THE Lignum Vitae Film Festival kicks off today at the Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in Mandeville at 5:00 pm.

The event is in its fifth year.

Tamika Wilson, research assistant in NCU’s communication department, said the festival — which started as a class project — has grown significantly.

“We hope to screen 15 films from the more than 30 submitted,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

Among the films to be screened are 60 Seconds To Live (directed by Collin McClaughlin), Life Can Be Tough (directed by Troy Davidson), and Until The Road End (directed by Ramizann Williams).

Stephen ‘Big Bomb’ Williamson and Carlton Gordon of Spanish Town’s Island Interactive will do a presentation on animation. They are co-producers of Star Boy.

Williamson, the company’s 24-year-old chief pperating officer, said he got involved in the festival after Star Boy’s writer, Tilsa Wright, contacted them.

“It is an animated love-triangle drama centred around a talented cricketer named Brian Lane,” Williamson told the Jamaica Observer.

He said he and his partner will also present the 3D animation production.

“Our goal is to demonstrate our workflow and inspire students to enter the field of animation by lowering the perceived barrier to entry,” he said.

Williamson believes animation is still in its formative stages in Jamaica, but is optimistic it will grow. He has advice for aspiring animators.

“In my opinion, it is not feasible for one person to produce quality animated content. Teamwork makes the dream work. Secondly, aim regionally if not globally. Our island is small and quality animation can be expensive to produce. Therefore, work out a business model and aim for a wider audience,” said Williamson.