Award-Winning Jamaican Author Lorna Blake Debuts Animated Short Film
Award-Winning Jamaican Author Lorna Blake Makes Filmmaking Debut with Animated Short
Inspired by a true family story, Miss Lyn & The Poisoned Beans begins its international film festival journey.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAICHUNG, TAIWAN — November 2, 2026 — Award-winning Jamaican-born author Lorna Blake has completed her debut animated short film, Miss Lyn & The Poisoned Beans, marking an exciting new chapter in her creative journey. Inspired by a remarkable true story from her family's history, the film is now being submitted to international film festivals.
Set in rural Jamaica, the film tells the story of eight-year-old Lyn, whose courage and wisdom save her family from tragedy. When her older brother brings home poisonous beans, Lyn warns him of the danger. Her warning goes unheeded, and the beans are fed to the family's pigs, with devastating consequences.
The young girl at the heart of the story is Blake's mother.
"This story is part of my family's legacy," says Blake. "My mother was an extraordinary woman, and I wanted to preserve this remarkable moment from her childhood for future generations. Sometimes the smallest voices carry the greatest wisdom. We simply have to listen."
The film marks a natural evolution for Blake, whose memoir, Born to Rise: A Journey from Setbacks to Comebacks & Lessons Learned, has earned multiple literary honors, including the BookFest Award, Book Excellence Award, and International Impact Book Award.
Through animation by a Nigerian animator, Blake brings Jamaican cultural heritage to life with authentic dialogue, traditional rural settings, and original mento music by a Jamaican composer.
Produced under the presentation banner Lorna Blake Media, the film also reflects Blake's growing commitment to preserving family stories and celebrating intergenerational wisdom.
"Although this story is rooted in Jamaica, its message is universal," Blake explains. "Children have voices that matter, and their wisdom deserves to be heard."
A companion children's picture book is also in development, extending the story's reach to young readers and families.
For Blake, this filmmaking milestone is more than a creative achievement. It is a tribute to her mother and the generations who shaped her life.
"My rising didn't start with me," she says. "It began with my mother and those who came before her. Bringing this story to the screen is another way of honoring that legacy."
About Lorna Blake
Lorna Blake is a Jamaican-born, award-winning author, international speaker, and filmmaker. A former social worker and educator, she is the author of the multiple-award-winning memoir Born to Rise. Having lived and worked across several countries, she now resides in Asia, where she continues creating stories that inspire, educate, and connect generations.
Film poster, production stills, filmmaker portraits, and interviews available upon request.
Media Contact
Contact person: Lorna Blake, Author | Speaker | Filmmaker
Company: Lorna Blake Media
Website: https://www.mpowerurself.com