284 Excellence Film Festival

4 DAYS. FILM. FOOD. CULTURE. CONNECTION.

29 OCTOBER – 1 NOVEMBER 2026  |  BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Four days. Four experiences. One celebration of Caribbean stories.


WED 28 OCT · 6:30 PM 🥂🎬 WELCOME EVENT Special Screening Programme Opening Night EXPLORE → THU 29 OCT · 6:30 PM 🍴🎬 FOOD & FILM International Film Night Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park EXPLORE → FRI 30 OCT · 6:30 PM 🎬 FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS BVI Film Night Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium | H. Lavity Stoutt Community College EXPLORE → SAT 31 OCT · 6:30 PM 🌴🎥 KICK BACK & SNACK Caribbean Chronicles Nanny Cay Resort & Marina, Tortola EXPLORE → SUN 1 NOV · 6:00 PM 🏆✨ FADE TO BLACK Awards & Closing Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium | H. Lavity Stoutt Community College EXPLORE →

🥂🎬 WEDNESDAY, 28 OCTOBER

WELCOME EVENT

An Intimate Opening Night

An intimate opening-night selection of short films to welcome guests and filmmakers to the 2026 festival. Starts at 6:30 PM.

🎟️ BY INVITATION ONLY · 6:30 PM
SCREENING PROGRAMME
Mental poster

MENTAL

Student Short Film · Runtime: 2:18

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Trapped In Tales poster

TRAPPED IN TALES

Junior Student Short Film · Runtime: 4:00

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The Hollow Below poster

THE HOLLOW BELOW

Science Fiction Horror Short · Runtime: 10:00

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The Big Tree: If These Branches Could Talk poster

THE BIG TREE: IF THESE BRANCHES COULD TALK

Runtime: 10:00

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Total Film Runtime: to be confirmed

BOTTLED LOVE

Runtime: 27:44

An awkward young women struggles to find her place in the world, and turns to vices to cope with her emotions.

🍴🎬 INTERNATIONAL SCREENINGS

FOOD & FILM | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29 | $15

Taste the Caribbean. Watch the World.

📍 Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, Road Town, Tortola

Kick off 284XFF with an evening where cinema meets Caribbean flavour. Enjoy international films, food, drinks and an open-air festival atmosphere in the heart of Road Town. Starts at 6:30 PM.

🍴 FOOD 🎬 FILMS 🍹 DRINKS 🎶 ENTERTAINMENT
🎬 SCREENING BEGINS AT 6:30 PM
SCREENING LINE-UP
Eye For An Eye poster

EYE FOR AN EYE

USA  ·  20:00

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

Robert Smalls: The Great Escape poster

ROBERT SMALLS: THE GREAT ESCAPE

Runtime: 3:06

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Dead Serious poster

DEAD SERIOUS

France / Jamaica / Trinidad  ·  7:00

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Clara Mitchell: Before The First Page Was Written poster

CLARA MITCHELL: BEFORE THE FIRST PAGE WAS WRITTEN

Runtime: 3:31

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Peter Ogden: The Shadowed Charter poster

PETER OGDEN: THE SHADOWED CHARTER

Runtime: 3:21

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

C.R. Patterson: The Blueprint Unveiled poster

C.R. PATTERSON: THE BLUEPRINT UNVEILED

Runtime: 4:02

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Morning poster

MORNING

Runtime: 5:38

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Lodges In The Shadows: The Prince Hall Legacy poster

LODGES IN THE SHADOWS: THE PRINCE HALL LEGACY

Runtime: 3:55

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Approximate Film Programme Runtime: 51 minutes

EYE FOR AN EYE

Filmmaker: Ashley Bowers · Country: USA · Runtime: 20:00

A scavenger in a post-apocalyptic combine attempts to flea their tyrannical leader's control, but will her sister (their leader) let her

DEAD SERIOUS

Filmmaker: Jamar Harding · Countries: France / Jamaica / Trinidad · Runtime: 7:00

Jacob, a burned-out lawyer devastated by his wife’s death, prepares to end his life in a world obsessed with the afterlife. His plan is interrupted by Kevin, an affable stranger who invites himself to dinner. Over wine and conversation, Jacob confesses his guilt, grief, and fear of what lies beyond death. Kevin ultimately reveals himself to be Death, but instead of collecting Jacob’s soul, he refuses to let him escape accountability. When Jacob’s suicide attempt fails by design, he’s left alive, shaken, and forced to confront the difficult work of living.

