Caribbean film with Jamaican lead heads to Tribeca, Essence Film Festivals

In a big move for Jamaican and Caribbean cinema, the feature film Chokehold, starring Jamaican actress Sherando Ferril, has been showcased at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and is set to make appearances at both the Tribeca and Essence Film Festivals.

This marks a significant milestone as Chokehold is the first film of its kind with a lead actress who not only hails from but also resides in Jamaica.

Ferril’s riveting performance has earned her accolades for her portrayal of a complex character navigating through themes of gender violence – a topic that resonates globally. The film’s reception at Cannes has been described as “spectacular”.

The significance of Chokehold extends beyond its artistic achievements. It represents a pivotal moment for Jamaica’s cultural export in the arts and entertainment sector, akin to the global influence seen with Jamaican sports figures. The Jamaican government has recognised this potential, investing one billion dollars into the Jamaica Screen Development Initiative, aiming to amplify local content on a global stage.

This initiative underscores a strong belief in the transformative power of Jamaican films to compete internationally.

Chokehold has won more than one dozen awards at global film festivals.