Jamaican film Stew Peas premieres to packed Kingston audience, earns six award nominations
Key Points(5)
- The Jamaican psychological thriller Stew Peas premiered to a full house at Carib 5 Cinemas on June 27, drawing an enthusiastic response from audiences and marking a major moment for local independent filmmaking.
- Produced by iKon Media & Films in association with Fareye Films, the film is set for a Jamaica-wide theatrical release across Palace Amusement Company cinemas beginning July 22.
- The premiere brought together filmmakers, cast members, industry figures, and supporters of Jamaican cinema, with audiences reacting strongly throughout the screening.
- Written, directed, and produced by Sosiessia Nixon-Kelly, Stew Peas follows Detective Tessa Riley as she investigates the murder of her best friend while navigating pressure within her own home.
- The arrival of a mysterious housekeeper sets off a chain of revelations, turning the story into a psychological thriller rooted in Jamaican life and relationships.
The Jamaican psychological thriller Stew Peas premiered to a full house at Carib 5 Cinemas on June 27, drawing an enthusiastic response from audiences and marking a major moment for local independent filmmaking.
Produced by iKon Media & Films in association with Fareye Films, the film is set for a Jamaica-wide theatrical release across Palace Amusement Company cinemas beginning July 22.
The premiere brought together filmmakers, cast members, industry figures, and supporters of Jamaican cinema, with audiences reacting strongly throughout the screening.
Written, directed, and produced by Sosiessia Nixon-Kelly, Stew Peas follows Detective Tessa Riley as she investigates the murder of her best friend while navigating pressure within her own home. The arrival of a mysterious housekeeper sets off a chain of revelations, turning the story into a psychological thriller rooted in Jamaican life and relationships.
The cast includes Kerry-Ann “Chiney K” Collins, Tarique Barrett, Shernet Swearine, Quera South, Moses Wallace, Kimberlee Dobson, and Andre Campbell.
Executive producer Horane Henry said the audience response validated the production’s approach to local storytelling.
“We are proud of the work that we put into this film, especially to get the resounding applause from the audience who saw themselves represented authentically on screen,” Henry said. “We are very confident that this film will transcend physical boundaries and cultures and has the ability to become a globally recognized film that showcases what independent filmmakers can do.”
Nixon-Kelly said premiering the film in Jamaica was intentional and essential to the project’s journey.
“Premiere night at home hits different. Jamaicans are the toughest crowd you'll ever face. If you can make them laugh, cry, and sit in silence with you, you know the story landed. I'm grateful we got to share Stew Peas with our people first. Seeing Carib 5 Cinemas come alive with so many supporters, watching my cast and crew celebrated, and feeling that energy in the theatre reminded me why I kept it honest and grounded. There's no better place to start a film's journey than home, and I'm excited to take this project to a global audience.”
The film has also received six nominations at the inaugural Caribbean Film Awards 2026, including Best Feature Film, Best Director for Nixon-Kelly, Best Actress for Kerry-Ann Collins, Best Screenplay, Caribbean Heritage Film Award, and Caribbean Film of the Year.
Following its local theatrical run, Stew Peas is scheduled to premiere in the United States on August 23 in Greenbelt, Maryland, as part of its international rollout targeting Caribbean diaspora audiences.
The production is being highlighted as an example of fully Jamaican-led filmmaking, with all stages of development and production handled locally.