🎬 NATIONAL SCREENINGS

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS | FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 | $15

BVI Stories. BVI Talent. Big Screen.

📍 Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Paraquita Bay, Tortola

This is our night. Celebrate the filmmakers, students and emerging creators putting Virgin Islands stories on screen. Starts at 6:30 PM.

🎬 LOCAL LENS

Films from BVI filmmakers.

📱 STUDENT SMARTPHONE FILMS

Big stories created on the small screen in their pockets.

🔥 VIRAL VIDEO CHALLENGE

Young BVI creators show us the Territory through their eyes.

🎬 SCREENING BEGINS AT 6:30 PM

🎙️ MASTERCLASSES & WORKSHOPS

MASTERCLASS: PANEL DISCUSSION

MADE FROM WHERE YOU ARE: SMALL ISLAND, BIG SCREEN

Create Without Waiting for Hollywood | Learn How to Take Local Stories to Global Audiences

📅 Friday, 30 October   🕧 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM

📍 Learning Resource Centre (Library), H. Lavity Stoutt Community College

💵 FREE

MODERATOR

Nekita Turnbull

PANELLISTS

Teresa Celeste · Ty Walker · CJ Faison

MASTERCLASS: GREENLIGHT FORUM

OUR STORIES, OUR WAY

Authentic Storytelling in a Global Industry

📅 Friday, 30 October   🕧 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

📍 Atrium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College

💵 FREE

FACILITATOR

John Campbell

SCREENING LINE-UP
The Stalker poster

THE STALKER

Student Short Film · Runtime: 8:17

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The Masked Brothers poster

THE MASKED BROTHERS

Student Short Film · Runtime: 2:57

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Turtle Tracker poster

TURTLE TRACKER

Short Documentary

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Empty Chair poster

EMPTY CHAIR

Student Short Film · Runtime: 5:05

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Mental poster

MENTAL

Student Short Film · Runtime: 2:18

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

THE NIGHT SHIFT poster

THE NIGHT SHIFT

Runtime: 11:00

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BEFORE YOU GO poster

BEFORE YOU GO

Runtime: 6:57

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VI LOVE poster

VI LOVE

Runtime: 4:30

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Trapped In Tales poster

TRAPPED IN TALES

Junior Student Short Film · Runtime: 4:00

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Puzzle poster

PUZZLE

Runtime: 14:30

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THREE LITTLE WISHES poster

THREE LITTLE WISHES

Runtime: 11:38

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SURREAL poster

SURREAL

Runtime: 12:00

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The Hollow Below poster

THE HOLLOW BELOW

Science Fiction Horror Short · Runtime: 10:00

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Total Film Runtime and Projected Screening Conclusion: to be confirmed

COME OUT & SUPPORT BVI FILM

VI LOVE

Runtime: 4:30

VI Love follows Dakarai, a young man promoting a song that celebrates the beauty of finding love in the Virgin Islands. Ironically, despite singing about "VI Love," he has yet to experience it himself.

After spending the day with friends, the group unexpectedly spots a young woman who instantly captures Dakarai's attention. Seeing an opportunity he would normally let pass, his friends rally behind him with relentless encouragement, humour, and confidence, convincing him to take a chance. Gathering his courage, Dakarai approaches her and her friends, hoping this could finally be the moment his own love story begins.

Blending romance, comedy, and authentic Caribbean culture, VI Love explores the excitement, uncertainty, and vulnerability of putting yourself out there in search of connection. As the encounter unfolds, one question remains: will Dakarai finally discover his own VI love, or will he walk away still searching?

TALL GIRL

Country: British Virgin Islands · Runtime: 3:56

Inspired by the timeless charm of vintage cinema and retro aesthetics, Tall Girl is a nostalgic love story that blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Drawing heavy inspiration from Pretty Woman, the film pays homage through carefully recreated moments, classic styling, and a romantic visual language that evokes the feel of late 80's and early 90's cinema.

