The 2nd Annual 284 Excellence Film Festival returns October 29 to November 1, 2026, under the theme ‘Uniting Creative Voices, Celebrating Caribbean Stories’. Photo: BVITB&FC

The 2nd Annual 284 Excellence Film Festival has attracted 30 film submissions from 10 countries and territories. Photo: BVITB&FC

Organised by the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITB&FC), the event will offer international film screenings, Caribbean storytelling, and opportunities to connect with industry professionals. 

BVITB&FC revealed this year’s Film Festival has attracted 30 film submissions from 10 countries and territories: 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 Virgin Islands. The submissions, it said, reflect the festival’s growing reach and its role in creating opportunities for filmmakers to share their work with audiences beyond their home territories. 

4 days of film & celebration

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. 

Activities begin with an invitation-only welcome event for industry professionals and sponsors at Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda, on Wednesday, October 28.

The public programme will be held on the following dates:

• Thursday, October 29 — Food & Film: International Screening at Cyril B. Romney Tortola  Pier Park (Luxury Deck), at 6:30 PM, hosted by Eusa Adams
• Friday, October 30 — Friday Night Lights: National Screening at the Eileene L. Parsons  Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), at 6:30 PM, hosted by Darryl  Flanders
• Saturday, October 31— Kick Back & Snack: Regional Screening at Nanny Cay Resort &  Marina (Spring Regatta field), at 6:30 PM, hosted by Sophie B
• Sunday, November 1 — Fade to Black: Cocktail and Awards Event at the Eileene L.  Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), hosted by Angelle  Cameron. Cocktail hour begins at 6:00 PM, and the ceremony begins at 7:00 PM

BVITB&FC added that 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, among others. The festival will culminate with its Fade to Black Closing and Awards Event on Sunday, November 1, celebrating the filmmakers and creative talent featured throughout the programme. 

The announced cash prizes total US$13,600, comprising: 

• Best of Festival: US$5,000 
• Best Short Film: US$3,500 
• Best Caribbean Story: US$3,500 
• Best Student Film — First Place: US$1,000 
• Best Student Film — Second Place: US$600 

Winners in additional competitive categories will receive awards and certificates recognising excellence in filmmaking, storytelling and creative expression. 

We’re especially proud of the growth- Natalie O. Hodge

Ms Natalie O. Hodge, BVI Film Commissioner and Festival Director, said, “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.” 

She said what began as a vision to create greater opportunities for local filmmakers is slowly evolving into a platform that celebrates Caribbean creativity, encourages meaningful industry connections and brings our stories to wider audiences. 

“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.”