Local film ‘Stew Peas’ hosts red carpet world premiere

Saturday June 27 was one of the hottest nights on record for 2026, but perhaps the hottest ticket in town was for the red carpet premiere of iKon Media & Films’ new movie Stew Peas. Written and directed by Sosiessia Nixon-Kelly, the film takes audiences on a wild journey that’s full of unexpected twists and turns, each one met with loud, raucous reactions from the sizeable crowd. The event served as the world premiere for the film and sold out three cinemas at Carib 5, with a crowd comprising parliamentarians, members of the local film industry, and the general public.

The event was appropriately catered with small bites, including, of course, bite-size servings of stew peas. The lobby contained a photo op of a stove with just one pot, to evoke the imagery of a pivotal moment in the film. The event itself was as creatively developed as the film, and marks the latest in a string of film sector-focused events, coming off the heels of the Lab Studios: Slate Jamaica On Screen event on May 22, and the screening of the Sky TV series Possession.

Speaking at the premiere, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange remarked on the recent activity of the local film sector.

“[The] premiere of Stew Peas continues an encouraging trajectory and reinforces the fact that Jamaican cinema is entering an exciting new chapter. Shooting a feature film in just 12 days requires discipline, careful planning, and extraordinary teamwork,” Minister Grange said.

Production on the film was highlighted by the minister as being wholly completed by Jamaicans.

“This film demonstrates the depth of local talent and confirms that Jamaica possesses the creative and technical expertise to produce films that can compete confidently on the international stage.”

Film Commissioner Jackie Jackson congratulated ikon Media and Films on their journey, stating that they have “consistently demonstrated that Jamaican stories can compete on the world stage”.

“ From becoming the first Jamaican production company to qualify for Oscar consideration, to earning international recognition and securing global distribution for Stew Peas before its theatrical release, they continue to raise the bar for what is possible.”

The film commissioner also spoke to the next chapter of film in Jamaica by placing an emphasis on ensuring that creatives view their work as not just creative expression, but as valuable assets.

As for the film itself, attendees – including from within the film industry whose comments came from a place of expertise – were practically buzzing with excitement upon exit. Cinematographer Randy Richards said it was an “amazing film” and he was “excited to see what’s next for Jamaican filmmaking”. Gemmar McFarlane, a filmmaker, shared that, “ [I] couldn’t predict anything and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Big up Sosiessia”. Filmmaker Kevin Jackson said, “I thought the movie was excellent. Very thrilling. Full of twists and drama.”

entertainment@gleanerjm.com

Damian Levy is a film critic and podcaster for Damian Michael Movies.