Jamaican documentary Raizal: The Jamaican-San Andrés Connection claims Best Documentary at the 21 Islands Festival, adding another achievement
Raizal: The Jamaican-San Andrés Connection Wins Best Documentary Award
Jamaican film producer Jamar Cleary's critically acclaimed documentary, Raizal: The Jamaican-San Andrés Connection, has won the Best Documentary Award at the 21 Islands International Short Film Festival. The announcement was made following the film's successful screening at the prestigious festival in New York City.
This year’s festival saw fierce competition, with nearly 2,500 films from over 300 islands submitted. After rigorous evaluation, Raizal: The Jamaican-San Andrés Connection stood out among 46 selected films, winning the top award in its category.
"This award reflects the tireless work of everyone involved in bringing this story to life, and it is a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking in highlighting untold stories"
The documentary, which explores the unique cultural ties between the Raizal people of San Andrés, Colombia, and Jamaica, has garnered widespread praise for its compelling narrative and striking cinematography. This latest accolade further solidifies its impact in raising awareness of Afro-Caribbean Latino heritage and the deep-rooted connections shared between the Jamaican and Raizal communities.
The festival organizers shared their thoughts on the film's success, stating: "In a time when the world faces such challenges, the arts continue to be a beacon of hope, a means of connection, and a reminder of the power we all share to transcend borders and explore new perspectives. This year, your work stood out and is a testament to the incredible impact storytelling can have in bringing us together—across islands, continents, and cultures."
"I am truly honored to receive this recognition from the 21 Islands International Short Film Festival," said Jamar Cleary, the film's director. "This award reflects the tireless work of everyone involved in bringing this story to life, and it is a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking in highlighting untold stories."
The film has previously been featured at a number of notable international film festivals, including the Films That Move Festival in Jamaica where it won the Cultural Resonance Award and the Silicon Valley African Film festival in California. Cleary, a student at the University of the West Indies, continues to focus on projects that celebrate the rich cultural history and contemporary realities of Afro-Caribbean communities.
Raizal: The Jamaican-San Andrés Connection is available for screenings, with upcoming plans for broader international outreach. Cleary is currently working on future film projects that explore further aspects of Caribbean and Latin American cultural intersections.
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