Aspiring filmmakers, actors, independent producers and film enthusiasts will have opportunities to strengthen their skills and explore new career pathways at the 2nd Annual 284 Excellence Film Festival, taking place from October 29th to November 1st 2026, in the British Virgin Islands. Photo: Internet Source

Under the theme “Uniting Creative Voices, Celebrating Caribbean Stories,” the festival's educational programme will combine expert-led masterclasses, interactive discussions and specialised workshops designed to help creatives develop their craft, navigate the film industry and bring their projects to wider audiences. Photo: The BVI Flim Commission

Under the theme “Uniting Creative Voices, Celebrating Caribbean Stories,” the festival's educational programme will combine expert-led masterclasses, interactive discussions and specialised workshops designed to help creatives develop their craft, navigate the film industry and bring their projects to wider audiences.

Festival Director Natalie O. Hodge said, “One of our greatest priorities through the 284 Excellence Film Festival is ensuring that our local creatives have access to the knowledge, resources and industry connections needed to advance their careers. We recognise that talent exists right here in the British Virgin Islands, and through these masterclasses and workshops.”

“Our goal is to help bridge the gap between creative potential and real opportunities within the industry. Whether someone is just beginning their filmmaking journey or looking to take their career to the next level, we want them to leave with valuable insights, practical knowledge and a renewed sense of what is possible,” said Natalie Hodge, BVI Film Commissioner and Festival Director.

FROM SMALL ISLANDS TO GLOBAL SCREENS

Friday, October 30, will feature two masterclasses at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC): From 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., the panel discussion “Made From Where You Are: Small Island, Big Screen” will be moderated by Nekita Turnbull, with Teresa Celeste, Ty Walker, and

CJ Faison exploring how filmmakers from small-island communities can develop authentic stories, navigate the industry and reach international audiences without waiting for opportunities from Hollywood. 

From 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., John Campbell and Valerie Meraz will facilitate “Film Unfiltered: The Greenlight Forum.” Moving beyond a traditional panel discussion, the interactive session will invite participants to engage directly with industry producers, ask questions and gain practical insight into funding, distribution, production and advancing their own projects.

PRACTICAL WORKSHOPS FOR CREATIVE GROWTH

On Saturday, 31st October, the festival will continue its professional development programme with three specialised workshops at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC):

• Empowering Independent Producers: Fund | Distribute | Profit — Facilitated by Sakura Entertainment, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., This session will explore opportunities for independent filmmakers to finance, distribute and monetise their productions.

• Lift Off: Drone Basics – Ready. Set. Fly — Led by Tabari Sturdivant, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., this workshop will introduce participants to the fundamentals of drone- based filmmaking.

• Acting for Screen —Led by Claudia Knight of Creative Arts BVI, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., this session will focus on strengthening performance techniques for screen acting.

Together, the sessions are designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills while encouraging professional development and collaboration within the regional film industry.

TICKETS AND FESTIVAL PASSES

The festival offers individual event tickets, bundled experiences and all-access passes to accommodate different interests and budgets.

Individual Admission Event Price

General Film Screening $15

Masterclass: Panel Discussion $20

Masterclass: Greenlight Forum $20

Drone Workshop $20

Acting Workshop $20

Opportunities Workshop $10

Fade to Black Awards Event $75

Festival Passes and Bundles

Pass Price

Screening Pass $30

Masterclass Bundle $25

Workshop Bundle $35

Festival Pass (Screenings + Masterclasses) $45

Festival Pass BLACK (Screenings + Masterclasses + Workshops) $70

Festival Pass GOLD (Screenings + Masterclasses + Workshops + Awards Event) $130

Attendees of Saturday's Kick Back & Snack Regional Screening at Nanny Cay Resort & Marina can also purchase a Dinner & Movie Combo for $25, which includes admission and a snack box.

Tickets and passes are available through Eventbrite.com or at the gate. 

INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF STORYTELLERS

The 284 Excellence Film Festival brings together international, regional and local filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences to celebrate the art of storytelling while strengthening opportunities for creative collaboration and industry development in the British Virgin Islands. 

The BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission encourages students, aspiring filmmakers, independent producers, actors and established creatives to take advantage of the festival's educational offerings and connect with professionals who can help them advance their craft.

For the full programme, festival updates and ticketing information, visit 284excellencefilmfestival.com or email 284excellencefilmfestival@bvifilm.com.