Flashpoint Film Festival

The Flashpoint Film Festival is a four-day Caribbean film festival with regional and international film submissions that have at least one strong Caribbean element (cast, writer, director, location, etc) or explore subjects that resonate with the Caribbean experience. Flashpoint is the forum for the emerging Caribbean film and TV production industry. The festival seeks to attract new, experienced and aspiring film makers. It is a place where local film and TV professionals have the opportunity to meet international film industry professionals, and be kept up to date on developments in the global film industry.

Founders

Paul BucknorCreative Director, Film Writer, Director, Producer

Greer-Ann SaulterHotelier, Designer, Entrepreneur

Bertram SaulterHotelier, Designer, Entrepreneur

Manifesto

The official cinema of the world seems to have run out of breath. With recent advances in the digital diaspora and the advent of affordable hi-definition camcorders, it is only natural that the independent films in the years to come will reflect the rich cultural legacy of our distinguished citizens and the tremendous social and cultural upheaval of the digital age.

The time has come for the same audiences that embrace the status quo to start to demand movies that incorporate forms of expression that parallel the physical and spiritual world that surrounds them; films exploring the connections between the real and the conceptual in the constantly unwinding coil of modern mythology.

Mission

The Flashpoint Film Festival is a pioneering effort based on the long-term vision and mission to create a catalyst and forum for a dynamic and internationally appealing digital film industry in the Caribbean. It provides an annual platform for feature films, short films, documentaries, animated feature/short films, music videos and video art created by our region’s emerging artists. It also features a series of workshops, seminars and panels hosted by seasoned professionals from the local and international film industries. Although our focus is to showcase the works of Caribbean filmmakers or those with Caribbean-flavoured films, international films are also welcome. Cast in this critical role of film exhibitor, Flashpoint will spark the impending visual revolution in the Caribbean and become the region’s preeminent festival for independent films.

History

In August 2004, at the enchanting Island Outpost resort The Caves in Negril, Jamaica, Paul Bucknor sat down with The Caves proprietors, Greer-Ann and Bertram Saulter, and together they hatched the concept for the Flashpoint Film and Music Festival. With the subsequent blessing of resort co-owner Chris Blackwell, the founders started to plan for an Easter 2005 festival.

From September 10-12, 2004, Hurricane Ivan roared over Jamaica, leaving a trail of damage across the island and heavily pounded The Caves. After extensive repairs to The Caves were completed, the Flashpoint concept was revived and the date was pushed back to Emancipation Weekend, July 30-31, 2005.

Greer-Ann set about bringing together the logistics, Bertram designed and prepared the location, Flashpoint Village, and Paul sought the film and music content. With additional support from Roderick Gordon’s company, Kindling, Inc., a raft of respected Jamaican sponsors quickly signed on. The team was complete.

In 2008, festival goers can expect to participate in a host of activities including the film premier of three Jamaican feature films, original sound tracks featuring producer Jay Will, a star-studded film line-up with budding actors Everaldo Creary, Sheldon Shepherd, and super model Nicole Grey, and other on screen appearances from old favourites like Rohan Daley, Ragashanti, and the Godfathers of Jamaican performance art, Oliver Samuels and Charles Hyatt.