KINGSTON, Jamaica -The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) has selected 13 of the top Jamaican Directors/Writers to screen their films at the Jamaica Film Festival 2015, scheduled to take place July 7-11, 2015 in Kingston, Jamaica.
The filmmakers include well-known music video and film director, Gerald ‘Ras Kassa’ Hynes; award winning writer/producer/director, Chris Browne; Theatre writers/directors/actors, Dahlia Harris and Aston Cooke; Educator and producer Franklyn St. Juste; make-up artist extraordinaire/director, Cecile Burrowes. The list also includes talented newcomers, Kyle Chin, Donovan Watkis, Sabrena McDonald, Audrey Williams, Kevin Jackson and Alison Harrison. Jamaican & Hollywood actress, Shauna Chin, who recently made her debut on CBS’ Criminal Minds, has also made the short list.
INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS NEEDED
The collective cost of all 15 pieces require a total investment of up to US$200,000 and are open to private and public investment. There will be approximately 300 minutes of original content being made. The 15 projects currently in production will include Jamaican actors, shot on location in Jamaica and could create temporary employment for up to 300 people.
The entries will make their first stop at the Jamaica Film Festival and will be a part of the international circuit from as early as September 2015.
Film Commissioner, Carole Beckford says “JAMPRO intends to seek funding partners for the films being produced while committing to facilitate entry into the international film festival market. The investment is well worth it and with a national film festival coming to Jamaica, the image of the industry can attract a wide range of attention from other filmmakers and media across the world.”
The state’s export and investment promotions agency, under whose responsibility the Film Festival falls, is lining up with its partners to put on a spectacle in Kingston, celebrating the theme – Art meets Business.
JAMPRO has so far been able to attract and is partnering with Tuff Gong International, the home of Reggae Music and the largest distributor of music in the Caribbean for the five-day event. A music day is planned during the Festival and will feature a music video component that will be launched soon.
Members of the production teams recently completed Acting Master Class sessions with Hollywood actress and Film Educator, Cassandra Freeman, who was in Jamaica in early February. The post -production component of the professional development is due in early April.
All packages for the festival to include air, hotel and ground transportation will be available within the next two weeks. The agency is also accepting submissions of completed projects for screening at the festival. For more information on rules for entry, visit www.filmjamaica.com, http://filmjamaica.com/jamaica-film-festival-2015 or email [email protected].
