Event Programme
Youth Festival – 21st February
Location: St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS)
Submit Your Film: Please read the guidelines carefully before submitting.
Youth Festival - 21st February
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 SuccessSpeaker: 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
Day 1: Expanding Global Reach Through Distribution & Talent Attachment
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Opening Ceremony
Welcome and introduction to the 2nd Black River Film Festival by Dr. Ava Eagle Brown, Founder & CEO.
Welcome to Black River : Hon Floyd Green, Kaydian Myers Brown – Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to Jamaica’s Film Industry – Jackie Jackson, Film Commissioner.
Show a welcome video for the Black River Film Festival from JTB.
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Networking Break
Opportunity to mingle and discuss potential collaborations with distributors, producers, and fellow filmmakers.
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Panel Discussion: “What Makes Good Content? The Secret Sauce for Attracting Buyers”
This session will dive into what content buyers look for in projects, discussing the key elements that make content appealing and marketable. Topics will include unique 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
– 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 with the filmmakers and cast on distribution and talent strategies used.
Music: Performance by the Band.
ADULT FESTIVAL
Black River Film Festival – 2nd Staging Programme
Focus: The Distribution & Co-Production Forum”
Dates: June 27-28, 2025
Location: Cloggys on the Beach – Black River, Jamaica
Day 2: Co-Productions & The Future of Film Distribution & Finance
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Networking Session
Informal networking session to explore co-production possibilities and establish global partnerships.
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Fireside Chat: “Co-Production Opportunities: Unlocking Global Partnerships”
Discussion on how co-production agreements facilitate access to international markets and diverse storytelling opportunities, with a focus on Jamaica’s collaborations.
Panelists:
Jackie Jackson – Jamaica Film Commissioner- Jamaica
– Pan Africa Film Commission – Co-funding options and co-production- South Africa
Saeed Thomas – Former President Jamaica Film & Television Association- Jamaica
Independent Development Corporation (IDC) –
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”
Focus on how filmmakers can effectively market and secure distribution deals for international audiences, navigating both traditional and digital channels.
Moderator: Marketing Expert TBC
Panelists:
– South Africa, Content Distribution/Streaming- South Africa
Global Film Distributor –
– Lawyer, Producer, Content Aggregator- USA
– UK, Canal Plus
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Panel Discussion: “The Future of Jamaican Film Industry Cinema: International Partnerships & Sustainable Growth”
Exploration of sustainable business practices for Jamaican filmmakers through international collaborations.
Moderator: Stephanie Hazle Lyle- President Women in Film Jamaica
Panelists:
Streaming Platform- Nigeria
TV Station Owner – Streaming/Distribution Licensing
President – Jamaica Film & Television Association- Jamaica
Dr. Ava Eagle Brown- Jamaica
Angela White- USA
9:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Evening Film Screening
Screening of an internationally co-produced film that exemplifies successful global storytelling.
9:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Q&A Session with Filmmakers & Panel Discussion
Interactive session discussing challenges and benefits of co-production with the audience.
10:00 PM
Closing Remarks & Award Presentation
Celebration of the best films showcased, with remarks from Dr. Ava Eagle Brown.
We look forward to seeing you at the 2nd Black River Film Festival, where we celebrate creativity, collaboration, and the vibrant future of film in Jamaica!
Feb 21st – is focused on young people ages 14- 18 will be held at STETHS.
Day 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.
Jamaica Union of Travelers Association Ltd.
Festival Airport Transfer/ Sightseeing and more!
| White House 1-4 Pax | Price ($) | Black River 1-4 Pax |
|---|---|---|
| From Airport to White House (round trip) plus festival entry | US $330.00 | From Airport to Black River (round trip) plus festival entry |
| From Airport to White House (one way) plus festival entry | US $190.00 | From Airport to Black River (one way) plus festival entry |
| From White House to Black River Safari plus festival entry | US $150.00 | Black River Safari plus festival entry |
| From White House to YS Falls plus festival entry | US $200.00 | From Black River to YS Falls plus festival entry |
| From White House to Rum Tour plus festival entry | US $250.00 | From Black River to Lovers Leap plus festival entry |
| From White House to Lovers Leap plus festival entry | US $300.00 | From Black River to Little Ochi plus festival entry |
| From White House to Treasure Beach plus festival entry | US $250.00 | From Black River to Treasure Beach plus festival entry |
| From White House to Little Ochi plus festival entry | US $300.00 | From Black River to Rum Tour plus festival entry |
| From White House to Pelican Bar plus festival entry | US $200.00 | From Black River to Pelican Bar plus festival entry |
| White House Highlights plus festival entry | US $200.00 | Black River Highlights plus festival entry |
| Any 3 Activities (White House) plus festival entry | US $350.00 | Any 3 activities (Black River) plus festival entry |