Caribbean content remains one of the most sought after globally yet remains largely untapped. That is the basis by which RealVibez, the entertainment subsidiary of Blue Mahoe Capital, will launch its inaugural online film festival.

The three-day event will be held between Wednesday, August 25 and Friday, August 27 and will feature a hybrid format with the face-to-face segment being held at the Purple Palms Creative Studio in Wynwood, Miami.

The festival will feature the screenings of films, as well as host 10 workshops and three pitch sessions.

Already on board as sponsor partners are the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Blinsky, Ava Stewart from State Farm Insurance and parent company, Blue Mahoe Capital Partners. The festival will also host an online auction of track and field sneakers donated by Adidas Agent, Cubie Seegobin.

Festival Director and former Film Commissioner of Jamaica, Carole Beckford thinks the timing is right as the Caribbean is the focus of economic activity in several industries. RealVibez indicated that it is targeting Caribbean nationals in the creative sector, which organisers think has tremendous potential for wealth and job creation.

“We plan to initiate partnerships that will take a project from idea to execution,” Beckford said.

“We know the short films will bring a scintillating mix of artistry from the heart of the Caribbean culture representing music, sports, food and fashion and a host of other stories, guaranteed to present a unique experience to our audiences that will inspire you,” she added.

Veteran US broadcaster, Neki Mohan has been appointed Ambassador for the festival and the Advisory Team will include film, media and entertainment officials with global reach.

Entries close in less than a week for entries for films and those fees start at US$30 per entry.

The categories of films are namely: full-length features, documentaries, narrations, animations and musicals.

Stories could be fiction or non-fiction

Films must be produced, directed, edited, or written by a Caribbean national living on any of the islands/countries. The production teams may include a Caribbean national based outside of the region. Films submitted, may only have been entered in one other film festival within no further back than August 31, 2019.

If there is a film in another language, it must have English subtitles or be dubbed in English. At least one member of the team will be required to participate in an online festival to be hosted by RealVibez.