Cinematographer
Written by K. L. Williams
The future of cinematography is alive and well due to the rise of several young talents willing to carry the baton in an industry that has helped to put Jamaica on the map. One such individual is Jahmeel Thwaites, a cinematographer, writer and director. His career in cinematography spans just four years, but in that short time, he has made an impact in the field. His short film, Marooned, earned him the New Kid on the Block award for cinematic artistry at the Kingston Creative Film and Digital Festival in 2024. And he is currently working on his first feature film, Benji Black, which is still in production and expected to be released in 2026.
We asked the talented Thwaites eight questions, and he was more than willing to offer some insight into his experiences, the industry and what he’s working on.
Who are you, and what do you do?
My name is Jahmeel Thwaites, and I’m a cinematographer. I shape the visual style of a story through camera movement, manage lighting, and bring a vision to life to give a film its visual identity.
What have you made so far, and what are you working on now?
The question brings into perspective how time does fly when you’re having fun. So far, I’ve done quite a lot. In the four years I’ve been working, I’ve filmed music videos, documentaries, corporate client content, such as ads and spec ads (which is where I found my footing in the industry), and other lifestyle content. Currently, I’m working on my first feature film, Benji Black.
What have you done that you’re most proud of?
So far, I’m most proud of the work I’ve done on my feature film, Benji Black. The story has lived in my notes for a few years now and, with the help of family and friends, I can say without a doubt that it’s my highest achievement so far. I try to approach filmmaking with a certain level of reverence, so I hope I don’t sound pretentious in saying this, but if I don’t get to make another film ever, I’d be very happy putting only this project out into the world.
What’s something everyone is talking about that doesn’t feel like much of a big deal?
I’m pretty much out of the loop with much of what’s going on right now. Finishing post-production on the film has pulled me away from much of the public discourse. However, AI has been making the rounds, especially in my industry. Personally, I get it. It’s a useful tool. But for me and the personal work I want to put out, I’d rather not engage with the image and video generation parts of its application. It still carries a very synthetic texture that makes me inadvertently frown, lol.
What’s one thing you’d regret never having done in this lifetime?
I’m still young, so no regrets so far. I am, however, very mindful of the passage of time and that I don’t have all the time in the world. So, I do what I can in the time I’m given to do it and with the resources I have in that given moment. It’s of no benefit to me to have regrets over roads untravelled, nor to be hard on myself over opportunities not taken. Somehow, the things I’ve always wanted to do normally find themselves moving from my peripheral to my central vision anyway. Just gotta give life time.
What are you reading, watching or listening to right now that’s shaping how you work?
Ha! I’m always going back to the movies I’ve seen too many times and listening to the same soundtracks and albums I was listening to when I was in high school. On the movie side of things, Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder, is a staple amongst his other DC films. Coogler’s latest, Sinners, is ART. I loved Obsession, and I like what’s happening with this season of House of the Dragon.
What’s something about creating from the Caribbean that outsiders consistently get wrong?
Hmmm, that’s a great question. I haven’t had the chance to talk to many creators from outside the Caribbean, but with the few interactions I’ve had, they’re often surprised that we don’t have as much access as they think we have, particularly when filming or doing photography at parks and some naturally existing spots. This is because using a professional camera almost anywhere beautiful often involves some guy walking up to you and demanding a fee. I remember recently accompanying a friend to film at a free beach, and this guy walked up demanding money to film. I won’t delve into how that ended, but that’s pretty much it. Especially for smaller filmmakers, much of what we do is run ‘n’ gun in the end.
Where can people find you, see your work, and where will you be next?
I post my work on YouTube and Instagram. As for where I’ll be next, I plan to be on vacation, decompressing from all of this hard work. After that, the next goal is to market the film and submit it to as many film festivals as possible.
Follow Jahmeel Thwaites to see all that he is working on, and support his work and investment in Jamaica’s creative space.
Find Jahmeel
Selected work
- Watch the trailer for Benji Black
- One of my favourite highlight videos
- My Gatorade spec ad
- My first short film, Marooned
- Another one of my favourite highlight videos
About the writer
Kerece Lilanie Williams is a Jamaican poet, writer, educator, and creative entrepreneur. Under the name Lilanie, she is the author of three poetry collections: Faith and Favour: Odes of Gratitude for Unmerited Grace, Above Water, and Kisses and Lies.
She writes for Urban Vine Media, with a special interest in telling the stories of artists, artistes, artisans, and other creatives across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Through features, interviews, and cultural storytelling, she highlights the people, ideas, and creative work helping to shape the region’s arts, culture, and entertainment landscape.
Kerece is also the founder of Write Ah Yaad, a Caribbean writing community for poets and storytellers, and the Chief “Copy Cat” behind MeowMedia Services, where she has a particular interest in helping creatives develop their brands, strengthen their businesses, and become sustainable creative entrepreneurs.
Have a story, project, release, product, exhibition, event, or creative journey you think Urban Vine Media should know about? Email urbanvinemedia@gmail.com or submit your details to be featured.
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