May 13, 2025
By | Tracy Ann Dunkley
Gold Coast, Australia — The controversial film Jafaican, starring Peter Andre, premiered at the Gold Coast Film Festival on Friday May 9, 2025, drawing both criticism and support from audiences. While the film has faced backlash over its portrayal of Jamaican culture, some Jamaicans who attended the films premiere expressed their appreciation for its comical approach and themes.
At the premiere, Andre and director Fredi Nwaka encouraged attendees to show their support, with Nwaka telling the crowd, “We wanna show everybody how much love we got out here in the Gold Coast”.
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The film follows Andre’s character, Gary Buckle, a British man who impersonates a Jamaican gangster in an elaborate but “comical scheme” to pay for his grandmother’s care home fees. The depiction of Andre wearing dreadlocks and speaking with a Jamaican accent has sparked controversy, with critics accusing the film of cultural appropriation.
PETER ANDRE'S "JAFAICAN" GETS SUPPORT FROM HOME GROWN JAMAICANS AT LAST WEEK'S RED CARPET PREMIERE IN AUSTRALIA pic.twitter.com/fOELAnoQJ6
— Jam Radio UK News (@Jam_RadioUK) May 13, 2025
Jamaicans show support at the premier of Jafaican
In an interview with Australia’s Channel 7, Andre defended his role, stating, “It’s my first lead role, but I’ve done quite a few roles before. And all of them, I’ve played different characters. So, for me, it’s acting – I get to do something light-hearted, something funny”.
Director Fredi Nwaka also addressed the controversy, saying, “We live in a world that is so serious, man. It’s like people have forgotten how to laugh”.
The film also stars Jamaican reggae icon Sizzla Kolanji and world renowned "Caribbean King of Comedy" Dr. Oliver Samuel, giving it a stamp of authenticity. However many supporters and critis alike await the films release here at home in the UK.
Despite the mixed reactions, some Jamaicans at the event voiced their support, arguing that the film’s comedic elements should be appreciated rather than condemned. Others, however, maintained that the portrayal of Jamaican culture in Jafaican reinforces harmful stereotypes.
The film is set for a wider release in Australia next week, with UK screenings scheduled for May 20, 2025.
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