Fest to Recognize Achievement in Seven Filmmaking Categories during November 9-13 Event in Jamaica
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamerican International Film & Music Festival (JFMF) is issuing a Call for Entries to international filmmakers to submit films for recognition in seven filmmaking categories; it was announced today by Festival Creator, Sheryl Lee Ralph.
The 6th Annual JFMF takes place November 9-13, 2005 in Jamaica. Filmmakers may submit projects in categories including Narrative Feature, Narrative Short, Documentary Feature, Documentary Short, Animated Short, Experimental Short and Music Video.
Films and videos will be considered for competition if they were completed in 2004-2005 and have not been shown in Jamaica, West Indies. Works in Progress are also eligible for submission in each category. All submissions must be postmarked by October 1, 2005. Complete rules and entry submission forms are available at the festival’s website at www.jamericanfilmfest.com.
The JFMF has grown in popularity and influence since it was launched by Ralph in 1999 to celebrate the work of filmmakers around the world while supporting diverse, positive and innovative examples of cinematic work that might not find a home or audience elsewhere. At the 2003 fest, the film Red Eye by New York filmmaker Kevin Gordon, took the fest’s 2003 Anheuser-Busch Audience Award. The film, described as a “provocative visual commentary on society’s image of Black men,” went on to be selected for the Showtime Network’s prestigious 2004 Black Filmmakers’ Showcase. The selection marked the third time that a film from JFMF was chosen as a finalist in the Showtime Black Filmmakers’ series.
Ralph anticipates this year’s submissions to reach an all-time high in light of the fact that the 2004 JFMF was cancelled due to Hurricane Ivan, a Category 5 storm that hit Jamaica with 165 mph winds and caused substantial damage and displacement of residents last September.
“There are so many film festivals to go to where you can watch films and see celebrities, but there is only one film festival where you can watch films, learn from industry professionals and insiders and have intimate conversations with the stars,” said Ralph. “That festival is the Jamerican International Film and Music Festival, where the attention is on learning the real ins and outs of show biz. From all indications, filmmakers from around the world are looking forward to this year’s festival and more Cinema Inna Yard!”
In addition to the film awards and screenings, the 2005 JFMF will feature the Actors Workshop with renowned acting coach Howard Fine; the Writers’ Workshop with Writers’ Guild of America writer Carol Munday Lawrence; the Digital Filmmakers Workshop: Flashpoint, which provides intensive education on the secrets of digital filmmaking; the Children’s’ Sidebar devoted to family fun, films and entertainment; in addition to parties, networking events, a golf tournament and the always exciting Closing Night Gala.
For additional information on the 6th Annual Jamerican International Film & Music Festival, visit , e-mail [email protected].
