KINGSTON, Jamaica — The European Union (EU) Delegation to Jamaica will provide an opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to connect with subject matter experts from Jamaica and Europe through an upcoming capacity-building workshop.

The workshop will be held under the theme ‘Filmmaking on a Budget’ from June 28 to June 29 at the University of Technology’s (UTech) Papine campus in Kingston.

It is being done through an EU collaboration with the Jamaica Film and Television Association (JAFTA) and the Bachelor of Arts, Communication Arts and Technology (BACAT) Programme at UTech.

The workshop will facilitate an exchange of knowledge and information on key aspects of film and television production. It is a side event to the European Union Film Festival, which celebrates culture as a bridge builder and an important tool for connecting people from diverse backgrounds.

Jamaican director and cinematographer, Gabrielle Blackwood will present on visual storytelling and cinematography while sound editor and designer, Charles de Ville, from Belgium will focus on sound editing and design. Creative economy consultant, Renee Robinson, will be the special guest speaker at the opening of the workshop.

Speaking ahead of the workshop, Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) says the film, animation and music (FAM) sector is the third largest contributor to the island’s GDP.

“Jamaica is seeing an increase in the contribution of the creative sector to its economy. While acknowledging the value of the sector for the preservation of cultural identity and self-expression, this workshop will help participants to embrace filmmaking as a business opportunity for job and wealth creation,” EU Ambassador to Jamaica, Marianne Van Steen shared.

Meanwhile, Saeed Thomas, president of JAFTA says his organisation is proud to collaborate with the EU for the upcoming workshop.

“With capacity building being one of our core values, we are excited to welcome a new cohort of young filmmakers. This opportunity will enable them to learn how to execute productions and films and access opportunities, including the recently launched Jamaica Screen Development Initiative (JSDI) to support Jamaica’s audio-visual industry,” Thomas said.

Participation in the workshop is free of charge but there are limited spaces available. Interested persons may register with JAFTA on Instagram via @jaftaonline.