At the 3^rd Annual CaribbeanTales Film Festival held in Toronto, Canada recently, Jamaicans involved in the film industry were placed under the spotlight, and shone as brightly as their camera lights.

Under the theme, 'Fokus Jamaica' it was all about honouring Jamaican film greats. Film director Perry Henzell, who has directed one of the nation's most successful films, 'The Harder They Come', got the festival's Pioneer Award.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were also given to Jamaican actress Leonie Forbes and Jamaican cinematographer Franklyn 'Chappie' St Juste, while Ras Kassa, a video director, who has directed Damian Marley's 'Welcome to Jamrock' video, amongst others, copped the Innovation Award. 

Spotlight on Perry Henzell:

• born in Annotto Bay, St. Mary
• most famous for directing 'The Harder They Come' (1972) which starred Jimmy Cliff
• produced the film, 'No Place Like Home' (date unknown)
• wrote the novel 'Power Game' in 1982
• died Nov. 20, 2006 of cancer

 Spotlight on Leonie Forbes:

• often hailed as Jamaica's First Lady of theatre and film
• played leading roles in 12 pantomimes
• co-wrote the book, 'The Re-Entry Into Sound' along with Alma Mock Yen
• has received the Jamaican Order of Distinction (Officer level, 1980)
• has received silver and bronze Musgrave Medals

• birthplace: Trinidad
• spent more than the last half of his life working in Jamaica
• has worked in photography as well as cinematography
• has been noted as possibly the most experienced cinematographer of his time

• directed Damian Marley's 'Welcome to Jamrock' (2005)
• has directed over 100 music videos
• opened his film, 'The Seen & The Unseen' at the National Gallery of Jamaica in 2008
• currently on the board of the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica