Emmanuel Phillips emerged as the overall winner of the British Virgin Islands Film Commission’s 284 Excellence Film Competition, capturing the Rhodni A. Skelton Production award for Best Film, with the production titled, Three Little Wishes.
The following awards were also presented: Best Actor – Ashawn-Taedo Phillips (Three Little Wishes), Best Actress – Mayte’ah Phillips (Three Little Wishes), Best Editing – Crack of Dawn by Camroy Peters, Best Soundtrack Three Little Wishes by Emmanuel Phillips, Best Short Documentary – Crack of Dawn by Camroy Peters, Best Screenplay – Crack of Dawn by Camroy Peters, Best Directing – Three Little Wishes by Emmanuel Phillips, The Neil Blyden Memorial Award for Cinematography – Surreal by Naudia Turnbull and the Debbie Wilmot Best Pick – Surreal by Naudia Turnbull.
Emmanuel Phillips (Three Little Wishes) captured the Fan Favourite title, while Camroy Peters was 1st runner-up with the short film titled, Crack of Dawn. Naudia Turnbull was the 2nd runner-up with the short film titled, Surreal. Film Commissioner Natalie O. Hodge said, “We are grateful for the support shown to our local filmmakers by the BVI community, especially our sponsors.
“We are committed to providing support and other avenues for exposure for our local filmmakers to continue to develop and grow in the industry. We are passionate about making a difference in the film industry in the BVI.” Sixteen (16) Virgin Islands filmmakers expressed interest in the competition with six finalists advancing to the film screenings which premiered at 284 Excellence Film Screening and Awards Ceremony on Sunday 19th, November 2023.
The six finalists included Emmanuel Phillips (Three Little Wishes), Mia Lennard and Dean Greenaway (A Slice of BVI Culture), Dwayne Vanterpool (Dove’s Little Secret), Camroy Peters (Crack of Dawn), Naudia Turnbull (Surreal), and Melany Payano (Dear Home, I’ll Miss You). Ms. Charis Hoyte was the host of the evening’s event.
The scene at U.P.’s Cineplex saw attendees dressed in formal “red carpet ready” dress for an evening of cinematic excellence. The setting saw entertainment by the Roses Flute Trio, engaging discussion with filmmakers, and a cocktail reception with specialty food and beverage stations.
The BVI Film Commission remains dedicated to promoting youth-focused initiatives under its education programme. The 284 Excellence Film Competition was sponsored by the National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Republic Bank, DLT Solutions, The Dressing Room BVI, Ayana’s New Beginnings, Sisters Plan It, Caribbean Cellars, and YASH BVI.
