We reconnected with Jazz Pitcairn who submitted her film, Ivan, to Windrush Caribbean Film Festival in 2023. We wanted to know what she’s been up to since then and what it means to her to be a Caribbean director.
How did taking part in WCFF impact you or your film’s journey?
Being part of the Windrush Caribbean Film Festival was an important moment for me as a Caribbean filmmaker. It provided a platform where stories like Ivan — rooted in our regional history, resilience, and identity — could be seen and celebrated by a diaspora audience. The connections I made through the festival, and the opportunity to screen Ivan in the UK, deepened my confidence in the power of Caribbean narratives to resonate globally.
What’s been your proudest creative moment since the festival?
The Cayman premiere of Ivan was a full-circle moment for me. We screened the film to a sold-out crowd of over 500 people, with support from the Cayman Government, and hosted a Q&A featuring our star Sasha Lane and producer of the upcoming feature film, Nikkia Moulterie. Watching our community respond so emotionally to a story inspired by Hurricane Ivan — which so many of us lived through — reminded me why I do this work.
What does Caribbean storytelling mean to you now?
Caribbean storytelling is a way to honor where we come from and make space for who we are today. Our voices have often been missing from mainstream narratives, so I see filmmaking as a tool to capture the beauty, tension, and complexity of our region. As I grow as a writer-director, I’m more committed than ever to telling stories that reflect the lives of Caribbean women and families with honesty, humor, and heart.
Any current or upcoming projects you’d like to share?
I’m currently developing the feature version of Ivan, an eco-political thriller set in the days surrounding Hurricane Ivan. The story follows a woman who must fight to secure her first seat in Parliament amidst an incoming hurricane when an unexpected challenger joins the race… her father. Authenticity will be of utmost importance. We’ll lean into a palette reflected by the Cayman Islands, with Caribbean earth tones, saturated blues, and the occasional jolt of hurricane red.
Where can people find your work or follow you?
You can find me on Instagram at @jazzpitcairn, where I share updates on my work and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creative process.
RELEVANT LINKS:
@jazzpitcairn – Instagram
