Many know Sheryl Lee Ralph for her stateside entertainment successes. When we think of her, thoughts of ‘Dreamgirls’, ‘Sister Act II’, or Dee from TV sitcom ‘Moesha’ come to mind. We don’t think of her as the keeper of the Caribbean’s cinematic future, but maybe we should.

Born in Jamaica and raised between New York and Kingston, Ms. Ralph has dedicated her adult life to the entertainment industry. Since the eighties she has excelled on both stage and screen, and felt a duty create an environment where people of her native Caribbean heritage would be able to benefit from her years of experience. So in 1998 Ms. Ralph, through her Island Girl Productions, hosted the first Jamerican Film and Music Festival. The festival was immediately rated “One of the Top Ten Film Festivals in the world” by E! Entertainment TV. The die was cast, and every year since the festival gets better and better. It features workshops by specialty, for example, writers workshops, acting workshops, digital filmmakers workshops, to name a few. There are midnight movie screenings, and the Beach Bashment. Attendees over the years range from Robert Townsend and Chris Tucker to Harry Belafonte and Hype Williams.

We all know great films like Country Man and Third World Cop, but those represent our past. Sheryl Lee Ralph dreams of cultivating a place to encourage Caribbean filmmakers of the future. Hear, firsthand, about this remarkable experience as told to Caribbean Vibe editor Odette Flemming.

This is the Fifth Annual International Jamerican Film and Music Festival. What has been the most satisfying part of creating this event?

The most satisfying part of this event has been giving people skills they can learn and use within the industry. These people make deals, see progress, and see movies made. Seeing the growth that’s coming out of the Caribbean in just five years, it’s incredible.

What has been the most surprising response to your event?
Not having as much participation out of the Caribbean as I would have liked. I mean with a lot of the smaller islands, people fly. The bigger islands, you would think there’d be more participation. I mean the talent coming out of Trinidad, the talent out of Haiti, you know, it’s been amazing. But then I think with the bigger islands, I look and say “where were you?”

What are some of the struggles you’ve encountered over the years in putting this event together?
You know something, I think there’s always a struggle in one, raising money and two, letting people realize that it’s there for you. The playground has been built for you to participate and all you have to do is come.

What type of support have you gotten from the Caribbean music community and the music community in general?
I sure could use more. In the past we have honored the Mighty Sparrow, The I-3’s etc. This year we want to introduce dialogue about music as a viable career choice for our next generation. You know how we are if you aren’t a doctor, lawyer, nurse or a teacher…. [laughs]

What type of support would you like to see in the future?
I think the first support would be financial, second would be structural and third would be audience.

What is your biggest dream for Island Girl Productions and this film festival?
In the next five to ten years I’d love to see at least three films come out of the islands. Written by islanders, filmed by islanders and with islanders in all the roles, for the whole world to enjoy. That ‘s my dream.

- Thanks Sheryl Lee and all the Best!!