ACTOR and poet Sheldon Shepherd is adding to the diversity of local entertainment with his latest initiative, Three Films 3 Chapters.

The event runs over three days — July 13, 19, and 22 — at Sky Gallery in St Andrew. It will take the form of screenings featuring three films in which Shepherd appears, a question-and-answer segment with the film’s directors and readings of Shepherd’s poetry and stories to complement each.

Shepherd told the Jamaica Observer that he has toyed with this idea for some time. He wants to add to appreciation of the arts.

“Whenever we are involved in any form of artistic endeavour, we always want it to be something that adds texture to the lives of our audience. We want to contribute to their journey, share an experience as we take and create a social vibe, now that we are able to meet face to face once again,” he told the Observer.

“I always had this idea of creating a one-man show with the complete production in dub poetry… a full 90-minute show complete with corresponding film cuts and music. I was looking at some Jamaican films which have been screened all over the world but Jamaicans have never had that experience to watch and share. So I chose three of my own films, Reggae Boyz, Yardie, and Better Mus’ Come, made contact with the producers who allowed me the opportunity to screen in the region. Then I found Sky Gallery with it great rooftop space and I just thought it would be perfect,” said Shepherd.

The three-part showcase commences July 13, with the screening of Reggae Boyz, a 2018 film directed by Till Schauder and narrated by Shepherd. It looks at the efforts of Jamaica’s football team to qualify for the 2014 World Cup. Shepherd will do readings from his work In the Morning Yah to complement the film as converse with Schauder via Zoom following the screening.

“This film is the classic underdog story. The readings fits this perfectly as it examines feeling confident about self and asserting your right to be here even though you are an underdog,” he said.

Shepherd has chosen chapter two of Beautiful Day for the Idris Elba-directed film, Yardie, which will be screened on July 19. The series closes with Storm Saulter’s Better Mus’ Come, for which Shepherd will be reading from chapter three of his work, Fantastic Moonlight.

“Yardie is the most beautiful film I have done so far. It is so goon on the eyes, the colours are amazing and the story is beautiful. So call me surface but I just chose Beautiful Day for this one, because like the film’s storyline, my work encourages you to see the beauty in pain and sorrow. We are hoping to have Idris join us via Zoom for this one. Fantastic Moonlight is all about love and was written 100 per cent in dedication to my mother. If you remember, Better Mus’ Come was also a love story between Kamala and Ricky. We know how audiences love love, so we will be exploring this thing called love. Storm will be with me to answer some of the questions on this night,” Shepherd explained.

Based on experience and lessons learned from the screenings, the plan is to expand the series, repeating the films as well as adding new ones.