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Jubilance and celebrations continue to abound for all that is Jamaica. Now enters Jamaica 50th Film Showcase; a cinematic celebration featuring a potpourri of films that chronicles a unique history since the country’s independence and beyond. United Achievers’ Community Services Inc. in association with the Jamaica 50 Celebration Inc. is hosting the Jamaica 50th Film Showcase saluting Jamaican Film Artists through Film.

From October 7-18, 2012, this 11-day feast of films – that capture the spirit and dynamism of Jamaican and Canadian film makers, encompassing Jamaica’s Heroes Week – will provide a kaleidoscope of perspectives from the films to be showcased and for those who share a passion for film.

The Jamaica 50th Film Showcase celebrate the rich historic and cultural legacy of the island as well as spark and foster interest in Canada’s diasporic film continuum. The Jamaica 50th Film Showcase endeavours to entice and tempt the cinematic palettes of those from the Jamaican diaspora and beyond to experience the richness that comes from the land we love.

The Jamaica 50th Film Showcase will launch Sunday, October 7, 2012 at TIFF Bell Lightbox opening with Akwantu: The Journey. Created by award-winning Jamaican-born Hollywood stuntman Roy T. Anderson, Akwantu tells the story of his ancestors, the legendary Maroons of Jamaica, the world’s first freedom fighters. An Exhibition and Silent Auction will complement the Canadian premiere of Akwantu-The Journey at TIFF Bell Lightbox premiering of the film.
Other films chosen for the showcase will include retrospectives including The Harder They Come – featuring Jimmy Cliff; The Lunatic – featuring Paul Campbell; Dancehall Queen – featuring Audrey Reid; the documentary film just recently released Marley – featuring one of Jamaica’s most famous families. Each film delves into a delicious part of the island’s history, while capturing the spirit and essence of Jamaica.

Canadian film programming will also include films from Clement Virgo’s – A Poor Boy’s Game, David ‘Sudz’ Sutherland – Love, Sex and Eating the Bones; and Charles Officer’s – Nurse Fighter Boy and a short (fresh from TIFF 2012), 100 Musicians.

Films will be showcased across the city at the following locations:
•Toronto: TIFF Bell Lightbox in the heart of the Entertainment District at 350 King Street West
•West End: Cineplex Odeon Courtney Park Cinema – formerly AMC Theatres, Courtneypark & Hurontario and Albion Cinemas, Rexdale.
•East End: Cineplex Odeon Morningside Cinema – 401 East & Morningside Drive (Scarborough)

The Jamaica 50th Film Showcase is brought to you by our presenting sponsor, RBC Royal Bank and our partners Jamaica 50 Celebration Inc., Consulate General of Jamaica, JAMPRO Jamaica Trade and Invest, Film Market Access and MACPRI.