Women and Children tell the untold stories of Hurricane recovery through film

Community screenings spotlight resilience, recovery and overlooked voices

As communities across western Jamaica continue to rebuild after Hurricane Melissa, a new documentary film series is shining a light on the human side of recovery through the voices of women, adolescent girls and children whose experiences are often overlooked.

UNICEF Jamaica in partnership with the Jamaica Film and Television Association (JAFTA) has launched a series of community screenings under the initiative Behind Her Lens: Women and Children in the Wake of Hurricane Melissa. The collection of short films brings personal perspectives to the forefront, placing community voices at the centre of conversations about recovery, resilience and inclusion.

The series opened in Hanover on Saturday, June 13 at Walter Hall in Lucea, Hanover, where residents braved heavy rainfall to view the films and participate in a discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing disaster-affected communities.

Through powerful storytelling, the documentaries reveal how women and girls often bear disproportionate burdens during and after emergencies, while also demonstrating resilience and the determination that drives recovery at the community level.

“Too often, recovery is measured only through numbers and infrastructure,” said Novia Condell, Health Specialist at UNICEF Jamaica. “These films remind us that recovery is also about people, their dignity, their hopes and their ability to rebuild their lives.”

The initiative combines documentary filmmaking with community engagement, creating a platform for residents to share their perspectives and influence conversations about more inclusive recovery efforts.

For JAFTA, the project underscores the importance of local storytelling to drive awareness and social change. “These films are more than documentaries; they are powerful testimonies,” said Nadean Rawlins, President of JAFTA. “They ensure that the experiences of women and children are not only heard but seen and remembered. By supporting local filmmakers to tell these stories, we are helping to amplify voices that are too often overlooked.”

The screening featured three short documentaries:

• Sisters and the Storm — directed by Ina Sotirova
• The Forgotten Daughters — directed by Gabrielle Blackwood
• After Melissa: The Women & Girls of Petersfield — directed by Kaneal Gayle

A post-screening discussion, moderated by media personality Simone Clarke-Cooper, brought together filmmakers, community representatives and residents to explore lessons from the films and discuss pathways to stronger, more equitable recovery.

One Hanover resident reflected on the importance of the event: “Hanover is often called the forgotten parish, but our stories matter. We are resilient people, and initiatives like this help ensure our experiences are recognised and understood.”

The sentiment resonated throughout the evening, reinforcing the importance of listening to those most affected in shaping meaningful recovery solutions.

Through Behind Her Lens, UNICEF and JAFTA are using film not only to document experiences but also to encourage dialogue, strengthen community engagement and advocate for recovery efforts that leave no one behind.

Upcoming Screenings

National Screening – Kingston
Thursday, 18 June 2026 | 5:00 p.m.
Cinema 1, Palace Cineplex, Sovereign Centre

Community Screening – Westmoreland
Saturday, 20 June 2026 | 2:00 p.m.
Sean Lavery Hall, Savanna-la-Mar

Members of the public are invited to attend and participate in discussions on resilience, recovery and community-led solutions.