Saint Lucian filmmaker Elijah Anatole is set to debut his latest cinematic creation, OMYRA, at Caribbean Cinemas on Sunday, October 27, at 6:30 p.m., a one-night-only event.
Billed as Saint Lucia’s first psychological thriller, OMYRA is a tightly woven 24-minute suspense film that explores powerful themes of guilt, deception, betrayal, and divine justice. The project, described as a bold creative experiment, has evolved into a showcase of what is possible when resourcefulness and passion meet a powerful story.
The premiere will be the only public screening of the film in Saint Lucia before it begins its run on the international film festival circuit, with submissions planned across North America, Europe, and Africa. In line with festival rules, the film will not be released for streaming until its global run is complete.
OMYRA was born from a moment of creative restlessness. With pre-production underway for his next major feature, Anatole challenged himself to craft a short film that would sharpen his skills and keep his team engaged. What began as a simple exercise became something far more substantial.
According to Anatole, the entire script was written in just one hour, and the film was shot over the course of two and a half days with post-production wrapped in less than two weeks. The final cut, edited down from over 45 minutes of raw footage, delivers a tense and tightly packed narrative experience.
The film’s concept draws inspiration from biblical parables and aims to keep viewers guessing until the final scene. Though just under half an hour long, OMYRA offers the kind of depth, intrigue, and emotional tension typically found in full-length thrillers.
While the film’s creative origins are striking, just as impressive is the local collaboration that made it possible. A dedicated team of young Saint Lucian creatives worked behind the scenes, many volunteering their time out of love for the craft. Roles ranged from assistant directors and location coordinators to camera and sound crew.
Proceeds from ticket sales will go toward funding festival entry fees, a critical step in ensuring the film reaches international audiences.
As Anatole shared via social media, OMYRA is “a film that started as a creative challenge [and] turned into something truly unique.” For audiences attending the premiere, it may also become an unforgettable glimpse into the future of Saint Lucian storytelling.
