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.

CONCEPT / 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.

FOUNDERS

Paul Bucknor  
Greer-Ann Saulter, Bertram Saulter

FLASHPOINT 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 + 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.

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 2006, the Flashpoint team incorporated some exciting new elements: we extended it into a three-day festival, we also changed our name to Flashpoint Film Festival, in order to maintain a focus on developing our film industry that is far more of a fledging than our internationally revered music industry. Thirdly, we broadened the Flashpoint concept, officially declaring it a Caribbean film festival that also welcomes international film submissions. And last but certainly not least, we decided to form an official film screening panel, bringing together seasoned film industry professionals with diverse perspectives to select content for 2006 as well as future programmes.

We are now a few months away from our exciting third festival, which promises to mesmerize! Film, music and culture lovers…this is a DON’T MISS EVENT!