The story follows a man who falls deeply in love with a woman living a double life. Although he is fully aware that she belongs to a world beyond him, he willingly embraces the illusion that, for the moments they share, she is his and his alone. Rather than confronting the truth, he chooses to preserve the fantasy, finding comfort in fleeting moments of love that exist between reality and imagination.

Every creative element from the wardrobe and production design to the shot composition and pacing, was intentionally crafted to capture the warmth, and emotional sincerity of classic romantic films. The project was creatively directed, styled, and storyboarded by Stefan, while Theo Thomas led the cinematography and camera work. Together, Stefan and Theo Thomas edited the film, combining their creative visions to deliver a music video that feels both nostalgic and contemporary, celebrating the beauty of romance through the lens of classic cinema.

🌴 REGIONAL SCREENINGS

KICK BACK & SNACK | SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 | $15

Caribbean Chronicles

📍 Nanny Cay Resort & Marina, Tortola

An evening celebrating filmmakers from across the Caribbean and its diaspora, bringing the words, folklore, culture and imagination of Caribbean storytellers to life through film. Starts at 6:30 PM.

📚 LITERATURE 🎬 CINEMA 🌴 CULTURE 🍿 SNACKBOXES 🤝 CONNECTION

🎬 MASTERCLASSES & WORKSHOPS

OPPORTUNITIES WORKSHOP

OPPORTUNITIES WORKSHOP

Shawn Brown | Sakura Entertainment: Empowering Independent Producers | Fund. Distribute. Profit.

📅 Saturday, 31 October   🕧 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

📍 Classroom (Atrium), H. Lavity Stoutt Community College

💵 FREE

DRONE WORKSHOP

LIFT OFF: DRONE BASICS

Ready. Set. Fly.

📅 Saturday, 31 October   🕧 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

📍 Classroom (Atrium), H. Lavity Stoutt Community College

💵 FREE

Take your creativity to new heights! Join us for a 1-hour introductory drone workshop covering the basics of drone operation, safe flying, essential techniques and how drones can add dynamic aerial perspectives to your filmmaking. No experience necessary. Just come ready to learn and lift off!

FACILITATOR

Tabari Sturdivant

CANCELLED

ACTING WORKSHOP

ACTING FOR SCREEN

📅 Saturday, 31 October   🕧 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

📍 Classroom (Atrium), H. Lavity Stoutt Community College

💵 FREE

FACILITATOR

Claudia Knight

🎬 SCREENING BEGINS AT 6:30 PM
SCREENING LINE-UP
BOTTLED LOVE poster

BOTTLED LOVE

Runtime: 27:44

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

Cocoa Tea poster

COCOA TEA

Runtime: 9:30

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

BEACH INNA BONDAGE poster

BEACH INNA BONDAGE

Runtime: 29:59

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

The Day I Met You poster

THE DAY I MET YOU

Runtime: 13:48

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

BRIGHT SPARKS poster

BRIGHT SPARKS

Runtime: 23:21

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

Turtle Tracker poster

TURTLE TRACKER

Short Documentary

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

Debra poster

DEBRA

Runtime: 8:33

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

Nostalgia Project poster

NOSTALGIA PROJECTHONOURARY

6:00

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

Raizal poster

RAIZAL

Documentary · Runtime: 20:00

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

SAND: EPISODE 4 poster

SAND: EPISODE 4

Runtime: 18:15

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

SAND: EPISODE 7 poster

SAND: EPISODE 7

Runtime: 15:41

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SISTERS IN DESTINY poster

SISTERS IN DESTINY

Runtime: 52:40

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Total Film Runtime and Projected Screening Conclusion: to be confirmed

BEACH INNA BONDAGE

Runtime: 29:59

Beach Inna Bondage is a short documentary by Kingston-based Dutch filmmaking duo Emiel Martens and Elsie Vermeer in collaboration with the Jamaica Beach Birthright Environmental Movement (JaBBEM) and Grammy-winning Jamaican reggae artist Keznamdi exploring the growing struggle for beach access in Jamaica. Since the 1950s, public access to the island’s beaches has steadily declined, leaving less than one percent of the coastline publicly accessible for Jamaicans. Over the decades, most of Jamaica’s beaches have been captured by private and tourist interests, and particularly since the 2000s large-scale hotel developments have limited beach access for Jamaicans.

