A New Perspective on Caribbean Cinema
The short film FarEye is set to reach a wider audience as an official selection at the 2026 HollyShorts Film Festival. Written and directed by Hayden Mclean, the project explores themes of healing, identity, and spiritual awakening through the story of Khalil, a young Jamaican boy who finds refuge in a secluded Rastafarian community after fleeing an abusive home.
Production and Cast
Shot entirely on location in Jamaica, the independently funded production features a predominantly Jamaican cast and crew. The film stars Djamari Roberts as Khalil, alongside the screen acting debut of two-time Grammy-nominated reggae artist Jesse Royal. The cast also includes Donisha Prendergast, Jeff Crossley, and Antoinette Smith. The project was produced by Soul Rebel Productions, with a collaborative team including Harold Salakianathan, Robert A. Maylor, Ade O. Adesina, and Joel Honeywell.
Festival Recognition
Following successful screenings at the Raindance Film Festival and Palm Springs International ShortFest, the film continues its festival run at HollyShorts, which serves as an Oscar-qualifying showcase. Mclean, who founded Soul Rebel Productions, has previously garnered attention for his debut short, The Last Dance. His work often focuses on bringing visibility to overlooked communities with a focus on humanity and hope. The filmmaker has expressed his hope that the project contributes to a richer cinematic language for the Caribbean.
Screening Details
FarEye is scheduled to screen on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM PDT as part of the SAGindie Presents program at the HollyShorts Film Festival. The festival runs from August 13 through August 23, 2026.
