The world premiere of Kingston Paradise, directed by Jamaican filmmaker Mary Wells will be one of the highlights of the 8th annual CaribbeanTales Toronto Film Showcase, which began on September 4 and ends this Saturday, Jamaica’s Gleaner reports.

Kingston Paradise, which will be screened on Friday, follows Rocksy (Christopher ‘Johnny’ Daley), a young hustler/taxi driver desperate to escape a life of poverty and violence in Kingston, Jamaica.

Rocksy naïvely believes he’s ready for the big time and steals a car to sell its parts, while his prostitute girlfriend (Camille Small) fantasises about a peaceful life through a painting on their bedroom wall. However, Rocksy’s criminal act drives their lives into further chaos, threatening to break them apart forever.

This off-beat, quirky, crime drama brings a very different view of a city, where every character fails ‘Gangster 101′ and isn’t quite the cliché.

“We are extremely proud to be hosting the world premiere of a movie entirely written, produced and directed by a woman,” said Frances-Anne Solomon, CEO and festival director of CaribbeanTales.

Mary Wells is an award-winning independent film director/writer and producer based in Jamaica, with more than 20 years’ experience in TV and film production. She studied TV production and the theatre arts in the United States, and has a Bachelor of Arts from the George Washington University, Washington DC.

Kingston Paradise is her first feature narrative.

On Saturday, Remembering Maroonage, another Jamaican film, will also be screened. It is being brought to CaribbeanTales by Ashley Alexis McFarlane.

There will also be a short film from Kalmplex called Healing Power of Jamaica.

The Canadian premiere of Miguel Galofre’s Songs of Redemption will also take place.

For the original report go to http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130911/ent/ent5.html