Rae Wiltshire wins ERC film competition

Rae Wiltshire secured first place in the Ethnic Relations Commission’s (ERC) inaugural Film Competition with his production titled Between Oceans.

According to a release, the competition was launched on 1 November 2024, and Guyanese filmmakers were invited to submit entries by 28 February 2025.

Filmmakers were encouraged to craft unique stories that challenge stereotypes and inspire acceptance, while demonstrating how respect and tolerance can unite diverse communities, under the theme “Promoting Ethnic Respect and Tolerance.”

Copping second place in the competition was Keon Hector, with his film Luna, while Omari Joseph emerged as the third-place winner with his film presentation Four Years Later.

The release noted that the seven consolation prize winners are Daniel De Freitas, Sonia Yarde, Vishan Harripersaud, Jerimiah James, Deborah Lambert, Cordell A. McClure, and Ishmael Abrams.

As a means of honouring the creativity and commitment of these talented filmmakers, the ERC will be hosting a special Awards Ceremony and screening of the top three winning films on Friday, 9 May 2025, at 17:00 hrs at MovieTowne Guyana.

This event will include presentations to the winners, as well as trophies and prizes for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Script/Screenplay.

Over GY$3 million in cash and prizes will be awarded to Guyanese filmmakers for their commitment and dedication.

The ERC noted that, similar to its recently concluded Jingle Competition, this film competition forms part of its broader mandate to promote peace and inclusion among all ethnic groups in Guyana, through multiple mediums.

This, it said, can be achieved by harnessing the power of visual storytelling to foster understanding, empathy, and appreciation for different cultures, traditions, and perspectives.

“By showcasing films that highlight the richness of our diversity and the importance of building harmonious relationships across different communities, we aim to inspire positive social change. Moreover, it is the intent of the Commission that these messages will be used as platforms for fostering greater harmony and sustained relations as we head into General Elections later this year and beyond,” the ERC said.

The judges of the competition included Dexter Pembroke, Colleen Humphrey, Andrew Kendall, and Gem Madhoo-Nascimento, all professionals in the fields of acting, communication, theatre, culture, arts, filmmaking, production, and critique.

The ERC stated that a meticulous judging process was undertaken following the close of the competition, utilising the criteria of story and creativity, directing and acting, sound and music, cinematography, production design, and overall impact to determine the best submissions.