My name is Ania Freer, and I’m an Australian-Jamaican artist and filmmaker now based in Brooklyn, New York. From 2016 to 2023, I lived in Jamaica, where my practice grew from deep relationships with the communities of Roaring River (Westmoreland) and Treasure Beach (St. Elizabeth).

These are the people who first welcomed me, opened their homes and hearts, and shared their stories, histories, and wisdom. They helped me to connect with my heritage and inspired the films and archives I’ve built over the years. Many of you who know my work will recognize their faces and voices in my films.

Now, these same communities have been devastated by Hurricane Melissa. Homes and small businesses have been destroyed, and families are struggling to rebuild. I stay in regular contact with many of them, and the need right now is urgent.

I’m raising $10,000 to be distributed directly among eight individuals who have shared their stories with me and supported my work over the years:

Aunty Dawn – to repair the roof of her café Smurfs in Treasure Beach, and to buy an cooler to keep produce cold.

Georgie – an artist who carves beautiful sculptures from lignum vitae. He recently had his foot amputated and needs support with both rebuilding and medical expenses.

Zephie, Bobo, Shanny and Mrs. Whyte and Chikita – from Westmorland, whose homes and small businesses were severely damaged.

Marcia Rankine, sister of the late artist Kemel Leeford Rankine – to help her rebuild and recover.

All funds raised will go directly to these individuals to cover roof repairs, home rebuilding, replacement of lost tools and supplies, medical support, and food and essentials in the coming weeks.

If you’re familiar with my storytelling practice or have enjoyed my films, please consider donating. These are the people who helped shape that work and who now need our help to rebuild their lives.

No amount is too small — everything makes a difference and counts.

With deep gratitude,

Ania