ROAD TOWN, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Oct 21, CMC – International film screenings, Caribbean storytelling and opportunities to connect with industry professionals are amng the highlights of the second annual 284 Excellence Film Festival that gets underway here on October 29.
The four day event will be held under the theme “Uniting Creative Voices, Celebrating Caribbean Stories” and organised by the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Tourist Board & Film Commission.
The organisers said that the festival will feature four days of international, regional and national film screenings, industry masterclasses, practical workshops, networking opportunities and an awards celebration recognising excellence in filmmaking.
The 2026 festival has attracted 30 film submissions from 10 countries and territories including St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, the United States, Australia, Curaçao, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guadeloupe and the host cuntry.
The organisers said that the submissions reflect the festival’s growing reach and its role in creating opportunities for filmmakers to share their work with audiences beyond their home territories.
“As we prepare to welcome filmmakers and industry professionals from across the region and beyond, we are especially proud of the growth of the 284 Excellence Film Festival. What began as a vision to create greater opportunities for our local filmmakers is slowly evolving into a platform that celebrates Caribbean creativity, encourages meaningful industry connections and brings our stories to wider audiences,” said Natalie Hodge, BVI’s Film Commissioner and Festival Director..
“We look forward to building on the success of our inaugural year and continuing to position the British Virgin Islands as a destination where filmmaking and storytelling can thrive,” she added.
The festival will begin with an invitation-only welcome event for industry professionals and sponsors on October 28, while the public programme on Thursday will feature the international screening of “Food & Film”
The organisers said the festival will welcome a distinguished group of industry professionals, including Teresa Celeste, Ty Walker, CJ Faison, John Campbell, Valerie Meraz, Tabari Sturdivant and Claudia Knight and that “their participation will provide opportunities for local and regional creatives to gain industry insight, develop practical skills and establish professional connections.
The festival will culminate with its Fade to Black Closing and Awards Event on November 1, celebrating the filmmakers and creative talent featured throughout the programme.
”Through its combination of film exhibitions, industry engagement and professional development, the 284 Excellence Film Festival supports the growth of the British Virgin Islands’ creative sector while creating a platform for Caribbean stories to reach wider audiences,” the organisers added.
CMC/jh/ir/2026