Kingston, Jamaica – The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has received a record number of entries for this year’s FiWi Short Film Competition.
Launched earlier this year, the competition attracted an impressive 47 entries, with 17 shortlisted films now available on the JCDC’s YouTube channel for public viewing ahead of the October 24 announcement of the winners.
Executive Director of the JCDC, Mr. Lenford Salmon, expressed pride in the competition's growing success, stating, “This record number of entries reflects how Jamaicans are embracing the programmes offered by the JCDC. While the Commission is well-known for preserving and showcasing our culture, we also recognize the importance of using technology to engage, particularly with our youth. The FiWi Short Film Competition is a perfect example of how we can bring our culture to life in the digital age. The fact that it’s four years old and already experiencing this level of growth is a promising sign for the future.”
Drama and Theatre Arts Development Specialist at the JCDC, Mr. Shaun Drysdale, attributes this year’s spike in entries to the increasing interest in filmmaking, fueled by the proliferation of social media platforms that support storytelling through visuals.
“We are living in a digital age. Filmmaking is now in the hands of the average person on the street via his or her cell phone. Add to that the inherent creativity of Jamaicans and you are left with a potent combination which when given the correct environment, can reap tangible rewards. That is what we are experiencing at this time,” Mr Drysdale said.
The JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition seeks to promote Jamaican culture through the production of films ranging from 3-5 minutes in duration. The films must be based on set criteria, and primarily centred around a Jamaican proverb.
This year’s proverbs are: “Sweet mout fly follow coffin go a hole”; “Puss nuh hab han, but him tek him foot wipe him face”; “Keep clear a ole house, les dem fall dung pon you”; “Rockstone a riber bottom nuh feel sun hot”; and “Finger tink, yuh cyan cut eh trow ‘wey”.
This year’s JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition is sponsored by the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), The CHASE Fund, Airports Authority of Jamaica, CODA Network and National Conservation Trust Fund of Jamaica (NCTFJ).
In addition to the proverbs, participants were also given two special themes around which to build the treatment of their films, based on concepts provided by two sponsors. These are: “SEAS IN FOCUS: Uniting for marine managed areas” (NCTFJ) and “Need a passport quick, Get it with just a click” (PICA).
Mr Drysdale further noted that this year’s shortlisted films represent a variety of the possible genres with eleven dramatic works, two animation, one comedy, one documentary and two science fiction. Three of the entrants are from youth category which is for filmmakers between 12-18 years old and the remaining 14 from adults.
In addition to viewing the short films online, the public will have an opportunity to view at a special screening to be held on National Heroes’ Day - Monday, October 21 - as a feature of JCDC National Heritage Fest and Family Fun Day being held on the south lawn at Devon House in St Andrew. Throughout the day, the films will be screened inside the Edward Seaga Suite located on the Devon House grounds.
The FiWi Short Film Competition was started by the JCDC in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition is the brainchild of the JCDC’s Drama and Theatre Arts Unit and encourages Jamaican amateur filmmakers to examine selected Jamaican proverbs and base on their interpretation create the treatment for a short film.
