Welcome to the

black river
film festival

Welcome to the

black river
film festival

Why Black River Film Festival

Inaugurated with a vision to cultivate budding filmmakers and ignite creativity in the heart of rural Jamaica, the festival emerges as a groundbreaking platform on the South Coast. Breaking away from tradition, this unique celebration has chosen to grace an area that traditionally sees fewer cultural events compared to the bustling capital.

The festival’s primary goal is to illuminate and uplift the region, with a special focus on the enchanting narrative of Black River. More than an event, it stands as a catalyst for local talent, inspiring the youth to explore the realms of filmmaking, documentary creation, and various creative expressions, all within reach through their mobile devices.

This inaugural festival acts as a bridge, forging connections between the undiscovered talent of rural Jamaican creatives and international luminaries, including casting directors and producers. This exchange is not just about showcasing; it’s about providing invaluable opportunities for growth, fostering collaboration, and unveiling the rich tapestry of talent that flourishes in the often overlooked corners of Jamaica.

As we embark on this first showcasing, it is not merely an event; it’s a journey of discovery, a celebration of untapped potential, and a testament to the creative spirit that thrives in the heart of rural communities. Welcome to the beginning of something extraordinary.

Why Black River Film Festival

A Celebration Of Film In The Diaspora

Screenings

Event Programme

Seminars

Speakers

Short Film Competition

Jamaica Supports

A Celebration Of Film In The Diaspora

Screenings

Event Programme

Seminars

Speakers

Short Film Competition

Jamaica Supports

A Celebration Of Film In The Diaspora

Event Programme

Venues: STETHS – Crane Road Black River

Day 1 - Student-Based - Friday, JUNE 28

9am – 9:30am

Registration and Networking

St Elizabeth Technical High Sch..
(STETHS)

9:30am – 9:45am

Introduction to the Festival Dr. Ava Eagle Brown Festival Director

10am – 10:30am

Masterclass The Science of Storytelling Kwame McPherson
Commonwealth Book Prize Winner

10:30am – 10:45am

Masterclass Q&A

10:45am – 11:15am

Film Screening from Competition

11:15am – 12pm

Lunch Break & Networking

12pm – 12:30pm

Masterclass Penning Pain to Purpose Anita Bailey Communications Relations Education Officer, Ministry of Education

12:30pm – 1pm

Masterclass Q&A & Students’ Presentation

1pm – 1:45pm

Panel Discussion – No Gatekeeping: Gen Z’s Path to Film through Social
Media

1:45pm – 2pm

Panel Q&A

2pm – 2:30pm

Announcement of Film Winners

2:30pm

Feature Film-Lady Bird
(Directed by Greta Gerwig)

3:30pm

Closing Remarks

Day 2 - Cloggy’s On The Beach - Crane Road Black River (General Public) - Saturday, June 29

10am – 10:30am
Registration, Networking & Tea

10:30am – 10:45am
Welcome Director Dr. Ava Eagle Brown Festival Director

10:45am – 11:30am
Masterclass: Crafting Character: An Actor’s Perspective Marcos James (Game of Thrones Actor)

11:30am – 12pm
Fireside Chat & Q&A with Marcos James

Moderator: Kevin Jackson President of Jamaica Animation Network

12pm – 12:45pm

Masterclass: Versatility in Acting: From Screen to Stage to Stand-up
Angie Le Mar Actress Director and Producer

12:45pm – 1:00pm
Q&A with Angie Le Mar

1:00pm – 1:40pm
Deep Dive Piece : A Producer’s Conversation

Diane Houslin- Television and Film Producer

Moderator: Dr Ava Eagle Brown

1:40pm- 2:00pm

Q&A with

2:00pm – 3pm
Lunch and Networking

3pm – 3:30pm
Feature Film – The Jamaica Story (Directed by Mikey T Campbell)

3:30pm – 4pm
Panel – Why Not Black River?
Kaydian Myers-Brown President of the St. Elizabeth Chamber
of Commerce, Black River Chapter
Claudia Gardner, CEO, Negril Times, Director
Dr. Ava Eagle Brown, Festival Director

