About this Event
Newark International Film Festival wants to put a special spotlight on Jamaican films!
Logline
In Kingston, Jamaica, class and status often threaten to define one’s dreams. As Danielle and Malcolm chart their journey towards independence, they encounter a fight against a system bigger than them. Can Love survive?
Directed by Mykal Cushnie and written by Donisha Prendergast and nominated for 9 Caribbean Film Awards, Threads of Us tells a contemporary Jamaican story of love, resilience, work, and hope through the lives of two young people navigating growth and independence. While rooted in the everyday realities of Kingston, the film explores universal themes that resonate across the Caribbean and throughout the African diaspora.
The film stars international recording singer/ songwriter Sevana and Jamaican-Canadian actor Shomari Downer as leads in the film. Co-stars include celebrated Jamaican comedian Owen ' Blakka' Ellis, Grammy award winning songwriter Simon ' Vision' Mitchell, Shawn Bryan and JoAnne Williams.
Exclusive Film screening
Date: Sat. September 12, 2026
Venue: Newark Museum of Art 360 - 394 Springfield Ave I Newark, NJ 07103
Showtime: 4:00pm
Contribution: Free!
Exclusive Q & A with Writer/Producer & Lead Actress!
After the film, a Q&A will follow with award winning filmmaker, Threads of Us Writer/ Producer Donisha Prendergast and Lead Actress Sevana!
Join us for an evening of Cinema, Conversations and Celebration as we reflect on 64 years of Jamaica's Independence and what it means to stitch the fabric of a Nation! We look forward to seeing you there!
A little about Threads of Us
Threads of Us was produced by DSE Jamaica, Kae Media and Tuff Gong Studios with support from a number of Jamaican production companies and creatives. HOV ( Humanity Ova Vanity)led the Charles Officer Menorship program which facilitated 15 interns with first hand experience working with professionals in the field during the production of this fully independently funded Jamaican film.
The feature length film was shot entirely in Jamaica, in a record 9 days, hiring over 100 members of cast and crew all of Jamaican decent, including:
Key Cast
Sevana (Danielle)
Shomari Downer (Malcolm)
Owen 'Blakka' Ellis (Mr. Belle)
Simon 'Vision' Mitchell (Dimitri)
JoAnne Williams (Ms. Sibble)
Key Crew
Writer/ Producer - Donisha Prendergast
Director - Mykal Cushnie
Executive Producers - Kady Campbell, Peter Prendergast, Horane Henry
Producers - Roxanne Wright
Director of Photography - Wentworth Kelly
Wardrobe - Tamo Ennis
A little bit about DSE Jamaica:
DSE Jamaica is an independent film production company dedicated to developing authentic Caribbean stories with global relevance. Through film, education, and innovative distribution models, DSE Jamaica seeks to build sustainable pathways for Caribbean creatives while ensuring that our stories are seen, studied, and celebrated both at home and across the diaspora.
Special thanks to the Newark International Film Festival!
Agenda
?: 04:00 PM - 04:20 PM
The Last Dance I Director - Hayden McClean
?: 04:20 PM - 04:40 PM
Hurricane Melissa: The Storm that broke Jamaica I Director - Noel Philllips
?: 04:45 PM - 06:00 PM
Threads Of Us I Director - Mykal Cushnie
?: 05:15 PM - 05:45 PM
Q&A with Lead Actress & Writer/ Producer
Info: Singer/ Lead Actress Sevana and Writer/ Producer Donisha Prendergast will join the NIFF to give a Behind the scenes look at the making of Threads of Us and their experience during production.
?: 08:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Threads Of Us - Official After Party
Info: Special Musical appearance by Sevana. Limited RSVP in Tickets.
Event venue & nearby stays
The Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington Street, Newark, United States
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