GATFFEST success spurs on young director

Shereita Grizzle, Gleaner Writer

Independent film director Adrian McDonald was the big winner at this year's staging of the Greater August Town Film Festival (GATFFEST). His short film, Cozenage, won four awards, including Most Original Screenplay and Best Local Film.

Shot in the inner-city community of Standpipe in St Andrew, Cozenage is McDonald's first film and its aim is to challenge the stereotypes surrounding the depiction of youth from these communities.

In an interview with The Gleaner, McDonald said he chose to focus on that topic because persons from inner-city communities were still looked down on by other segments of society.

"Our existence and who we become is heavily influenced by how we are perceived, and as a result we often cloth ourselves with such perceptions and begin to emulate it," he said.

Never expected win

The budding director admitted that he never expected to come away the big winner but said he was humbled by the film's achievements.

"I wouldn't say I was expecting to win, in actuality, I was hoping to and I had doubts as this was my first film," he explained.

Having gained tremendous exposure at GATFFEST, McDonald said the response to the film has been phenomenal as it has been making the rounds on social media since the festival's close last month.

"Persons have been reposting, emailing and sharing on Facebook and other social networking sites, saying it has brought them to tears, not because it was a sad film but because of how guilty they felt for judging someone because of where they come from."

Following the success of his debut, McDonald is already working on his second, Genesis.

That production, he says, will be one of Jamaica's entries in the upcoming Toronto Film Festival, scheduled for September.

He also hopes to release his first feature film titled Son of Sin this summer.

"My main intent as I progress in my film career is to ensure I bring films to the masses that will enlighten, motivate and enable the human condition in accordance with morality and godly principles."

McDonald had nothing but high praises for the promoters and organisers of GATFFEST, saying it offers tremendous opportunities for aspiring film-makers.

"It is encouraging, has great standards and offers a medium for film-makers, investors and other individuals to network."

The second staging of the annual GATFFEST came to a close on Sunday, April 27 at an awards ceremony held at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston.

shereita.grizzle@gleanerjm.com