In 2009 the event was scaled down due to economic constraints and 7 films were presented at venues in Kingston and Ocho Rios. Once again the REGGAE FILM FESTIVAL proved an excellent marketing tool for Jamaican and reggae-themed films, when public acclaim and publicity about the documentary WHY DO JAMAICANS RUN SO FAST? about Jamaica's Beijing Olympic success that was premiered at these screenings was invited to participate in international film festivals, winning the Milano Sports TV Garland of Honour award for 2009.
After the great success of these two REGGAE FILM FESTIVALS, we now plan a bigger and better event for 2010. Our aim is to see the Reggae Film Festival as Jamaica's international film event of the year and a place where film makers, directors, distributors and media companies can meet annually to seal distribution deals, share ideas and create new links, as well as becoming a breeding ground for new film projects.
Entries are now invited for the REGGAE FILM FESTIVAL 2010.
2010 PLANNING COMMITTEE:
Barbara Blake Hannah, Director: Peter Gittins, Archivist; Michael Barnett; Jerome Hamilton; Lloyd Laing; Lesley Ann Welsh.
In the decades since 1972 when Jamaica's first feature film "The Harder They Come" exposed reggae to the world on its soundtrack, a growing number of films have continued to be made that focus on Jamaica's music culture. In 2008 these films were given the title "Reggae Films" and gathered together in one place for the first ever REGGAE FILM FESTIVAL, held in New Kingston February 25th-27th.
Organized with the co-sponsorship of private sector companies and the Jamaican Ministry of Culture the REGGAE FILM FESTIVAL 2008 presented 20 films over three nights in the presence of film makers and actors from Spain, Germany, the UK, USA, Canada and Britain who paid their way to attend the event in Kingston, the Reggae Film Festival was declared a success. Several of the films shown received international exposure and distribution as a result of the international media coverage of the REGGAE FILM FESTIVAL, including the German feature film 'ALMOST HEAVEN" and the reggae documentary "DUB ECHOES".
Welcome to the Reggae Film Festival 2010 Official Website