Youth Festival – 21st February
Location: St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS)
Submit Your Film: Please read the guidelines carefully before submitting.
9:00 – 9:30 AM
Registration and Settling In
10:00 – 10:15 AM
Welcome and Devotion
10:30 – 11:00 AM
Panel Discussion: Social Issues and How We Can Tell Stories to Make Jamaica Better- Moderator to be announced
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Workshop: How to Bankroll Your Story – Avenues to Success Speaker: Dr. Ava Eagle Brown, Festival Founder, Author, Trainer
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Lunch Break
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Film Screenings (Competition Entries)
2:00 – 2:30 PM
Panel Q&A with Dr. Ava Eagle Brown & Surprise Guest
2:30 PM
Announcement of Film Winners
2:45 PM
Guest Performance
3:00
Closing Remarks
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Opening Ceremony
Welcome to the 2nd Black River Film Festival by Dr. Ava Eagle Brown, Founder & CEO.
Addresses by Hon. Floyd Green and Kaydian Myers Brown (President Black River Chamber of Commerce).
Insights from Jackie Jackson, Jamaica Film Commissioner.
Welcome video from JTB.
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Networking Break
An opportunity to connect with distributors, producers, and filmmakers to discuss collaborations.
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Panel Discussion: “What Makes Good Content?
(The Secret Sauce for Attracting Buyers)
Discussion on the elements of appealing and marketable content, such as storytelling, strong characters, cultural relevance, and production quality.
Panelists:
TV Station Owner
Global Film Distributor
Former VP, Paramount/Viacom
Kaiel Eytle, Producer (Jamaica)
Sossesia Kelly- Writer/Director (Jamaica)
Samad Davis -Netflix Producer (USA)
8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Evening Film Screening & Q&A
Special screening of a locally produced film, followed by a Q&A on distribution and talent strategies.
Entertainment: Live music performance by a band.
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Networking Session
Informal networking to explore co-production and partnership opportunities.
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Fireside Chat: “Co-Production Opportunities: Unlocking Global Partnerships”
Exploration of co-production agreements and their role in accessing international markets and diverse storytelling.
Panelists:
Jackie Jackson- Jamaica Film Commissioner
Pan Africa Film Commission Representative (South Africa)
Saeed Thomas- Former President, Jamaica Film & Television Association
Independent Development Corporation (IDC) Representative
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Coffee Break
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Fireside Chat: “Marketing & Global Film Distribution: Getting Your Film Out There”
Tips for marketing and securing distribution for international audiences via traditional and digital channels.
Moderator
Kevin Jackson
Panelists:
South Africa Content Distributor
Global Film Distributor
Lawyer, Producer, Content Aggregator (USA)
UK Representative, Canal Plus
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Panel Discussion: “The Future of Jamaican Film Industry Cinema: International Partnerships & Sustainable Growth”
Focus on sustainable practices for Jamaican filmmakers through global collaborations.
Moderator: Stephanie Hazle Lyle, President, Women in Film Jamaica
Panelists:
Nigerian Streaming Platform Representative
TV Station Owner
President, Jamaica Film & Television Association
Dr. Ava Eagle Brown (Jamaica)
Angela White (USA)
9:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Evening Film Screening
Showcasing an internationally co-produced film highlighting successful global storytelling.
9:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Q&A Session with Filmmakers
Interactive discussion on co-production challenges and benefits.
10:00 PM
Closing Remarks & Award Presentation
Celebration of the best films and remarks by Dr. Ava Eagle Brown.
Join us at the 2nd Black River Film Festival as we celebrate creativity, collaboration, and the vibrant future of Jamaican film!
Feb 21st – is focused on young people ages 14- 18 will be held at STETHS.
June 27th & 28th will be held at Cloggys’ on the Beach Crane Road Black River.
Everything Is Timed To Have The Opportunity To Attend Each Screening And Masterclass.
