“JUST ANOTHER FRIDAY” AND “HILL AND GULLY” TOP THE REGGAE FILM FESTIVAL!

By Carl Gilchrist—

Jamaica’s first gospel movie, Just Another Friday, won the award for Best Jamaican Feature Film and Hill and Gully for Best International Feature Film as the curtains came down on the 2013 Jamaica International Reggae Film Festival at Island Village, Ocho Rios.

It was a big boost for TV producer Judith Falloon Reid, in her first feature film, where she assumed the role of director, executive producer and screenwriter – and she was excited.

“The film is Jamaica’s first gospel movie and it’s about family interactions and decisions, making choices and how those choices impact the rest of your life,” she told The Gleaner after collecting her award from festival coordinator Barbara Blake Hannah.

The film was produced in association with Jamaica Youth For Christ (YFC), with actors from its drama ministry, ACTS 12, filling the roles.

Patrice Johnson Chevannes, writer and director of Hill and Gully, was emotional when she was announced as winner in the international category.

“I am so excited, I am so happy, I thank you, Jesus. Coming back home and having Jamaican people embrace this film, as I said, if I can win a Jamaican audience I can win anywhere in the world,” Johnson Chevannes said.

Hill and Gully is her third film but is special, she explained, as she chose the name to create a connection with Jamaica. She only entered the festival at the last minute after a friend told her about it.

“And to get the international award for best film is just humbling for me and I’m just so happy.”

Roy T. Anderson accepts award from Barbara Hannah for “Akwantu – The Journey”

best documentary

The cast included, among others, Johnson Chevannes in the lead role and introduced young Celeste Jacqueline Sena who played her 10-year-old daughter.

Greg Pond’s Born in Trench Town won for best documentary with Roy T. Anderson’s Akwantu – The Journey being presented with an honour award.

Edge Michael’s video for If It Ain’t One Thing It’s Another, was also presented with an honour award in the video category.

The five-day film festival was a success and although tiring, was quite satisfying for Blake Hanna.

“People really enjoyed it and that’s been the nice part,” she told The Gleaner.

The not-so-nice part was the continued lack of sufficient funding for the festival.

“I wish I had more funding, I really would have done well with more funding. We would have been able to hire more staff, including looking after our international guests, providing more facilities at the venue; but I think we did very well with the little that we had – we took a mickle and made a muckle.”

Hopefully, with adequate funding, the show will return next year to Island Village, Ocho Rios, which was main sponsor this year.