The British Virgin Islands Film Commission is representing the Territory at the Cannes Film Festival, which runs from May 11 to 18, 2026, in France. Photo: BVI Film Commission/Facebook

The BVI Film Commission delegation participated in the AFCI’s Rise & Shine Brunch, which brings together film commissioners, studio and streamer executives, producers, and global partners to kick off the Cannes Film Festival. Photo: BVI Film Commission/Facebook

According to the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission, the delegation was carefully curated to include individuals who have shown ongoing dedication to the craft, active participation in local initiatives, and a clear capacity to represent the Virgin Islands within an international industry setting. Photo: BVI Film Commission/Facebook

The Commission's participation forms part of its ongoing efforts to elevate the Virgin Islands' presence within the global film industry and position the territory as a location for film and creative production.

The BVI Film Commission is serving as the official sponsor of Caribbean Day to be held on May 16, 2026. Caribbean Day will bring together regional representatives from the Virgin Islands, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, providing a platform to showcase Caribbean talent and opportunities within the international marketplace.

As part of its presence, the Commission will host a dedicated exhibition space within the festival market pavilion, engaging directly with filmmakers, producers, and industry stakeholders while promoting the Virgin Islands as a film-friendly location.

Panel discussion

Film Commissioner Natalie O. Hodge will participate in a Caribbean Day panel discussion, contributing to dialogue on regional collaboration, industry development, and opportunities for Caribbean storytelling on the global stage.

Speaking on the impact of the engagement, Ms Hodge noted, "Cannes will provide an invaluable platform for the Virgin Islands. In addition to our participation in Caribbean Day, we are pleased to engage with members of the Italian press and festival promoters to further position the 284 Excellence Film Festival internationally. With our final submission deadline approaching, these conversations are critical in expanding our reach and encouraging diverse, high-quality submissions."

The platform will further be utilised to promote the upcoming 284 Excellence Film Festival, with a particular focus on engaging members of the diaspora and encouraging film submissions ahead of the final deadline on July 30.

VI delegation of filmmakers

A delegation of local filmmakers- Naudia Turnbull, Nekita Turnbull, Mia Lennard, Dakarai Wheatley-Adams, and J'mar Penn, is accompanying the Commission. Local actor, Sheldon Frett, who currently resides in Los Angeles, CA, will join the VI contingent. Frett continues to make strides internationally, with the film Many Thousands Lost, in which he stars, recently beginning its run on all American Airlines flights. The achievement highlights the calibre of emerging talent connected to the Virgin Islands and the growing international reach of VI creatives.

According to the BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission, the delegation was carefully curated to include individuals who have shown ongoing dedication to the craft, active participation in local initiatives, and a clear capacity to represent the Virgin Islands within an international industry setting.