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By Vernan George – St. Kitts-Nevis Observer
The island of Nevis is beginning to enjoy the benefits of a bold decision taken during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—diversification through the creation of a film industry. Premier Mark Brantley made this revelation during his monthly press conference on 25 November.
“I feel particularly proud that we have created something from nothing in relation to film,” Premier Brantley said. “When we first spoke about this, there were naysayers who said it could not happen. In the heart of COVID, the Cabinet decided we would make a go at a film industry. Since then, we have proceeded in the last five years to do some extraordinary things.”
The Premier highlighted several productions filmed in Nevis this year, along with others scheduled for the near future. He announced that Autumn Federesi of 9ineth House Films, a Hollywood-based production company, recently visited Nevis for an extensive location scout. The company has confirmed it will return in 2026 to shoot a full-length romance film starring Taye Diggs, widely known for his leading role in ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back’.
Meanwhile, 516 Films, led by actor and filmmaker Sarafina King, is currently on Nevis shooting a full-length romance film. The production has created significant opportunities for local talent, with 10 local speaking roles. Featured Nevisian actors include Michael Henville, Patrick Howell, Denise Gordon, and Gervann Swanston. The film showcases Nevis’ landscapes and charm, with scenes shot at locations such as the Artisan Village and Lover’s Beach.
Another major moment for the island’s growing industry comes today, with the world premiere of the short film ‘Pan Gyul’ at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre (NEPAC). Directed by and starring Juliet Jeffers, the film was shot in Nevis in May, and features an almost entirely local cast, including Hadassah Daniel and Winston Crook.
The Premier also revealed that PBS is sending a production team to Nevis next week to film two special international episodes of its series ‘Hometowns’. Typically focused on communities across Virginia, Nevis will become the first international location featured in the programme. The episodes will highlight Nevisian culture, history, artisans, and community leaders, including Greg Phillip, Deborah Tyrell, Mackie Tross, Llewellyn “Sunshine” Caines, James Weekes, and Marvin Chapman.
Brantley further announced the formation of a new local service company—Nevis Behind the Scenes Production Company, founded by Vanessa Allen. The company will act as the island’s local fixer, handling casting, background talent, catering, transport coordination, rental arrangements, location management, and production logistics. He noted that each incoming film project typically hires 10 to 30 local workers, making the creation of this company an important step in building a sustainable, locally-anchored film ecosystem.
Nevis’ growing film profile has also attracted international media attention. The Film Commission and the CEO of the Nevis Tourism Authority were recently interviewed by Travel Noir, a globally-recognised brand focused on the experiences of Black travellers. Their interest was sparked after the ‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ filmed three episodes on the island. The interview explored the housewives’ itinerary, Nevis’ positioning as a luxury boutique destination, and how tourism and film can be leveraged to elevate Nevis’ global visibility.
Premier Brantley commended the Film Commission for its dedication. “I want to commend the excellent work of the Film Commission, and of course the vision of this government to create a film industry. It is growing, people are taking notice, and what I have given is just a snapshot of what we have been able to do this year.”
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