Jamaica to host exclusive screening of British series Possession

The British limited series Possession will screen its first two episodes in Kingston on June 20, spotlighting Jamaica’s rising role in international film and television. The production, directed by Jamaican filmmaker Storm Saulter, is being positioned as a milestone for local talent, training and industry investment. Why it matters: - The Kingston screening underscores Jamaica’s push to become a bigger player in the global screen industry. - Possession is being used as a showcase for how international productions can create jobs, train local crew and bring foreign investment into Jamaica. - The project also adds momentum to the Jamaica Screen Development Initiative, which is designed to build a more competitive local film and television sector. What happened: - The British limited series Possession will screen Episodes 1 and 2 at The Courtleigh Auditorium in Kingston on Saturday, June 20, 2026. - The event is framed as a special showcase for Jamaica’s screen industry. - The five-part series is scheduled to premiere on Sky Atlantic later this year. - Storm Saulter, a Jamaican filmmaker, directed the series. - Karla Crome, a British actress and writer, wrote the series. - The story is set across the United Kingdom and Jamaica. The details: - Possession stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Jonny Lee Miller. - Jamaican cast members include Sheldon Shepherd, Shantol Jackson, Nadean Rawlins and Jeff Crossley. - The plot follows Claudia, a young bi-racial lawyer who travels to Jamaica to challenge an inheritance claim. - Claudia discovers the disputed estate has been haunting her dreams. - The series explores the impact of colonialism on the relationship between past and present. - Possession is the first international television series directed by a Jamaican-resident filmmaker. - Principal photography in Jamaica took place in 2025. - Local production company Cinecom Productions partnered with the U.K.’s Snowed-In Productions. - The production employed more than 140 Jamaican crew members. - Nine emerging professionals received hands-on training during filming. - The team also ran a Script Supervisor Workshop with the Jamaica Film and Television Association. - Additional industry development efforts included a Cinematography Masterclass, industry presentations and international shadowing opportunities. - Possession is the second project approved under the Jamaica Screen Development Initiative Production Rebate category. - JAMPRO administers the rebate on behalf of the Government of Jamaica. - The project follows the global success of Bob Marley: One Love. - The government has committed J$1 billion to the Jamaica Screen Development Initiative. Between the lines: - The screening is doing double duty as a premiere-style event and an economic-development message. - The government is tying screen production to exports, foreign exchange earnings and job creation. - Industry officials are positioning local crews and creative workers as proof that Jamaica can support complex international productions. - The project’s training and shadowing programs suggest Jamaica is also trying to convert one-off productions into longer-term sector capacity. What’s next: - Possession is expected to reach Sky Atlantic later in 2026. - Jamaica’s screen officials appear likely to keep using international productions to build local skills and attract more projects. - The Jamaica Screen Development Initiative will continue to be a central tool for drawing global productions into the country. The bottom line: - Possession is more than a TV screening. It is a signal that Jamaica wants to compete as a serious production hub, not just a filming location.