This film follows the grassroots movement resisting the privatization of Jamaican beaches by zooming in on three frontline struggles: Bob Marley Beach near Kingston, the Blue Lagoon in the parish of Portland, and Mammee Bay Beach on the island’s North Coast. The interviewees, all Jamaicans, reveal how the 1956 Beach Control Act, which is still in effect today, vests ownership of the foreshore in the Jamaican state (and actually the British Crown) and traces how this colonial-era law, combined with the island’s all-inclusive tourism model, has displaced communities, disrupted livelihoods, and degraded environments. Interwoven with archival footage, news clips, and recordings of protest rallies and court cases, the interviewees situate today’s beach access struggles within Jamaica’s troubled history of land ownership following emancipation and independence. They argue that the island’s tourism industry replicates plantation logic by monopolizing land, concentrating wealth, exporting profits, and, ultimately, marginalizing the people.

Beach Inna Bondage shows that beach access, which is not only an issue in Jamaica but across the Caribbean and beyond, is an urgent matter of historical, economic, social, cultural and environmental justice, raising the question of who the tropical paradise of sun, sand, and sea truly serves, and at what cost...

PAN GYUL

Runtime: 15:09

“Pan Gyul” is a heartfelt coming-of-age story set on the lush island of Nevis. It follows Roshan, a spirited young girl who longs to connect with her father, a revered steel pan musician, by learning to play the instrument that binds him to her older brothers. In a culture where pan is traditionally dominated by men, Roshan must find her voice, her rhythm, and her courage as she challenges expectations to earn a place not just on the stage, but in her father’s heart. One of the biggest challenges is her mother’s disapproval of her playing the pan.

BRIGHT SPARKS

Runtime: 23:21

After losing their eldest son in a tragic accident, a fractured Jamaican family must decide whether to leave behind their grief-filled home for the promise of a fresh start, before the weight of guilt and unspoken sorrow tears them apart for good.

🏆 AWARDS & CLOSING EVENT

FADE TO BLACK | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1 | $75

THE 284XFF AWARDS & CLOSING EVENT

📍 Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College

One final night. One final screen. Join filmmakers, special guests and film lovers as we celebrate the stories, performances and creative voices that defined 284XFF 2026. Cocktail reception starts at 6:00 PM.

🎬 HONOURARY SCREENINGS 🏆 AWARDS PRESENTATION ✨ CLOSING EVENT
🥂 COCKTAIL RECEPTION AT 6:00 PM 🎬 SCREENING BEGINS AT 6:30 PM
SPECIAL & HONOURARY SCREENINGS
Mental poster

MENTAL

Student Short Film · Runtime: 2:18

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

PAN GYUL poster

PAN GYUL

Runtime: 15:09

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

RHYTHM OF JAMAICAN ART poster

RHYTHM OF JAMAICAN ART: TRAILER & PT II

Jamaica · Approx. 40 mins

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

TALL GIRL poster

TALL GIRL

BVI · Runtime: 3:56

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

The Hollow Below poster

THE HOLLOW BELOW

Science Fiction Horror Short · Runtime: 10:00

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

SAND: EPISODE 4 poster

SAND: EPISODE 4

Runtime: 18:15

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

SAND: EPISODE 7 poster

SAND: EPISODE 7

Runtime: 15:41

CLICK TO LEARN MORE →

Total Film Runtime: to be confirmed

WHO TAKES HOME THE GOLD?

MORNING

Runtime: 5:38

In a bright, suburban kitchen a woman and her husband reminisce about some of the most memorable moments of their life together. Their conversation ranges from the funny to the profound, until the sands of the hourglass run out and the truth is revealed.

THE STALKER

Student Short Film · Runtime: 8:17

What begins as a fun day out quickly turns into a terrifying game of cat and mouse when two high school teens realise they are being followed by a mysterious stalker. As fear intensifies and danger lurks around every corner, the teens must find a way to outsmart their pursuer.

Can they escape the stalker's clutches before it's too late?