Hon Min -Floyd Green, MP Black River

4:00pm – 4:15pm

Panel Q&A

4:15pm – 4:30pm

Turning Pain to Purpose A Candid Conversation
Fireside Chat…with Staceyann Chin

Moderator: Beverly Martin Berry -Partner Black River Film Festival

4:30pm – 6:00pm

Short Film Screenings

6:00pm – 6:30 pm

Screenings for HEART/NSTA Trust

Feature Film : Desecration– ( Directed by Niyi Towolawi)

Day 3 – Cloggy’s On The Beach-Crane Road Black River (General Public) - June 30

10am – 10:30am
Registration, Networking & Tea

10:30am –11:15
Masterclass: Film Craft: The Art of Casting
Jeremy Zimmerman, Director and Producer

11:15am – 11:30pm
Masterclass Q&A

11:30pm – 12:15 pm

Masterclass: Navigating the Entertainment Industry: From Production to Sales

Rochelle Brown is the Vice President of Sales in Entertainment at Harbor Picture Company

Masterclass Q&A

12:15pm- 12:30pm

Lunch & Networking

12:30– 1:30pm

1:30pm -2:00pm

Panel Discussion – Women in Film
Justine Henzell, Film Producer
Jackie Jackson, Film Commissioner of Jamaica

Sundra Oatley, Actress (“Bob Marley: One Love, Hulu/Disney+ upcoming “Washington Black), producer, author

Angie Le Mar (moderator)

2:00pm – 2:30pm
Panel Q&A

2:30pm- 3:00pm

Networking Break

3:00pm-3:40pm

Casting Call Character Open Mic- Jeremy Zimmerman

3:40pm- 4:00pm

Q& A with Jeremy Zimmerman Re- Casting Open Mic

4:00pm- 4:30pm
Short Film Screening Flower from a Brook (Directed by Lisa Dawes)

4:30pm – 5:00 pm

Short Film Screenings

5:00pm- 6:30pm

Fireside Chat – Film Critique vs. Film Creation: ( Men in Film)
A Conversation between Critic and Actor

Cornelius Grant, Ryan Singh- Producer Director

6:30pm – 7:00pm

Fireside Q&A

Fireside Chat with Connie Chiume (Black Panther Actress)
Moderator: Director Dr. Ava Eagle Brown Festival Director

7:00pm – 7:15pm

Q&A with Connie Chiume

7:15pm – 9:00pm

Feature Film: The Harder They Come (Directed by Perry Henzell)

Bonfire – After Party- Selector- Mutabaruka, Jamaican Poet and Musician

Day 1 – June 28th which is focused on young people ages 14- 18 will be held at STETHS.

Day 29th & 30th will be held at Crane Road Black River.

Everything Is Timed To Have The Opportunity To Attend Each Screening And Masterclass.

Event Programme

Venues: STETHS – Crane Road Black River

Day 1 - Student-Based - Friday, JUNE 28

9am – 9:30am

Registration and Networking

St Elizabeth Technical High Sch..
(STETHS)

9:30am – 9:45am

Introduction to the Festival Director Dr. Ava Eagle Brown Festival Director

10am – 10:30am

Masterclass The Science of Storytelling Kwame McPherson
Commonwealth Book Prize Winner

10:30am – 10:45am

Masterclass Q&A

10:45am – 11:15am

Film Screening from Competition

11:15am – 12pm

Lunch Break & Networking

12pm – 12:30pm

Masterclass Penning Pain to Purpose Anita Bailey Communications Relations Education Officer Ministry of Education

12:30pm – 1pm

Masterclass Q&A & Students’ Presentation

1pm – 1:45pm

Panel Discussion No Gatekeeping: Gen Z’s Path to Film through Social
Media

1:45pm – 2pm

Panel Q&A

2pm – 2:30pm

Announcement of Film Winners

2:30pm

Feature Film – Lady Bird (Directed by Greta Gerwig)

3:30pm

Closing Remarks

Day 2 - Cloggy’s On The Beach - Crane Road Black River (General Public) - Saturday, June 29

10am – 10:30am
Registration, Networking & Tea

10:30am – 10:45am
Welcome Director Dr. Ava Eagle Brown Festival Director

10:45am – 11:30am
Masterclass: Crafting Character: An Actor’s Perspective Marcos James (Game of Thrones Actor)

