The Story of Jamaican Film

Jamaica’s film industry is not as well known or well developed as it could or should be. In 1972 filmmaker Perry Henzell released the iconic Jamaican film The Harder They Come starring Jimmy Cliff. Since that 1972 release a trickle of full length films have been written, produced and starred in by Jamaicans and a small number television movies and series have been created. Some of Jamaica’s most memorable films and those made for television productions are The Harder They Come, Dance Hall Queen, Third World Cop, Royal Palm Estate and Oliver at Large. Jamaica has been the scene setting for a few films as well as the inspiration for others. Cool Runnings, and the James Bond film Live and let Die are among those filmed on the island. The Hollywood box office sensation Pirates of the Caribbean is also loosely based on the ‘wicked city’ of Port Royal in Jamaica.