Shot List Film Festival Showcases Barbadian and Jamaican Talent in Kingston

KINGSTON – Filmmakers and cultural enthusiasts saw some of the Barbadian talent on the big screen at the third staging of Shot List coordinated by the Jamaica Film and Television Association (JAFTA) and UK based film exhibition and distribution agency, We Are Parable, on Sunday, May 26, at Hope Gardens in Kingston. The event, which continues to grow in prestige and popularity, captivated audiences with its diverse array of films, workshops and panels, further cementing Jamaica’s place on the global film industry scale.

The event had an overwhelming attendance of youth who have chosen or have an interest in various areas of filmmaking. The workshops covered critical aspects of cinematography delivered by Gabrielle Blackwood, a special workshop sponsored by Hyphen8 and delivered by Fela Oke from Kingston Monologues Slam on the art of “acting;” as well as useful tips on producing a music video delivered by Shari Bedasse. The workshop block was completed by former Film Commissioner at JAMPRO, Renee Robinson who brought the relevant focus on the business of film.

As the ten-hour film festival progressed, the highlight of Shot List was undoubtedly the film screenings. An animation block of films created a fun experience for families in attendance during the day. The short films from the United Kingdom and Barbados that were presented in the late evening offered a glimpse into the rich storytelling traditions and creative visions from these regions. However, it was the five Jamaican films that stole the show, receiving enthusiastic cheers and standing ovations from the audience.

The featured Jamaican films included: Black Girl In The Ring, a 17 minutes film, written, produced and directed by Saeed Thomas and co-directed by Joshua Paul; which gave viewers a unique look into the life of Jamaica’s only National Heroine, Nanny, before she became the formidable warrior that Jamaicans have long revered. Raw Materials, which is written, produced and directed by Sosiessia Kelly about a teenaged boy who is a fashion enthusiast and faces discrimination by his father and his community as he seeks to understand his own path to self-acceptance, kept the audience fully engaged for 30 minutes. (PR)