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Justine Henzell is an independent producer and co-founder of the Calabash International Literary Festival along with Kwame Dawes and Colin Channer.

Career

As a freelance film producer Henzell has produced film & TV projects ranging from feature films to commercials for local and overseas clients and directed two feature length documentaries highlighting the history of Jamaica i.e. “OnePeople-The Celebration” and “Jamaica Arise”.

Henzell is an advocate for film in Jamaica and so in 2015 instigated and became a founding member of the Jamaica Film & Television Association (JAFTA) a representative body for all Jamaican film professionals. In 2016 Henzell spearheaded JAFTA Propella! which supports the production of short films by Jamaica filmmakers annually. Henzell was also a member of the original chapter of Women in Film & Television Jamaica.

Henzell oversees the legacy of 'The Harder They Come', the award-winning movie, co-written, produced and directed by her father, Perry Henzell, which continues to reach a global audience almost 50 years after its release.

In 2020 Henzell started an weekly film series at the historic 10a West Kings House Road venue. Classic and contemporary films are shown from a high quality projector in the courtyard now dubbed “The Perry Henzell Cinema” with lively discussions following. There are plans to develop an exhibit of Jamaican film to be housed at 10a which as the birthplace of Jamaican films is fitting. 

Personal life Henzell was born in Kingston, Jamaica where she still lives. Henzell’s mother, Sally founded Jakes Resort located in Treasure Beach and her father, Perry Henzell is a filmmaker. She has two children, Dylan and Drew.

Achievements In 2012 Justine was named by the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica and The Gleaner as one of the 50underFifty Business Leaders Shaping Jamaica’s Future.

Justine has served on many public sector boards such as the Entertainment Advisory Board and the Jamaica Tourist Board. Justine lobbied for years and was eventually successful in having a Poet Laureate of Jamaica appointed as an officially designated national position in 2014. She has served on the Poet Laureate committee since its inception.