From the silver screen to prestige streaming platforms, movie fans can enjoy a bounty of new projects for 2019. But the list of films exploring Caribbean stories still falls short, missing out on the region’s endlessly fascinating tales. But Caribbean film fans have some reason to celebrate, with a few high-profile productions coming out this year exploring Caribbean culture. From Hollywood flicks to 3D documentaries, check out our round-up of Caribbean-related films premiering this year.
The Long Song
Based on British writer Andrea Levy’s historical novel, BBC’s newest cinematic series “The Long Song” tells the story of young enslaved girl July, living on a plantation in the last days of slavery. The film includes a dramatic depiction of the famous 1831 Baptist War, a slave rebellion led by Jamaican national hero Samuel Sharpe. The drama stars Tamara Lawrance, Lenny Henry, Hayley Atwell and Jack Lowden.
Cuba The Movie
Cuba in all its beauty on complexity will be blown up on the big screen in BBC Earth’s new documentary “Cuba,” directed by renowned cinematographer Peter Chang. The film will take viewers on a 3D journey through through island nation’s vibrant culture and landscape, from its mountains and colonial cities to its dazzling coral reefs. The documentary also filters through the eyes of the country’s artists, historians and scientists. The film will open at IMAX theaters January 18th.
The Sun Is Also a Star
The best-selling YA novel “The Sun is also a Star” by Jamaican author Nicola Yoon is coming to the big screen this year with a new adaptation. The romantic movie tells the story of Natasha, a Jamaican undocumented immigrant who falls in love with a Korean-American student Daniel Bae, right before her family is to be deported back to Jamaica. The movie stars Yara Shahidi (“Blackish,” “Grownish”) and Charles Melton (“Riverdale”).
Misbehaviour
Starring British starts Keira Knightley and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, “Misbehaviour” is an upcoming drama exploring the story behind the historic 1970 Miss World Competition in London. Mbatha-Raw plays the role of legendary Grenadian pageant queen Jennifer Hosten, who made history that year, becoming the first black women to win the crown. Knightley plays a feminist protester who led protestors invading the stage and disrupting the live broadcast.
Maybes: Asgaya Part 1: The Sheut
Currently in post-production for Netflix, Asgaya Part 1: The Sluet will be a groundbreaking first chapter of a sci-fi trilogy by Jamaican filmmaker Toni Morgan Haye. Filmed in the Jamaica and California, the movie will also include Jamaican actors — former Miss Universe Jamaica Isabel Dalley and Pulse model Joel Britton. The futuristic drama tells the story of Max (played by actress Vandana A. Singh) trying to escape the evil Asgaya Corporation. No formal release date has been confirmed, but a 2019 debut is looking possible.
