The Black River Film Festival (BRFF) is set to return in 2025 with an expanded focus on co-productions, film distribution, and financing opportunities for Caribbean creatives. The two-day event, scheduled for Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28 at Cloggy’s on the Beach in Black River, St. Elizabeth, promises a vibrant lineup of film screenings, panel discussions, masterclasses, networking sessions, food, refreshments, and musical entertainment.
The 2025 theme, “Co-Productions and Film Distribution,” aims to bridge Caribbean talent with international markets. This year’s forum will welcome an impressive roster of industry players including Netflix’s Samad Davis and Cédric Pierre-Louis of Canal+ International. Additional speakers include Jamaica’s Film Commissioner Jackie Jackson, U.S. producers Angela White and Dolapo Erinkitola, South African media executive Wendy Parkies, British travel blogger Jetsetter Jackie, and Jamaican comedian and content creator Evy Royal.
Music will play a central role during the weekend, with cultural icon Mutabaruka serving as the resident DJ on Friday night, and live performances from reggae artists Duane Stephenson and Bugle on Saturday.
“The Jamaica Tourist Board is proud to support the Black River Film Festival, which showcases Jamaica’s rich storytelling traditions while bringing well-deserved attention to the historic South Coast region,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism. “This year’s focus on co-production and distribution positions Jamaica as a premier Caribbean film destination while advancing our strategy of geographic diversification in tourism. By spotlighting St. Elizabeth’s authentic cultural experiences and stunning locations, the festival creates valuable international partnerships that will ultimately showcase Jamaica to global audiences, inspiring travellers to explore our beautiful island beyond the traditional hotspots.”
The festival, founded by Dr. Ava Eagle Brown, is supported by the Jamaica Tourist Board and the CHASE Fund. “It’s one thing to have a vision but to see it come to life with support is another thing. The support from our main sponsors Jamaica Tourist Board and CHASE Fund indicates strong belief in the bedrock of rural Jamaica with a clear understanding that with team work, this industry can truly transcend one person’s vision and evolve into something that the entire ecosystem can benefit from,” said Dr. Brown.
From a pool of 49 local and international film submissions, 15 projects were selected to compete for top prizes. The CHASE Fund, which dedicates 15% of its resources to arts and culture, is among the key supporters of the event.
“A vibrant local film industry can serve as a catalyst for development, providing opportunities for actors, directors, producers, and technicians to showcase their talent on the global stage,” said CHASE Fund CEO W. Billy Heaven. “This Black River Film Festival is a great opportunity to leverage the experience of international film players who can help guide the creativity of our local talent… this event will provide invaluable opportunities for learning and growth for future generations of filmmakers, educators, and enthusiasts.”
JAMPRO, through the Jamaica Film Commission, has also thrown its support behind BRFF. “The resounding success of BRFF’s first year confirms what we’ve always known — Jamaican talent, wherever it resides, belongs on the world stage,” said JAMPRO President Shullette Cox. “We’re proud to champion initiatives like BRFF that promote cultural equity and fuel the growth of our creative economy across the island.”
Jackie Jackson, Jamaica’s Film Commissioner, added, “I wholeheartedly commend Dr. Ava Brown, Founder of BRFF, for envisioning and building a vital space in rural Jamaica where filmmakers are not only seen and heard, but truly valued. BRFF has swiftly emerged as a beacon of industry exchange, creative discovery, and regional empowerment.”
The festival weekend will conclude with a special edition of Unscripted Sundays on June 29, featuring a beachfront script reading performed by Jamaican actors. The event will spotlight unproduced local scripts in front of international distributors, press, and creatives—closing out a weekend dedicated to storytelling, industry growth, and cultural celebration.
 is set to return in 2025 with an expanded focus on co-productions, film distribution, and more.){kind=link}