Grammy-winning reggae artiste Keznamdi’s documentary collaboration Beach Inna Bondage: The Fight for Jamaica’s Coastline has reached another major milestone, earning a nomination for Best Documentary at the inaugural Caribbean Film Awards. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 10, at Theatre N in Wilmington, Delaware.
The nomination comes just months after the documentary ignited a global conversation over public access to Jamaica’s beaches. Following the film’s release, Keznamdi sparked heated debate on social media by criticising what he described as Jamaica’s tourism model being the “same system, different face”, arguing that ordinary Jamaicans have gradually been pushed away from sections of their own coastline as tourism development expanded. His comments drew widespread support from many Jamaicans and international support groups, while others defended private property rights and the role of tourism investment.
Directed by Emiel Martens and Elsie Vermeer in collaboration with JaBBEM and Keznamdi, Beach Inna Bondage: The Fight for Jamaica’s Coastline chronicles the grassroots movement to reclaim public access to Jamaica’s beaches. Through activism, music and storytelling, the documentary amplifies the voices of communities fighting to protect the island’s shoreline, cultural heritage and what supporters describe as the fundamental right to access Jamaica’s natural treasures.
Also nominated in the Best Documentary category is Peter Tosh Town: Origin of a Rebel Wailer. Narrated by Andy Livingston and directed in part by Peter Tosh’s daughter, Niambe Tosh, the film explores the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of the reggae icon. It follows Tosh’s journey from his childhood in Belmont, Westmoreland, to international acclaim as a founding member of the Wailers before emerging as the influential solo artiste known worldwide as the “Steppin’ Razor.”
The dual nominations highlight Jamaica’s growing presence in documentary filmmaking, with both productions celebrating different aspects of the country’s history, culture and ongoing social conversations while competing for top honours at the Caribbean Film Awards in October.
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