Jamaican psychological thriller Stew Peas is expanding its theatrical reach, with the film set to open in seven Caribbean territories on October 29, 2026, ahead of a limited U.S. theatrical release in January 2027.
iKon Media & Films announced that the U.S. Virgin Islands has joined the regional rollout, bringing the film to audiences in St. Thomas and St. Croix. The release will take place through Caribbean Cinemas, marking the exhibitor’s first distribution of a Jamaican film.
The U.S. Virgin Islands joins Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Antigua, Guyana, St. Lucia and St. Kitts in the simultaneous theatrical launch.
Written, directed and produced by Sosiessia Nixon-Kelly, Stew Peas has built momentum in Jamaica since its premiere at Carib 5 in Kingston on June 27. The film opened nationwide on July 22 and has continued its theatrical run despite competition from major Hollywood releases.
Nixon-Kelly, who also serves as Head of TV and Film at iKon Media & Films, described the expansion as an important milestone for the region’s film industry.
“Caribbean audiences are hungry for authentic, homegrown cinema, told in our own voice on the big screen,” Nixon-Kelly said, noting that the growing international rollout represents a significant step for Jamaican and Caribbean filmmaking.
Set against the backdrop of Jamaican folklore and West African spiritual traditions, Stew Peas follows Detective Tessa Riley as she investigates the murder of her best friend. As she searches for answers, a mysterious housekeeper begins secretly undermining her marriage, setting the stage for a psychological thriller that blends crime, cultural traditions and supernatural elements.
The film stars Kerry-Ann “Chiney-K” Collins, Tarique Barrett, Shernet Swearine and Quera South. It was filmed entirely on location in Kingston, Jamaica.
The Caribbean theatrical release begins October 29 at participating Caribbean Cinemas locations across the seven territories. Tickets are available through the exhibitor’s website and at participating box offices. The film carries an A18 rating and has a runtime of 123 minutes.
Following its Caribbean rollout, Stew Peas is scheduled to begin a limited theatrical release in the United States in January 2027, extending the reach of a locally produced Jamaican feature to audiences beyond the region.