AS the Jamaica Film and Television Association (JAFTA) celebrates its 10th anniversary, the remarkable success of films produced through its developmental initiatives serves as a powerful testament to the organisation’s transformative impact on local film-makers and authentic Jamaican storytelling.
Two flagship programmes, JAFTA Propella and Spotlight Shorts JA, have produced award-winning content that has captured international attention while addressing critical social issues.
Since its 2016 launch, JAFTA Propella has produced 22 original short films, many gaining recognition at international festivals with several being developed into feature films or series.
The short film Flight is one of the many success stories produced. Directed by Kia Moses and Adrian McDonald, the film tells the inspiring story of a Jamaican boy who dreams of flying to the moon despite opposition and challenging circumstances.
Flight travelled the world winning more than 18 international awards and securing a two-year HBO deal, most recently winning the Spark Award at the Changemakers Film Showcase in July 2024 in San Francisco by New Media Ventures & The Michael Latt Legacy Fund.
“My background is actually in advertising. Before JAFTA Propella I had never written or directed a film, but I dreamed of moving beyond 15- to 60-second TV commercials to create deeper, longer-format stories that could truly inspire.” said Kia Moses, writer and co-director of Flight. “With the support of the JAFTA initiative, its structured process, the invaluable guidance of mentor Alrick Brown, and my own deep dive into books and tutorials, I wrote and co-directed the short film Flight in just a few short months. In many ways, the journey of the film embodied its very message: We are a small island with big dreams. Sitting in large theatres, up against films with far bigger budgets and names and watching our ‘likkle’ Jamaican film move audiences around the world was a surreal and unforgettable experience. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity, for the people and organisations who supported us along the way. And I look forward to seeing JAFTA Propella continue to empower new voices in film-making for years to come.”
In 2021 JAFTA launched Spotlight Shorts JA in partnership with UNICEF Jamaica and the global Spotlight Initiative, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to using film-making as a tool for social awareness. This groundbreaking initiative produced four powerful short films addressing gender-based violence in Jamaica: Absolute Power led by Producer Julene Kenyon with writer/director Gemmar McFarlane; Kindle led by producers/directors Frank O’Neill and Stephanie Lyle with writer Nicanor Gordon; Boy, Girl and All the Rest led by producer/director Nadean Rawlins with writer Maylynne Lowe; and I Was Only Twelve led by Producer Ryan Campbell with Director David Johnson and writer Jhanielle Powell.
Each project received funding, with teams providing psychosocial support and assigned mentees from vulnerable communities interested in film-making, creating pathways for youth development alongside content creation.
Both initiatives operate through JAFTA’s signature approach of comprehensive workshops, mentorship, constructive feedback, and collaborative community support.
JAFTA Propella focuses on script-to-screen development with partners including the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Phase 3 Productions, and Jampro.
Spotlight Shorts JA represents JAFTA’s expansion into socially conscious film-making, partnering with international organisations to address critical issues through authentic Jamaican storytelling.
As JAFTA enters its second decade, the success of both initiatives underscores the organisation’s evolution from grass roots advocacy to comprehensive industry development, ensuring Jamaican stories continue reaching global audiences while addressing critical social issues.