Jamaica’s growing ambitions in the global film and television industry were on full display Thursday night as LAB Studios hosted its “SLATE | Jamaica on Screen” showcase at Carib 5 Theatre.
The event, held in partnership with Jamaica Promotions Corporation and the Jamaica Screen Development Initiative, brought together government officials, international film executives, creatives, investors and entertainment stakeholders for discussions centered on storytelling, investment and the future of Jamaica’s screen industry.
The evening featured a private screening of the Jamaican-made feature film Love Offside starring Judi Johnson, Mike Merril, Victoria Rowell and Sundra Oakley.
A fireside discussion titled “Building the Future: Jamaican Stories on the Global Stage” featured LAB Studios Chief Executive Officer Kimala Bennett and Mika Pryce, senior vice president of development and production at Paramount Pictures.
Pryce, whose production credits include Get Out, Good Boys, Little and Pacific Rim: Uprising, discussed the growing demand for culturally authentic stories and the opportunities for emerging production markets like Jamaica.
The showcase also unveiled trailers and previews for several upcoming LAB Studios productions, including Christmas in the Tropics, Jenna In Law, SEEN, Happily Ever Awkward and The Marriage Clause.
LAB Studios receives J$50 million in funding
The event also marked a major funding milestone for LAB Studios, which received J$50 million through the Jamaica Screen Development Initiative to support productions including “Love Offside,” “Christmas in the Tropics” and “SEEN.”
Bennett said the investment reflects a wider opportunity for Jamaica and the Caribbean to build a stronger presence in the global content economy.
“The global media and entertainment industry is now valued at more than US$2.8 trillion, and as audiences continue searching for stories that feel authentic and emotionally connected, the opportunity for culturally driven storytelling has never been greater,” Bennett said.
She added that Jamaica’s global cultural influence places the country in a strong position to develop a sustainable film and digital content ecosystem capable of creating economic opportunities while bringing Jamaican stories to international audiences.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who delivered the keynote address, said the government sees film and storytelling as part of Jamaica’s next phase of economic growth.
“This is the latest signal that Jamaica has the talent, the stories, the locations, and the cultural appeal to build a serious film industry,” Holness said.
The prime minister also referenced the government’s recently announced J$1 billion commitment to the creative industry, saying the funding would be distributed in a “transparent and competitive way” to support filmmakers and strengthen Brand Jamaica internationally.
Also addressing the audience were Olivia Grange and Aubyn Hill.
President of JAMPRO, Shullette Cox, said the showcase reflected the broader vision of the Jamaica Screen Development Initiative by helping local creators bring Jamaican stories to global audiences.
LAB Studios said its long-term goal is to build what it describes as a “Caribbean-first global studio,” focused on turning Jamaican stories into exportable intellectual property across film, streaming and digital platforms.
The company said its strategy also includes talent development initiatives aimed at creating sustainable opportunities for Jamaican creatives in writing, production, editing, marketing and distribution.
