The vibrant tapestry of Jamaican culture takes center stage at the third annual Jamaica Brew Literary and Film Festival, orchestrated by the Consulate of Jamaica in Miami. Scheduled for Saturday, January 31, at the Broward South West Regional Library in Pembroke Pines, the event promises a rich exploration of creative expression. The day commences at 9:00 AM with complimentary Blue Mountain coffee, honoring Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Day (January 9), alongside a bustling marketplace for book signings by a diverse ensemble of authors and poets. A compelling schedule of special presentations unfolds throughout the day, culminating in a two-hour short film showcase concluding at 5:00 PM.
Consul General Oliver Mair articulated the festival’s core mission: to platform Jamaica’s creative industries and provide a global stage for its narratives. “It’s an event that’s a platform to tell our stories to the world – about our worth and who we are as a people,” Mair stated. A notable new addition for this year is the ‘Children’s Corner,’ dedicated to the legacy of cultural icon Louise ‘Miss Lou’ Bennett Coverly. This interactive space will feature traditional Ring-Ding games and filmmaking workshops led by writer-director Cleon A. James, set within an area showcasing exhibitions from emerging artists.
The festival’s thematic anchor is resilience, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. This narrative thread will be powerfully woven through video features documenting recovery efforts and a dedicated panel discussion. Acclaimed dub poet Malachi Smith will lead a conversation on this theme, informed by his recent nomadic college tour to schools in hurricane-affected regions. Author and farmer Keith Wedderburn will share his firsthand account from his latest book, ‘Give Thanks For Life – Surviving Hurricane Melissa.’
Serving as a poignant prelude to Black History Month, the festival will also delve into historical cultural resistance. A special presentation will examine the life of Alexander Bedward and his establishment of the Jamaica Native Free Baptist Church, a movement that challenged colonial religious structures. The Talawah Mento Band and Jamaican Folk Revue will perform selections from their upcoming musical ‘Bedward,’ bringing this history to life. The film segment will further celebrate Jamaican legacy with a highlight on the legendary musician Jimmy Cliff.
The event boasts an impressive roster of multidisciplinary talent. Attendees can engage with figures like Sharon Gordon, a multifaceted author and media personality whose audiobook ‘Sheribaby’ is the first in Jamaican dialect to receive Grammy consideration. The festival will also feature Kacy Garvey, Richard Blackford, Simone Russell, storyteller Raul ‘Blaze’ Davis, attorney Kaysia Earley, and communications specialist Gail Abrahams, who will present her debut corporate guide for women, ‘Heels, Hustle, HEART.’
Admission to the Jamaica Brew Festival is free and open to the public, though prior registration is mandatory via jamaicabrew2026.eventbrite.com.