KINGSTON, Jamaica — Social media influencer Chiney K is in full preparation mode ahead of the debut of her first feature film, “Stew Peas,” which is set to premiere on June 27.

The content creator, whose real name is Kerry-Ann Collins, shared that the real work is only just beginning—noting that the premiere is merely a launchpad, and the true effort lies in leveraging this momentum to build long-term career longevity and secure future film projects.

“I am excited, but I am also bracing for the heavy lift ahead. The film is my debut, and I am excited to get people out to see it, but I am also bracing for the reviews. Hopefully, my efforts on screen translate and help me to transition from simply being one of the stars of ‘Stew Peas’ to booking other projects,” said Collins.

“Promotion is no joke; it is far more grueling than acting. We want to get the film in front of the biggest audience possible so they can see what the local industry has to offer, and hopefully, it gets in front of a diaspora audience as well,” she added.

As part of her preparation, Collins has been embedding herself more deeply into the film space, recently walking the red carpet at the Cannes International Film Festival. The high-profile appearance was orchestrated through a strategic collaboration with Marshall, the powerhouse Jamaican designer behind Lepremier Miami and the wardrobes of Hollywood fixtures like Anthony Anderson and Swizz Beatz. For Collins, aligning with an established luxury designer on cinema’s biggest international stage represents her intention to pivot from digital content creator to a serious player in the global film landscape.

“Many people may not know this, but I actually have a strong background in film. I studied it extensively in college and at one point even hoped to study abroad in France—I even hoped to intern at the Cannes Film Festival. Although life took me to California State University, Northridge instead, being here now feels like a true full-circle moment and one far bigger than I ever could have imagined. I have slowly been building, and with ‘Stew Peas’ coming out next month, I am consistently looking to break onto the international playing field,” said Collins.

“Cannes represents the depth and breadth of the film industry; after all, industry power players are constantly walking the Croisette—from boutique talent agents to prominent casting directors. It is where, as a budding actress, I needed to be. I am grateful because I am looking not only to network but to help develop the industry back home in Jamaica,” added Collins.

Collins also used the opportunity to share some of the insights she gained from the festival, noting that it was a masterclass in understanding the missing links in Jamaica’s local industry—primarily the lack of a supporting ecosystem that can connect with international financiers.

“Cannes is not just about the glitz and glamour—that’s just what the public gets to see. Programs like Cannes’ impACT Lab are happening behind the scenes and that’s where the real magic is unfolding. It’s where emerging film producers can get a handle on the strict legal, financial, and technical standards required by global investors—those things are vital for growth,” said Collins.

“As a film studies graduate, I have been fascinated with Nollywood and its growth model. They started out as a direct-to-market guerrilla model and transformed it into an industry that the world is paying attention to, particularly investors. At this year’s Cannes, Nigerian twin directors Arie and Chuko Esiri made a massive splash with ‘Clarissa’—it got a standing ovation, and I was delighted,” added Collins.