Storm Saulter

Film-maker and multidisciplinary artist

Style Observer: The exclusive Jamaican screening of the first two episodes of Possession were rolled out on Saturday, June 20, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and several other Government officials in attendance. How was that experience for you?

Storm Saulter (SS): It went smashingly well! The room was electric. Besides the special invitees, the audience was filled with cast and crew that actually worked on the show. We felt the energy and spirit in the air when we were filming, but last Saturday when we could finally watch the fruits of our labour, we knew we were witnessing a great leap forward for Jamaica’s film and TV industry. I sat beside PM Holness, and during the screening, every so often I would feel an elbow or a sharp nudge from him when something exciting or important was onscreen. That visceral reaction means so much, and I am sincerely encouraged by the Government’s commitment to growing and strengthening the local film industry.

SO: Would you say that Possession has been your biggest challenge to date?

SS: Possession is by far the biggest project I’ve made on multiple fronts and it is exactly what I have been working towards my entire life. However, regardless of the scale and how high the stakes were, it was by far the calmest I’ve ever felt during the film-making process. With age comes wisdom, but more importantly it is a testament to the quality and dedication of the crew I was surrounded by. Everyone believed in this story passionately and trusted my vision to the end. That trust gave me confidence, which in turn gave the entire team confidence, and we moved in sync toward the same goal.

My feature films Better Mus’ Come and Sprinter were bigger challenges for different reasons.

SO: What has kept you motivated these past years?

SS: Knowing what I am capable of creatively, being determined to share those creations with the world, and refusing to let the rejections dim my light. This is easier said than done. It is hard at times, but you have to keep feeding the creative fire, and be able to push yourself forward even when you feel like nobody is recognising your work or your abilities. Every time there is a major milestone in my career, just like this one, I’m already multiple steps ahead in my creative confidence and can’t wait to push the envelope on the next thing. I often have to remind myself to be present in this moment, and to simply enjoy.

SO: What would your advice be to anyone interested in film, especially in light of the PM’s announcement on Saturday, that film is the next frontier?

SS: Make something, a short film, a micro film for social media, just start making and finish what you start. That is the quickest way to learn your strengths and weaknesses and you will get better much faster. Don’t sit around talking about an idea in your head for years. Write a treatment, then a script, and if the money isn’t there adjust your scope and find a crew of people with the same passion and make something. That is how you get noticed and prove what you can do. That is how you move forward. The time is ripe for it right now, so go!

SO: How did you land the role of director for the Possession series?

SS: Regarding Possession, I was sent a draft of the pilot episode back in 2022 and it aligned very much with the type of story I had been dreaming about creating, so I had a very strong and clear vision for it immediately. I pitched that vision to Karla Crome and the team of producers that were developing it and was initially offered the pilot episode to direct. When Karla and team came to Jamaica on a research/location scout, I spent time with them and poured even more of my ideas into the plot. The project went away for some time and when it came back in 2024 I was asked if I could handle directing the entire show. I had to present a more in depth, all encompassing vision for the world of
Possession and thankfully the team at Snowed In and Sky TV were willing to take a chance on a first time TV director. I give thanks to everyone who has believed in me.

SO: In addition to government funding what else needs to happen for Jamaica to become a powerhouse in film like India and Nigeria?

SS: I believe we need to seriously embrace what makes us culturally unique and focus on telling global stories wrapped in that cultural specificity. Not only stories of people in Jamaica but of Jamaican migration as well. We need to bring the duppies and the spirits and the monsters of Caribbean mythology to the big screen. Global audiences want to discover something new not just attempts at some Hollywood style cinema. We need a new Caribbean Cinema!

SO: On a more personal note Storm did film choose you or vice versa?

SS: I chose film. I was always an artist from a very young age and my family encouraged and fostered that creativity. From photography to cinematography to directing. I think cinema is the ultimate, all-encompassing art form where you can make major creative statements that will last forever and that is what I intend to do.

SO: Who in the industry do you most admire and why?

SS: I respect Ryan Coogler to the maximum! The scale of his projects, his point of view, the way he elevates African and Afro diasporic spirituality. His message of rebellion inserted into popular culture.

SO: Outside of Jamaica what’s your dream (film) location?

SS: It’s all about the story I’m telling and what location fits the script best. Sometimes it’s naturally stunning, or desolate, or urban.

I have always loved Hong Kong cinema and how that city feels like such a character on screen.

SO: Share with us the name of the last movie watched

SS: It’s an absolute classic of crime cinema from 1967, Le Samouraï by Jean-Pierre Melville

SO: How do you unwind?

SS: I make art. I paint, make sculpture, I’ve always been a photographer and have been going back through my archive and creating a new body of photography work. The act of artmaking puts me into a flow state.

SO: What’s your preferred Appleton beverage?

SS: Appleton Estate 12 Year Old Rare Casks Rum with coconut water ice sphere

SO: Share with us a few of your creature comforts

SS: Devon House Guava Ice Cream. Blue Mountain Coffee

SO: Which tune or song is currently playing in your head?

SS: Don’t Worry by Earl Sweatshirt & SURF GANG

SO: Which country is on your summer travel list?

SS: I’ll be heading to the UK soon for the official release of Possession!

SO: Finally, what’s your personal credo?

SS: I think due to evolution and our survival instincts humans are wired to dwell on the negative at times, and we must fight that urge. We must be brave enough to dream of the life we want and go for it. It takes time and effort but I’ve manifested everything good that I’ve dreamed of so far and I’m gonna keep on dreaming and keep on manifesting.

Photos: Karl Mclarty & Gavin Jones

•2 oz Appleton Estate 12 Year Old Rare Casks Rum •Coconut water • Ice sphere topped with coconut flakes (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Eau de Toilette.