Nia Blackwood to launch animated movie
Eleven-year-old Jamaican American writer Nia Blackwood is gearing up to release an animated movie called The Party Crew.
“I envisioned a vibrant animated adaptation that would bring my characters to life in thrilling new ways. With the support of my family, my imagination started to come to life and I expect that people all around the world will love it,” she told the Jamaica Observer.
The animation is based on a book of the same name that Blackwood published in 2021.
Following the book’s release, the baton was handed to the team at MasLife365 Studio.
It is being co-directed by Dianne Diaz and produced by Kenia Mattis.
The movie’s plot introduces us to Piper, a young Jamaican American girl, and her beloved grandmother. They embark on a quest to rescue not only her new-found feline friends, but also to find a solution to the grinding challenges they face in their daily lives.
Meanwhile, the voice actors are Blackwood as Piper, Essence Jade Wooten as May, Nyla Acker as Sam, and Brooke Blackwood as Lillian.
According to the young creator, the animation showcases a blend of her heritage.
“What sets The Party Crew apart is the fact that it shows Jamaican and American cultures through music and community. It also has engaging characters and a compelling storyline,” she said.
Blackwood is the granddaughter of the operators of The Dutch Pot Jamaican Restaurant in Florida. The owners hail from Manchester and have so far opened multiple locations in the State.
The official première is still being finalised. However, there will be red carpet launches both in Jamaica and South Florida.
