Jamaican thriller Stew Peas sells out premiere, lands six award nods

The Jamaican-made psychological thriller Stew Peas premiered to a sold-out crowd in Kingston and is set for a nationwide release July 22, followed by a U.S. premiere in Maryland on Aug. 23. The film also picked up six nominations at the inaugural Caribbean Film Awards, giving Jamaica’s local film industry a high-profile boost.

Why it matters: - Stew Peas is a 100% Jamaican-made feature that could widen visibility for local filmmakers, cast and crew across the Caribbean and beyond. - The film’s sold-out debut, awards recognition and planned international rollout signal stronger commercial and cultural demand for Jamaican stories. - The project also points to more opportunities for Jamaican actors, writers, editors, cinematographers, composers, production designers and technicians.

What happened: - Stew Peas premiered at Carib 5 Cinemas in Kingston on Saturday, June 27, to a sold-out audience. - The film will open in Jamaican theaters nationwide on July 22. - Stew Peas earned six nominations at the inaugural 2026 Caribbean Film Awards. - The film is produced by iKon Media & Films in association with Fareye Films and distributed by FilmWorks Global. - The U.S. premiere is scheduled for Aug. 23, 2026, in Greenbelt, Maryland. - Members of the cast and creative team are expected to join the U.S. premiere.

The details: - Sosiessia Nixon-Kelly wrote, directed and produced the psychological thriller. - The story follows Detective Tessa Riley as she balances family life while investigating the murder of her closest friend. - A mysterious housekeeper enters Tessa Riley’s home with dangerous intentions, and long-buried secrets start to surface. - The film centers on Jamaican culture, family, identity and resilience. - The ensemble cast includes Kerry-Ann “Chiney K” Collins, Tarique Barrett, Shernet Swearine, Quera South, Moses Wallace, Kimberlee Dobson and Andre Campbell. - The six Caribbean Film Awards nominations are for Best Feature Film, Best Director for Sosiessia Nixon-Kelly, Best Actress for Kerry-Ann “Chiney K” Collins, Best Screenplay, Caribbean Heritage Film Award and Caribbean Film of the Year. - Every stage of production, from development and principal photography through post-production, was completed by Jamaican filmmakers and creative professionals.

Between the lines: - The sold-out premiere suggests strong local appetite for films that reflect Jamaican life and are made by Jamaican talent. - The awards attention gives Stew Peas a credibility boost that could help the film reach diaspora and international audiences. - The project is being framed as more than a single title, with its team positioning it as evidence that locally produced Caribbean features can compete globally. - The film’s rollout also fits a broader push to attract more investment into Jamaica’s creative industries.

What’s next: - Stew Peas opens nationwide in Jamaica on July 22. - The film reaches U.S. audiences in Greenbelt, Maryland, on Aug. 23, 2026. - The production team is directing viewers to @stewpeasmovie on Instagram for theatrical showtimes, festival appearances and international screening updates.

The bottom line: - Stew Peas is emerging as a breakout Jamaican indie with box-office momentum, awards buzz and a wider international launch ahead.