11:30am – 12pm
Fireside Chat & Q&A with Marcos James

Moderator: Kevin Jackson President of Jamaica Animation Network

12pm – 12:45pm

Masterclass: Versatility in Acting: From Screen to Stage to Stand-up
Angie Le Mar Actress Director and Producer

12:45pm – 1:00pm
Q&A with Angie Le Mar

1:00pm – 1:40pm
Deep Dive Piece : A Producer’s Conversation

Diane Houslin- Television and Film Producer

Moderator: Dr Ava Eagle Brown

1:40pm- 2:00pm

Q&A with

2:00pm – 3pm
Lunch and Networking

3pm – 3:30pm
Feature Film – The Jamaica Story (Directed by Mikey T Campbell)

Hon Min -Floyd Green, MP Black River

4:00pm – 4:15pm

Panel Q&A

4:15pm – 4:30pm

Turning Pain to Purpose A Candid Conversation
Fireside Chat…with Staceyann Chin

Moderator: Beverly Martin Berry -Partner Black River Film Festival

4:30pm – 6:00pm

Short Film Screenings

6:00pm – 6:30 pm

Screenings for HEART/NSTA Trust

Feature Film : Desecration– ( Directed by Niyi Towolawi)

Day 3 – Cloggy’s On The Beach-Crane Road Black River (General Public) - June 30

10am – 10:30am
Registration, Networking & Tea

10:30am –11:15
Masterclass: Film Craft: The Art of Casting
Jeremy Zimmerman, Director and Producer

11:15am – 11:30pm
Masterclass Q&A

11:30pm – 12:15 pm

Masterclass: Navigating the Entertainment Industry: From Production to Sales

Rochelle Brown is the Vice President of Sales in Entertainment at Harbor Picture Company

Masterclass Q&A

12:15pm- 12:30pm

Lunch & Networking

12:30– 1:30pm

1:30pm -2:00pm

Panel Discussion – Women in Film
Justine Henzell, Film Producer
Jackie Jackson, Film Commissioner of Jamaica

Sundra Oatley, Actress (“Bob Marley: One Love, Hulu/Disney+ upcoming “Washington Black), producer, author

Angie Le Mar (moderator)

2:00pm – 2:30pm
Panel Q&A

2:30pm- 3:00pm

Networking Break

3:00pm-3:40pm

Casting Call Character Open Mic- Jeremy Zimmerman

3:40pm- 4:00pm

Q& A with Jeremy Zimmerman Re- Casting Open Mic

4:00pm- 4:30pm
Short Film Screening Flower from a Brook (Directed by Lisa Dawes)

4:30pm – 5:00 pm

Short Film Screenings

5:00pm- 6:30pm

Fireside Chat – Film Critique vs. Film Creation: ( Men in Film)
A Conversation between Critic and Actor

Cornelius Grant, Ryan Singh- Producer Director

6:30pm – 7:00pm

Fireside Q&A

Fireside Chat with Connie Chiume (Black Panther Actress)
Moderator: Director Dr. Ava Eagle Brown Festival Director

7:00pm – 7:15pm

Q&A with Connie Chiume

7:15pm – 9:00pm

Feature Film: The Harder They Come (Directed by Perry Henzell)

Bonfire – After Party- Selector- Mutabaruka, Jamaican Poet and Musician

Day 1 – June 28th which is focused on young people ages 14- 18 will be held at STETHS.

Day 29th & 30th will be held at Crane Road Black River.

Everything Is Timed To Have The Opportunity To Attend Each Screening And Masterclass.

Speakers

Screenings

BRFF Youth Film Competition

Submission Guidelines and How to Enter

1. Videos must be 1-2 minutes long.
2. Genre: Comedy, Drama, Adventure, Fantasy, Documentary and Science-Fiction.
3. Recording Device: Must be recorded via phone.
4. Films should be Rated G, considering themes, language, and content.
5. Submissions should be original works created by the filmmaker. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited.
6.Accepted filmmakers will be notified via email.
7. Upload your videos via the festival website by June 15, 2024.

