Film Commissioner says SPRINTER release represents new era in Jamaican film
Film Commissioner Renee Robinson has said that the local opening of filmmaker Storm Saulter’s second feature film, Sprinter, heralds a new era in Jamaican film, and shows that locally made content can be displayed on the island and appeal to Jamaican audiences.
Ms Robinson made the comments in anticipation of the Jamaican premiere of the award-winning film, which will be shown across the island starting on July 3, 2019. Sprinter was executive produced by NBA veteran Richard Jefferson and renowned actors Will and Jada Pinkett Smith through their production company Overbrook Entertainment. It has been screened in over 50 cities and 20 states across North America.
Speaking on the premiere, she said, “SPRINTER opening in theatres in Jamaica demonstrates the true viability of local content on local screens for local audiences, and I hope this will launch more opportunities for visibility for the work of Jamaican filmmakers. Storm Saulter and his team have created something that all Jamaicans can be proud of, and we must rally behind it with support – whether by buying a ticket this week or by joining the long-standing advocacy for resources and ecosystem growth for the film industry.”
Ms Robinson went on to say, “In many ways, SPRINTER heralds a new era of Jamaican cinema, one which displays significant potential for economic success and critical acclaim. The Jamaica Film Commission couldn’t be prouder.”
JAMPRO hopes to create more jobs for Jamaicans working in the screen-based industries through films like Sprinter, develop routes to market for commercially viable creative content, and promote formalization of the film industry.
