal, by overcoming every obstacle put in her way, by continuing to network and connect with the film industry’s key players, and by launching the third annual Black River Film Festival which will take place on June 27th and 28th in 2026. Watch this space as Dr Brown promises that next year’s festival will be bigger and better.

Jamaica embraced us with open arms, rich culture, and unforgettable energy. We had an absolute blast, and relished the opportunity to connect with this pool of extraordinarily talented film makers; we are very much looking forward to returning for the third annual Black River Film Festival in 2026. 

Black River Film Festival - Black River Film Festival