Accepted entries will be uploaded to the festival’s Instagram page on June 16, and the video with the most likes and shares by June 21, will advance to the next round.

For any inquiries or assistance regarding submissions, please contact ava@blackriverfilmfestival.com

Film Festival Submissions Guidelines

1. Films must be submitted in digital format (preferably MP4) and should not exceed 10 minutes in length.
2. Submissions should be original works created by the filmmaker or production team.
3. All genres are welcome, including but not limited to drama, comedy, documentary, animation, and experimental.
4. Films should be suitable for audiences aged 19-65, taking into consideration mature themes, language, and content.
5. Submissions must include English subtitles if the dialogue is in a language other than English.
6. Filmmakers must complete the submission form in full and provide all required information, including a brief synopsis, director’s bio, and contact details.
7. The submission deadline is May 31st, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered.
8. By submitting your film, you grant the festival organisers the right to screen your film during the festival and use excerpts for promotional purposes.
9. Accepted filmmakers will be notified via email and provided with further instructions regarding screening schedules and promotional materials.
10. For any inquiries or assistance regarding submissions, please contact ava@blackriverfilmfestival.com
We look forward to receiving your submissions and showcasing the best of independent cinema at our festival!

No Re-Entry with Ticket

BOOK A STALL

Small Registered Business - $40,000

Individuals - $25,000

No Re-Entry with Ticket

BOOK A STALL

Small Registered Business - $40,000

Individuals - $25,000

Seminars

Family Ties

"The Harder They Come," a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema, vividly portrays the struggles of urban life in 1970s Kingston through the story of Ivan Martin, capturing the island's rich musical heritage and serving as a commentary on social inequality and Jamaica's turbulent history, ultimately becoming a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

THE HARDER THEY COME

Seminars

Family Ties

"The Harder They Come," a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema, vividly portrays the struggles of urban life in 1970s Kingston through the story of Ivan Martin, capturing the island's rich musical heritage and serving as a commentary on social inequality and Jamaica's turbulent history, ultimately becoming a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

THE HARDER THEY COME

Jamaica Supports

The Black River: A Living Tapestry of Jamaica’s Past The Black River, winding its way through the heart of Jamaica’s lush landscape, stands as a silent witness to centuries of history. Named for the dark, tannin-stained waters that flow through its course, this majestic river is a symbol of resilience, endurance, and the passage of time.

Indigenous Roots: Taino Legacy Long before the arrival of European settlers, the Taino people, the indigenous inhabitants of Jamaica, navigated the waters of the Black River. Their cultural imprint on the region, evident in artifacts and archaeological sites, reminds us of the river’s role as a lifeline for trade, sustenance, and community

Colonial Era: A Gateway for Commerce As European powers established their presence in the Caribbean, the Black River became a vital conduit for trade and transportation. Sugar, rum, and other commodities flowed along its banks, shaping the economic landscape of colonial Jamaica. The echoes of this era linger in the architecture of nearby towns and the tales of plantations that once thrived along the river’s edge.

Maroon Resistance: A River of Freedom The Black River was not only a corridor for commerce but also a refuge for the Maroons, escaped slaves who sought freedom in Jamaica’s rugged interior. The river provided a natural barrier against the pursuing forces, allowing the Maroons to establish independent communities and resist the shackles of slavery.

Ecological Marvel: The Black River Safari Beyond its historical significance, the Black River is a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna. The lush mangroves along its shores provide a habitat for a myriad of species, including the iconic American crocodile. Today, the Black River Safari offers a unique opportunity to witness this ecological marvel, connecting visitors with Jamaica’s natural heritage.

Black River Film Festival: Bridging Past and Present As we gather for the Black River Film Festival, we celebrate not only the art of cinema but also the living history that courses through the veins of the Black River. Through the lens of film, we honor Jamaica’s cultural richness, acknowledging the river’s role as a silent storyteller of the nation’s journey.

Join us on this cinematic voyage, where the Black River becomes a conduit for storytelling, cultural exploration, and a celebration of Jamaica’s past, present, and future. Welcome to the Black River Film Festival – where history and cinema converge in a powerful, unforgettable experience.