JAFTA, UNICEF select filmmakers for post-hurricane stories

The Jamaica Film and Television Association (JAFTA) in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has selected three filmmakers to document the lived experiences of women, adolescent girls, and children still navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The filmmakers were chosen for Behind Her Lens: Women and Children in the Wake of Hurricane Melissa, a new documentary initiative that places women and children at the centre of post-disaster storytelling, amplifying voices that are often overlooked during recovery and rebuilding efforts. The initiative will support the production of three deeply human short documentaries, five to eight minutes each, using rights-based, ethical, and trauma-informed approaches to capture resilience, agency and the everyday realities facing affected communities in western Jamaica.

The selected projects are The Forgotten Daughters, directed by Gabrielle Blackwood; After Melissa: The Women and Girls of Petersfield directed by Kaneal Gayle, and Sisters and the Storm, directed by Ina Sotirova.

RESILIENCE IN THE WAKE OF DISASTER

Each film will explore how women and children have lived through loss, caregiving, disrupted livelihoods and recovery, while highlighting strength, leadership and community resilience in the wake of disaster.

Nadean Rawlins, president of JAFTA, said the initiative reflects the power of storytelling and how it influences recovery and advocacy.

“At JAFTA, we believe film has the power to shift perspectives and influence change,” she explained while adding that the project allows Jamaican filmmakers to approach Hurricane Melissa not only as a national event, but as a “deeply personal experience” for women and children whose voices are often missing from mainstream narratives.

“We are honoured to partner with UNICEF to support ethical, authentic storytelling that uplifts resilience and drives meaningful change,” Rawlins noted.

Olga Isaza, UNICEF Jamaica representative underscored the importance of ensuring that women and children are visible in conversations about disaster response and recovery. “Women, adolescent girls, and children are disproportionately affected during and after disasters, yet their stories are the least documented.

“Through this partnership with JAFTA, we are ensuring that their experiences are shared with care and respect, raising awareness, shaping policy discussions, and guiding more inclusive recovery efforts for the communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa.”

Through this initiative, JAFTA and UNICEF aim to ensure that these realities are not only documented, but understood and addressed through sensitive, thoughtful, and empowering storytelling.

The completed documentaries will be screened within three affected communities, followed by a national screening event in Kingston.

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