A student film produced by students of Elmore Stoutt High School.

TRAPPED IN TALES

Junior Student Short Film · Runtime: 4:00

Some books draw you in, but what happens when the story refuses to let you go?

An ordinary reading adventure becomes an unexpected journey filled with twists, turns and surprises for two young students. They must discover the secret to escaping before they're trapped forever.

Getting lost in a good book is easy, but can they find their way out?

A junior student film produced for the Future Filmmakers Academy.

DEBRA

Runtime: 8:33

After giving her church brother Mark a chance, Debra realizes that her new lover is not who he claims to be...

THE DAY I MET YOU

Runtime: 13:48

On the sunlit island of Curaçao, where vibrant colors, ocean breeze, and rhythm fill the streets, David a disciplined yet emotionally fractured man moves through life with quiet control. Beneath the warmth of Caribbean life, he navigates a series of increasingly uncomfortable and failed dates, each encounter exposing his rigid nature, unresolved trauma, and inability to form genuine connection. Beneath his polished exterior lies a past marked by abandonment, abuse, and a deep fear of vulnerability symbolized by a bracelet he refuses to let anyone touch.

As his interactions spiral from light, playful island conversations to tense and explosive confrontations David is forced to confront a painful truth: his greatest obstacle is not others, but himself. Amid the noise of restaurants, the pulse of everyday life, and the unspoken expectations of masculinity and status, a quiet moment of compassion from a humble waiter cuts through his defenses. It leads him into a powerful emotional confrontation, pulling him back into the shadows of his childhood and the love he never fully processed.

In the end, under the same Caribbean sun that once felt so alive, David finds himself at a crossroads aware of the weight he carries, yet uncertain of what to do with it. Whether he will break the cycle and embrace healing, or retreat into the safety of control and isolation, remains unclear… leaving a lingering question in the island air: will he ever truly meet the love of his life, or has he been avoiding himself all along?

COCOA TEA

Runtime: 9:30

When Sophia decides to make her Moms famous Cocoa Tea, things go horribly wrong and it's soon realized there's thin line between reality and nostalgia.

THE BIG TREE: IF THESE BRANCHES COULD TALK

Runtime: 10:00

For over a century, a majestic fig tree has stood as a silent witness to the transformation of Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda.

Through the wise, humorous voice of the Big Tree, this heartwarming animated short takes audiences on a journey through generations of visitors, cherished memories, laughter, love, and the devastating hurricanes of 2017.

From the untouched beauty of Wilderness Beach to the world-renowned Rosewood Little Dix Bay, the Big Tree shares a remarkable story of resilience, renewal, and the enduring spirit of the British Virgin Islands.

Some histories are written in books. Others are written in roots.

SURREAL

Thriller · Naudia Turnbull · Runtime: 12:00

A millennial struggling to make ends meet, signs up to be the beta tester of a new dream capture device and begins to notice the parallels between the real world and the sleeping mind

THREE LITTLE WISHES

Fantasy · A film by Emmanuel Phillips · Phillips Philms · Runtime: 11:38

Three young brothers find themselves in possession of a magical artifact and become entangled in the delightful schemes of a wish dragon, eager to grant them one wish each, bringing a dose of humor and enchantment to their lives.

BEFORE YOU GO

Music Video · Dakarai Wheatley-Adams · Runtime: 6:57

Inspired by the heartbreaking loss of a brother, Before You Go is a deeply personal and emotional music video exploring grief, love, and the weight of words left unspoken.

Haunted by the realization that he cannot remember the last words he shared with his brother, the filmmaker reflects on life's fragility and the conversations we often take for granted.

Through powerful imagery and heartfelt storytelling, Before You Go serves as a moving reminder to cherish our loved ones, reach out while we can, and never leave important words unsaid.

Because sometimes, the words we think we have time to say become the words we wish we had said sooner.

THE NIGHT SHIFT

Horror/Comedy · Amos Pollard · Runtime: 11:00

Created to bring awareness to bike safety and some of the effects mental illness creates on individuals and their families.

