Jamaica Film Festival

Original article: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Jamaica-Film-Festival-Commission-appoints-pool-of-talented-directors

KINGSTON, Jamaica –Thirteen top Jamaican Directors/Writers have been selected by The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) to screen their films at the Jamaica Film Festival 2015, scheduled to take place July 7-11 in Kingston.

The list of filmmakers include well-known music video and film director, Gerald ‘RasKassa’ 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 made her recent debut on CBS’ Criminal Minds, has also made the short list.

The festival will include 15 pieces that will need a collective investment of US$200,000. Both private and public investment is welcomed for the 15 pieces. The project will create some 300 temporary jobs and will include Jamaican actors.

All entries will make their first appearance 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 Film Festival is expected to be a spectacular showcasing of talent in the film industry in Kingston, celebrating the theme – Art meets Business. JAMPRO 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. Included in the festival is a music day that will feature a music video component that is expected to launch soon.

The production team recently completed an Acting Master Class session 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.