Lights, camera, action! Jamaica’s movie magic in London

For over 100 years, Jamaican filmmakers have produced creative content for the world. From offering iconic locations for the James Bond sage, to the technical and professional side of local production, Jamaica is an established and important part of the global film industry.

Four Jamaican companies were selected to participate in this year’s BFI London Film Festival, organized by the British Film Institute. The companies – Ayzha, Have a Bawl, Nanook and Liquid Light Productions – attended as partners of the International Trade Centre’s UK Trade Partnerships Programme (UKTP), funded by the United Kingdom, that promotes trade and economic opportunities with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.

In addition to industry and public film screenings, the companies participated in several information sessions at Picture House Central and the BFI’s UK Global Screen Fund reception. The invitation-only event encouraged international co-productions and built international relationships during the London Film Festival. A lunch brought together UK and international producers, financiers, sales agents, buyers and commissioners who explored international collaborations and promoted co-production with UK filmmakers.

To capitalize on this initiative, the Jamaican Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) held a business networking reception for the visiting film companies at the Jamaican High Commission in London on 10 October. The reception offered an important opportunity for the Jamaicans to present their individual projects to other international industry professionals attending the festival, while promoting Jamaica as a thriving location for international film and television productions.

Following the event, the CEO of Liquid Light Productions, Adrian Lopez, spoke of “several interesting developments” including interest from UK firms in producing new scripts and discussions on a virtual digital production facility in Jamaica.

Ina Sotirova, the creative force behind Nanook Productions, appreciated the efforts of the JAMPRO team in making the event “such a lovely, successful and memorable evening”.

And both Mezab Ayoka from Ayzha Productions and Analisa Chapman from Have a Bawl Productions said they found the experience uplifting, coming away with high hopes for their respective scripts and productions.

The future of the Jamaican film industry looks brighter than ever – lights, camera, action!