"In a world where the dead won't stay dead, one undead patient's journey brings laughter and horror while providing reminders to prioritise biker safety and, mental health in this darkly comedic tale of life after death." - Amos Pollard

THE HOLLOW BELOW

Science Fiction Horror Short · Runtime: 10:00

Written and directed by Andrea Wilson · Produced by Alexandre & Andrea Wilson

Four friends exploring a hidden cave beneath the granite boulders of Beef Island, British Virgin Islands, encounter a mysterious alien presence capable of controlling their bodies and erasing their memories.

When twelve-year-old Alex disappears and returns behaving strangely, his older brother Stephan must uncover the truth and save him before it's too late. With only a waterproof camera capturing what their minds cannot remember, their adventure becomes a terrifying fight for survival.

How do you save someone when you cannot remember leaving them behind?

ROBERT SMALLS: THE GREAT ESCAPE

Runtime: 3:06

This is the true, breathtaking story of Robert Smalls, an enslaved man who risked everything to liberate himself, his family, and his crew, by commandeering a Confederate ship under cover of night and delivering it straight to the Union Navy. With guns trained on him and only a white bedsheet as a surrender flag, Smalls outwitted Fort Sumter, defied the odds, and reshaped American history.

CLARA MITCHELL: BEFORE THE FIRST PAGE WAS WRITTEN

Runtime: 3:31

Before Clara Mitchell becomes the unseen guardian of a rising movement, she is already a master of patterns, silence, and the dangerous spaces between official records. By day, she is an ordinary shipping clerk. By night, she traces erased names, missing pages, and whispers that powerful men are trying to bury.

PETER OGDEN: THE SHADOWED CHARTER

Runtime: 3:21

In the shadowed alleyways and candlelit halls of 1840s New York, one man challenged the racial and fraternal order of his time.

Peter Ogden, a Black sailor and Odd Fellow from Liverpool, returned to America with a dream: to found a lodge for African Americans built on truth, love, and friendship. But what began as a bold vision became a dangerous mission, when the very charter that made their lodge legal was stolen in the night.

Joined by the fearless Clara Mitchell, Ogden races against whispers, conspiracies, and masked enemies to reclaim their right to exist.

C.R. PATTERSON: THE BLUEPRINT UNVEILED

Runtime: 4:02

In a time when invention meant resistance, The Blueprint Unveiled tells the untold story of C.R. Patterson, a Black visionary who rose from slavery to revolutionize the auto industry. When a mysterious figure known only as “Shadow” arrives with stolen blueprints for a futuristic engine, Patterson must decide: play it safe, or risk everything for progress.

LODGES IN THE SHADOWS: THE PRINCE HALL LEGACY

Runtime: 3:55

In the shadows of Revolutionary Boston, one man sparked a silent revolution. Prince Hall: The Light Within the Lodge tells the untold story of a freedman who built a brotherhood in the face of oppression, forging a secret society of Black enlightenment, unity, and resistance.

Through candlelit lodges, coded messages, and bold speeches, Prince Hall Freemasonry became a force for liberation.

PUZZLE

Runtime: 14:30

A documentary produced by Camroy Prince of Frostmedia Digital. At the turn of the year in 2024, a one-of-a-kind Sea Turtle was severely injured in a boating incident. On the brink of death, a supportive community and ocean preservation organisation, named the Association of Reef Keepers (ARK), came together to give the unique turtle a fighting chance at life once more.

SAND: EPISODE 4

Runtime: 18:15

Gerry pushes Elanie to think about the future of their relationship; Gyasi realizes that Kwesi may not be the best manager; Kevin learns that clear communication is the best communication.

SISTERS IN DESTINY

Runtime: 52:40

Two women. Two continents. One shared fight.

From Guadeloupe to the United States, Sisters in Destiny explores the intertwined journeys of Gerty Archimède, a trailblazer of feminism and anti-colonial struggle, and Angela Davis, a global symbol of civil rights and resistance.

Through their activism, their voices, and their historic encounter, the film uncovers a powerful story of Black sisterhood, resilience, and legacy, a forgotten chapter that still echoes today.

NOSTALGIA PROJECT HONOURARY

Runtime: 6:00

Jessie, a teenage girl, tries to remember what her childhood was like, thus finding a compelling solution through a mysterious radio ad.

