FarEye Brings a Powerful Caribbean Story of Spiritual Awakening and Resilience to the BFI London Film Festival
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Carl Roberts 
FarEye Brings a Powerful Caribbean Story of Spiritual Awakening and Resilience to the BFI London Film Festival. Book to see the short film now.
Hayden Mclean brings his powerful short film FarEye to the BFI London Film Festival, following celebrated screenings at Raindance Film Festival, HollyShorts and Palm Springs International ShortFest.
A visually arresting and emotionally resonant story of healing, identity, and spiritual awakening, FarEye follows Khalil (Djamari Roberts), a young Jamaican boy who flees an abusive home. He discovers refuge within a secluded Rastafarian community in rural Jamaica. Through music, faith, and human connection, Khalil embarks on a spiritual awakening. This journey redefines freedom, belonging, and hope.
Written and directed by Mclean, FarEye offers a visually rich portrait of Jamaica that moves beyond familiar representations of the island. Shot entirely on location with a predominantly Jamaican cast and crew, the independently self-funded production presents a rarely seen cinematic portrait of the island rooted in spirituality, resilience, and everyday beauty.
HAYDEN MCLEAN
For McLean, whose own British-Jamaican heritage informs his filmmaking, the film is part of a wider ambition. He wants to expand the space given to Caribbean stories on screen.
“My hope is that FarEye contributes, even in a small way, to a richer cinematic language for the Caribbean, and to a tide turning in the recognition of Caribbean stories.” – Hayden Mclean
Hayden Mclean is a British-Jamaican writer, director and founder of Soul Rebel Productions. Through intimate, emotionally resonant storytelling, his work explores the richness and complexity of the Black experience. He brings visibility to overlooked communities and subcultures with beauty, humanity and hope. His debut short film, The Last Dance (2025), screened at more than forty international film festivals. The film won multiple awards and qualified for both BAFTA and BIFA. He is currently developing his debut feature film, A Cowboy’s Prayer.
CAST AND BEHIND THE CAMERAS
Produced by Soul Rebel Productions, the project was brought to life through an international creative collaboration. This effort was led by producers Harold Salakianathan, Robert A. Maylor, Ade O. Adesina, Joel Honeywell, and director Hayden Mclean.
The film stars rising Jamaican actor Djamari Roberts (When Morning Comes, Bob Marley: One Love) alongside two-time Grammy-nominated reggae artist Jesse Royal in his screen acting debut. The cast also features Donisha Prendergast, Jeff Crossley, and newcomer Antoinette Smith.
FarEye will screen at the BFI London Film Festival (October 7-18) in the Altered States programme – premiering on Tuesday 13th October at Vue West End at 17:50. Find more information here.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
