Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has announced the top 8 finalists in the 5th staging of its FIWI Short Film Competition.

The finalists for the 2025 staging are Paris Taylor (How to Not Gossip), Robert Tyme (Bun Dem), Seyvonnie Campbell (Signs of Inclusion), Brian Johnson (Inside Voice), Omaall Wright (Tun Back Blow), George Malcolm (Lick), Shemar Grant (Pssst: A Catcall for Help), and Narry Berry (Eyesore).

The platform continues to spotlight emerging Jamaican film-makers and authentic local storytelling.

This year’s competition features a strong public health awareness component, with a partnership from the Ministry of Health & Wellness.

Film-makers were challenged to creatively incorporate the theme ‘STOP: You’re Eating Too Much Salt’, using film as a tool to encourage lifestyle awareness, behavioural change, and national conversation around healthier living. The shortlisted films interpret the theme through powerful, relatable, and imaginative storytelling.

Acting director of arts development and training at JCDC Shaun Drysdale, who conceptualised the FIWI Short Film Competition, expressed his excitement about this year’s staging, noting that it reflects both growth in the competition and maturity within Jamaica’s film sector.

“This year’s FIWI Short Film Competition truly shows how far our film-makers have come. The stories are bolder, the production quality is stronger, and the way the film-makers have woven a national public health message into authentic Jamaican narratives is impressive,” he said. “Film is one of the most powerful ways for us to tell our own stories, and what audiences will see this year is creativity, relevance, and purpose all coming together. These eight films represent the future of Jamaican cinema, and viewers can expect to be moved, challenged, and inspired.”

As the nation continues to navigate and recover from recent challenges, the JCDC has redoubled its commitment to therapy through art, using creative platforms such as film to foster expression, healing, and social reflection.

As is customary, the public will once again play a key role in the competition through the Viewer’s Choice Award.

All eight films are now available for public viewing on the JCDC’s YouTube channel, and the winning film in this category will be determined by the highest number of views recorded during the designated viewing period, which will close ahead of the awards ceremony.

The FIWI Short Film Awards Ceremony is scheduled for January 2026, when the winners across all categories will be formally announced.