The team behind Jamaican film Stew Peas is celebrating more than a successful red-carpet première. Following its June 27 world première at Carib 5 in Cross Roads, the suspense thriller has secured release in cinemas across all three Palace Amusement cinemas Carib 5 in Cross Roads, Palace Cineplex at Sovereign Centre, and Sunshine Palace Cinema in Portmore, beginning July 22, marking another major milestone for Jamaica’s growing film industry.

For award-winning film-maker Sosiessa Nixon-Kelly, who directed the psychological thriller, the première was both an emotional and validating experience, particularly as audiences embraced the story’s layered themes and unexpected twists.

“Overall, I’m very, very, very grateful that so many people turned out. It was an overwhelming feeling to see everybody reacting to the film when it was being played,” Nixon-Kelly said on Tuesday following the première.

“The audience reactions meant a lot to me to see people actually getting the story lines, actually knowing where I hit certain plot beats and plot points. That was really good. I realised I had an intelligent audience because even the subtle things, they kind of figured it out,” she added.

While acknowledging there were “hiccups in the beginning” of the event, she said seeing a packed theatre overshadowed any early challenges.

“I saw the full house. I’m just being grateful, man. Just thank everybody,” she said.

Perhaps most rewarding, she shared, was hearing audiences praise the quality of the production: “I think also the fact that a lot of people did not expect to see what they see on screen, the quality of the film, the quality of the writing. I’m grateful Jamaicans can own it. I’m grateful that they can see that our stories can go to global audiences.”

Directed by Nixon-Kelly, Stew Peas explores family secrets, betrayal, and Jamaican folklore surrounding toxic relationships through the story of Detective Tessa Riley, whose murder investigation becomes intertwined with the collapse of her own marriage after the arrival of a manipulative housekeeper.

The suspense thriller stars media personality and entrepreneur Kerry-Ann “Chiney K” Collins in the lead role, alongside Mr World Jamaica 2024 Tarique Bennett, international actor Sheldon Shepherd, Shernet Swearine, Hilary Nicholson, Cornelius Grant, and several other Jamaican actors.

For Collins, the première was especially emotional because she had never seen the completed film before stepping into the cinema with the audience.

“It’s so exciting. I was obviously very nervous, but we worked so hard to get this done. And I cannot believe that the day is finally here, where everybody gets to see Stew Peas, and I get to see it for the very first time,” she said on Saturday’s red carpet.

The excitement surrounding the film extended beyond the cast, with several industry veterans describing the production as another sign that Jamaican cinema is entering a new era.

Actor Quera South, who portrays Marcia, said the turnout reflected the growing appetite for locally made films.

“Yo, it’s just so amazing because we’ve been at this for so many years before me even born. So, to see these things manifested is just amazing,” shared South.

Actress Shernet Swearine, who plays Nira Riley, echoed those sentiments: “This is such a big deal for Jamaican cinema. It’s what we want, and this right here tonight is a manifestation of that coming through. So it’s just an honour and a pleasure to be a part of something so huge.”

Sheldon Shepherd, known internationally for his role in Bob Marley: One Love, said events like the première demonstrate why continued investment in Jamaican film-making is important.

“Rising tides, they say, rise all ships, all boats… To have everybody come out, dress up on the red carpet — that’s the energy we want, and that’s what we want to put towards investors as well to say, ‘Let’s celebrate this craft, this art.’ “

“Any feature film done in Jamaica by Jamaicans is a big, big deal,” said Stunt Coordinator Steven A Young. “I’m looking forward to seeing how everything comes out. I’m super, super proud of Sosiessa and Wentworth. When they continue to do things like this, it just helps everybody grow. So we love it.”

Award-winning actor, director, writer, and producer Cornelius Grant welcomed what he hopes will become a regular fixture on Jamaica’s entertainment calendar rather than a once-in-a-decade event.

“I’m getting used to it because I’ll be back here in two months’ time,” he joked. “But it’s a good look that we have a movie constantly and not every 10 years. It becomes a regular thing where the public can look out for it and feel like we’re in Hollywood.”

Grant added that he hopes the growing number of productions will continue raising expectations for the industry.

“I want every film-maker in Jamaica to keep up the standard. Next time mi can roll up in a limousine, the chauffeur come and pull the door for us and the paparazzi meet us right there. But it’s a good look,” he said.

Minister of Culture and Entertainment Olivia “Babsy” Grange, who attended the première, said Jamaica already possesses the ingredients needed to build a thriving film industry.

“We’re moving to the next level,” Grange signposted “We have an industry where we have unique locations, we have the acting talent, we have the skills, persons with the skills, and we have all the necessary infrastructure… And so it’s up to us now to tell our own stories, to make our own movies, and to move it to the next level.”

With its nationwide release scheduled for July 22, the film-makers are optimistic that Stew Peas will continue that momentum while demonstrating that Jamaican stories can resonate with audiences both at home and abroad.

Shernet Swearine, who plays Nira Riley in Stew Peas, steps on the red carpet wearing Atelier Dermoth Williams, formerly known as Uzuri International. She is joined by friend and content creator Renee Patrick at the film’s première. (Photo: Sandena James)

The entrance to Carib 5 in Cross Roads is lit up for the world première of Jamaican suspense thriller Stew Peas.

Kerensia Morrison, minister of state in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, poses on the red carpet during the world première of Stew Peas at Carib 5 in Cross Roads. (Photo: Sandena James)

Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange shares a moment with American actor Lyriq Bent on the red carpet at the première of Stew Peas at Carib 5 in Cross Roads. (Photo: Sandena James)

Jamaican-born actress, screenwriter and director Nicolette Neilson attends the world première of Stew Peas at Carib 5 in Cross Roads. (Photo: Sandena James)