284 Excellence Film Festival

ABOUT · OUR STORY
OUR STORY
OUR BEGINNING
2022: WHERE IT STARTED

The 284 Excellence Film Competition was launched in 2021 with a simple but powerful mission: to discover, showcase, and celebrate the creativity and talent of filmmakers across the British Virgin Islands. What started as a grassroots competition quickly grew into a platform that empowered storytellers to bring their visions to life, no matter their experience level or background.

COMPETITION YEARS
A STAGE FOR EVERY STORYTELLER

Each year, the competition challenged participants to create short films across a variety of genres, drama, horror, sci-fi, romance, documentary, music videos, and more. It provided a stage not only for emerging filmmakers but also for seasoned creatives looking to push the boundaries of their craft. Through workshops, mentorships, screenings, and awards, the 284 Excellence Film Competition nurtured local talent, inspired new artistic voices, and strengthened the growing film community in the Virgin Islands.

FESTIVAL EVOLUTION
FROM COMPETITION TO MOVEMENT

Over the years, the competition has evolved in size, scope, and ambition. Thanks to the hard work of participants, the support of the community, and the vision of its organisers, 284 Excellence became more than a competition it became a movement. It encouraged bold storytelling, celebrated cultural identity, and connected Virgin Islands filmmakers to broader regional and international audiences.

Now that the 284 Excellence Film Competition has transitioned into the 284 Excellence Film Festival, its original spirit lives on only bigger, bolder, and with even more opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and excellence. This next chapter marks a celebration not just of films, but of the voices, dreams, and future of filmmaking in the Virgin Islands and beyond.

THE ARCHIVE
PAST WINNERS
2024 WINNERS
Best Film (Rhodni A. Skelton Award)Hakeem Gravesande (Exit Wound)
Best EditingHakeem Gravesande (Exit Wound)
Best Cinematography (tied)Keano Brin (Waves) & Dominic Stefan Mathavious (I'm Really Not)
Best Music VideoDominic Stefan Mathavious (I'm Really Not)
Best ActorKhalarni Rivers (Undefined)
Best ActressKassidy Chalwell (Brand N.U)
Best SoundtrackKhalarni Rivers & Nyaila Callwood (Undefined)
Best Directing, Screenplay & DocumentaryMar Javierto (Lenford)
Fan FavouriteDwayne Vanterpool (Brand N.U)
The 2024 finals were held on November 2 at UP's Cineplex in Road Town, Tortola.
2023 WINNERS
Best Film (Rhodni A. Skelton Award)Emmanuel "Efex" Phillips (Three Little Wishes)
Fan FavouriteEmmanuel "Efex" Phillips (Three Little Wishes)
Best ActorAshawn-Taedo Phillips (Three Little Wishes)
Best ActressMayte'ah Phillips (Three Little Wishes)
Best Directing & SoundtrackEmmanuel Phillips (Three Little Wishes)
Best Editing, Screenplay & Short DocumentaryCamroy Peters (Crack of Dawn)
Neil Blyden Memorial Award for CinematographyNaudia Turnbull (Surreal)
Debbie Wilmot Best PickNaudia Turnbull (Surreal)
The 2023 competition showcased a diverse range of genres and was well attended by the community.
2022 WINNERS
Best FilmEarl Hazel (The Filmmaker's Dilemma)