‘Raised by Goats’ off to France; scores a first for Jamaican film industry

A film with a fascinating title — Raised by Goats — now has the distinction of being the first Jamaican project to be selected for the La Fabrique Cinéma de l’Institut Francais programme to be held at the 77th staging of the prestigious Festival De Cannes in France.

Director of the project, Gibrey Allen and producer Nadean Rawlins, will also score another first. They are the first Jamaican filmmakers to be pitching in that forum as part of the Marche du Film line-up, and the effervescent Rawlins is floating on cloud nine.

“I literally screamed and cheered!” Rawlins said, when asked about her first reaction upon hearing the news. “It was always a dream to attend the Cannes Film Festival and what better way than with our project that we are so passionate about?”

Reminiscing on the genesis of Raised by Goats, Rawlins shared that she and Allen met at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland in 2022 when they were both participants in the Open Doors Programme.

“I was in the Producers’ Hub and he was in the Directors’ Club. We were both Jamaican with a common goal and interest and so we decided [to collaborate] on a project and that was the birth of Raised by Goats,” she explained.

The film is inspired by the director’s mother and this is the back story which Gibrey shared with The Sunday Gleaner.

“My mom grew up during the late 1950s to early 1960s ... this profound time as Jamaica moved towards independence. I found myself fascinated by this time through the eyes of a child, intrigued by the blend of uncertainties and hope it presented. Raised by her mother and aunts, strong women figures, my mom received guidance and support as they did their best to provide her with a good life. Despite facing hardships and trauma during her childhood, I am deeply impressed by her enduring joy and optimistic outlook on life. The absence of a father figure, a topic we often explore, continues to shape her worldview. These conversations, past and present, have become integral to shaping the narrative framework of the film,” Gibrey said.

Rawlins pointed out that the word that should take the most emphasis in the title is “raised” which means to uplift and or to nurture.

She added, “The term G.O.A.T symbolises the “greatest of all time” and is used to describe the four central women characters in the film, with Jamaica and its landscape serving as a prominent fifth character. Jamaica is depicted as a nurturing force, akin to a mother, providing sustenance and shelter. Additionally, goats feature prominently throughout the film, with their bleating calls leading the main character, Trudy, into the Blue Mountains where she finds herself and the means to heal. The lifecycle of goats, from vulnerable kids to protective mothers, serves as a metaphor for Trudy’s emotional journey from fragility to strength and intentionality.”

In its synopsis, Raised by Goats is described as “a captivating multi-generational drama set in Jamaica in the 1960s that explores the fate of Trudy, a young widow whose quest for renewal takes her to the mystical Blue Mountains. There, between legends and reality, she discovers truths that will transform her life”.

Visibility

It was in February that Prime Minister Holness launched the billion-dollar Jamaica Screen Development Initiative (JSDI) which is lauded as “a game-changer” in the industry, and has been the centrepiece of many conversations. Both Rawlins and Gibrey have applauded it.

“Since the JSDI was announced there has been a sense of optimism and excitement within the industry,” Rawlins shared. “The JSDI will address the financing challenges that have historically hindered local productions. Now there will be investment in production funds, tax incentives, and partnerships with international financiers, providing filmmakers the resources they need to bring their projects to life ... and our participation at La Fabrique can help boost the visibility of Jamaica’s film industry, attract investment, and create more opportunities for local filmmakers.”

Allen stated, “Being selected in La Fabrique is a testament to the growing recognition of Jamaican cinema and the power of our stories to resonate with audiences worldwide. I am eager to embark on this transformative journey to further develop Raised by Goats and showcase the vibrant voice of Jamaican cinema on the global stage.”

This year’s selection comprises 10 projects in development, including Raised by Goats, representing diverse voices and narratives from around the globe. Gibrey and Rawlins will take to the international stage for their project as part of a pitching session, on May 16 in the official Marché du Film line-up. They leave the island tomorrow for France.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com