Scenes from the 2026 Summer Film Academy. Photo: BVI Film Commission

Scenes from the 2026 Summer Film Academy. Photo: BVI Film Commission

Scenes from the 2026 Summer Film Academy. Photo: BVI Film Commission

Now in its third year, the Summer Film Academy continues to build on the Film Commission’s commitment to developing the Territory’s creative sector by investing in local storytellers and strengthening the Territory’s orange economy. Held from 7th to 10th July at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Marine Centre, the programme welcomed twenty participants for an intensive experience focused on helping emerging creatives build original projects from concept to professional pitch.

Instead of concentrating on the technical aspects of filmmaking, this year’s Academy placed storytelling at the centre of the creative process. The participants selected either a scripted or documentary storytelling development track, and worked in collaborative groups, where they worked alongside their peers under the guidance and mentorship of the facilitators. Together they explored scriptwriting, documentary filmmaking, packaging and pitching, and distribution and audience development. By the end of the programme, the groups developed original concepts, prepared project treatments, identified target audiences and potential distribution pathways, and created professional pitch presentations for projects they can continue refining beyond the programme.

Film Commissioner Natalie O. Hodge said, “I am delighted to present the Summer Film Academy for yet another year and to witness the remarkable creativity of our participants. The Summer Film Academy is about more than learning the craft of filmmaking. Together with our dedicated team and industry mentors, we remain committed to helping emerging filmmakers recognise the value of their own stories while equipping them with the skills, tools, industry connections and networking opportunities needed to develop projects that can compete on regional and international stages. By investing in our local storytellers, we are strengthening the Virgin Islands’ orange economy, creating new opportunities for creative entrepreneurs, and building a sustainable future for the film industry in the Territory.”

The four-day incubator provided the participants with direct mentorship by a team of industry professionals, including award-winning actor, director, producer and writer James Bland; Emmy-nominated producer and FaceForward Productions founder CJ Faison; and award-winning director, producer and Wulf Poynt founder Corey Colvin. Drawing on experience spanning award-winning independent productions, major television series, documentaries and global entertainment projects, the facilitators challenged the participants to think beyond ideas and begin creating original intellectual property capable of attracting future funding, production opportunities and film festival consideration.

The Summer Film Academy concluded with a final showcase on Friday, 10th July, where the participants presented their projects, that demonstrated their creative growth, collaboration and confidence gained throughout the week. Following the presentations, participants were awarded certificates of completion, marking the successful conclusion of the 2026 Summer Film Academy – BVI Storytelling and Film Incubator.

Lead facilitator and Academy collaborator, CJ Faison reflected on the Film Academy’s growth, saying “I am incredibly grateful to continue this partnership with the BVI Film Commission because every year we’re proving that the BVI doesn’t have a creativity problem-we have an access problem. The talent is here. Together, we’re creating opportunities, sharing the knowledge, and building a pipeline for the next generation of world-class storytellers.”

The Summer Film Academy is one of several initiatives through which the BVI Film Commission is investing in the future of the Territory’s film industry. Alongside attracting international productions to the British Virgin Islands, the Film Commission is equally committed to develop creative talent, fostering original local stories and creating opportunities for filmmakers to grow through mentorship, education and industry partnership.

The guiding concept, Discover Your Story. Develop Your Project. Share Your Vision., reflects more than the focus of the four-day programme. It represents an ongoing commitment to empowering creatives in the BVI to transform their ideas into meaningful projects, build sustainable careers, and contribute to the continued growth of the Territory’s film industry.