SAND: EPISODE 7

Runtime: 15:41

After trying to overlook the shortcomings, Gyasi is forced to have a tough conversation with Kwesi; while doing deliveries, Kevin and Elanie bond after witnessing something that changes Elanie's future.

RAIZAL

Documentary · Runtime: 20:00

This award winning documentary focuses on a group of Afro-Caribbean-Latino individuals living on the Colombian-owned island of San Andrés. Known as the Raizals, this community has strong Jamaican heritage, which plays a significant role in shaping their identity and culture. The film explores the unique history and contributions of the Raizals, highlighting their vibrant traditions and connections to their Jamaican roots.

EMPTY CHAIR

Student Short Film · Runtime: 5:05

An ordinary school day takes a mysterious turn when a group of high school teens notices an eerily empty seat in their classroom. They're certain someone once sat there, but strangely, no one can remember who. As they struggle to piece together the mystery, unsettling questions begin to emerge.

What happened to their missing classmate? And more chillingly, who was sitting in that seat in the first place?

A student film produced by students of Elmore Stoutt High School.

TURTLE TRACKER

Short Documentary

A story of tradition, conservation and one man's dedication to the giants of our seas.

Former Customs and former Conservation Officer Austin Freeman has been tracking Leatherback Turtles, starting with his Grandfather in 1989. Each year, between Easter and early summer, Austin traverses the north coast beaches as the Leatherbacks, which can grow up to 1,000 lbs, visit the BVI. He's the only person in the BVI still engaged in this cultural tradition.

THE MASKED BROTHERS

Student Short Film · Runtime: 2:57

When their sister becomes the victim of an injustice at the hands of fellow high school students, two brothers take matters into their own hands, determined to make those responsible pay. But what begins as a quest for justice quickly takes a dark and dangerous turn.

Will the masked brothers succeed in avenging their sister, or will their pursuit of justice come at a deadly price?

A student film produced by students of Elmore Stoutt High School.

MENTAL

Student Short Film · Runtime: 2:18

Behind every smile lies a story, and sometimes, the deepest struggles are the ones we cannot see.

MENTAL chronicles a day in the life of a high school student navigating the painful realities of bullying. As hurtful words and actions take an emotional toll, the film sheds light on the silent battles many young people face and the lasting impact of cruelty.

A powerful reminder that our words and actions matter. Choose kindness, show compassion, and remember that everyone is fighting a battle we may know nothing about.

A student film produced by students of Elmore Stoutt High School.

RHYTHM OF JAMAICAN ART: TRAILER & PT II

Country: Jamaica · Approx. 40 mins

Introductions from Emmy Award Winning Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, and filmed in New York, London, Toronto and Kingston, Jamaica, The Rhythm of Jamaican Art is an 81 minute documentary film that celebrates the history, the present and the future of Jamaican artists in Jamaica, in the diaspora, including the USA, the UK and around the world, with a focus on the struggles and triumphs of emerging Jamaican Artists while speaking to the state of the Jamaican/Caribbean Art ecosystem. Included in the conversation will be the perspectives of experienced leaders and experts shaping the industry.

Featured are notable locations including The National Gallery of Jamaica, Olympia Gallery, Emancipation Park, also, artist and multi award winning director Storm Saulter, an opening of notable Jamaican artist Paul Anthony Smith in New York at Jack Shainman Gallery, special guests to include Associate Curator of The Guggenheim Museum, notable artist Nari Ward, and many others who engage an audience with the art eco-systems most celebrated game-changers.

This documentary sheds a light on the complexities faced by Jamaican contemporary artists, it facilitates the understanding of what it takes to thrive within the system, share their hopes for the future, and drive the support of Jamaican artists worldwide.

MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT 🌴

Come for the films. Stay for the BVI.

Between screenings, discover beaches, dining, island experiences and everything else the British Virgin Islands has waiting beyond the screen.

🏨 STAY

Festival hotel offers

🍽️ EAT

Food & Film + BVI dining

🌴 EXPLORE

Island experiences

🎬 WATCH

Four days of cinema

YOUR SEAT IS WAITING

29 OCTOBER – 1 NOVEMBER 2026  |  BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS