James Vancooten: Eldorado Visuals and the Rise of Guyanese Cinema
- guyanamusicscene
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
By GT Music Scene | September 12th, 2025
For the first time, Guyanese audiences and the diaspora are witnessing film production at a level that feels historic. The Turf, directed by James Vancooten under his brand Eldorado Visuals, isn’t just another movie it’s a cultural milestone. Familiar faces, powerful music, and a story rooted in Guyana’s reality are merging on screen, and it signals something bigger: the birth of a new wave in Guyanese filmmaking.
From London to Georgetown – A Story Begins
James Vancooten was born in London, England, but his Guyanese roots run deep. At six years old, he moved to Georgetown to live with his grandparents, attending Mae’s Under 12 and Mae’s Secondary. Always a storyteller, he filled his textbooks with stories that would later evolve into full-scale productions.
At 16, he returned to the UK, working his way into the film industry from the ground up starting as a runner and moving up to camera assistant on productions for Netflix and Amazon Prime. His credits include Blue Story (£12M budget), Wolf, Jingle All the Way, and Sumotherhood (£2M budget). While building this professional resume, he simultaneously developed Eldorado Visuals, named after the legendary city of gold. His independent projects have since amassed over 1 million YouTube views, and his work has earned him two Best Director awards and one Best Short Film award at the UK Entertainment Awards.
The Turf – A Guyanese Story Told at Scale
James’ latest project, The Turf, is set in Guyana a deliberate choice rooted in his desire to give back. The film follows two individuals from different parts of Guyana whose lives collide through a common interest. The cast includes:
Trevlon Clarke – Amateur Boxer
Falon Loc – Music Artist
Dun P – Music Artist
Steffon – School Boy
With a budget of just under $500,000 GYD, support from SIAG Security (Kitty) and Tolo & Sons Construction Ltd (Georgetown), and the help of two close friends as crew, James managed to bring The Turf to life. The biggest challenge? Balancing authenticity with accessibility ensuring international audiences could understand the Guyanese accent.
Still, the film delivers. Blending familiar community faces, rising talent, and a soundtrack featuring songs audiences know and love, The Turf stamps itself as a landmark in Guyanese cinema.
Beyond the Movie – A Movement for Guyana
For James, The Turf is more than a film; it’s part of a larger mission to establish Guyana’s film industry. “The industry is non-existent right now, and I’m hoping we can change that by working together and creating big projects the country can be proud of,” he says.
He envisions working with the Guyanese government to create training programs in schools and universities, teaching everything from behind-the-camera skills to acting. His ultimate goal: to prepare the next generation to take Guyanese cinema global.
A Unique Vision & Influence
James’ filmmaking style is unorthodox he doesn’t follow formulas, instead relying on instinct and heart. While he cites Denzel Washington as an influence, his career is a testament to self-determination. “I wanted to be an actor, but when doors didn’t open, I built my own building and re-entered when I pleased.”
As both a director and actor starring in his own works like Chance the Movie and The Take Over James embodies the multi-faceted creativity needed to pioneer a new cultural movement.
A Historic Stamp on Guyanese Culture
With The Turf, Guyana now has a film that blends cinema, music, and community in a way that feels like a turning point. It introduces new faces while spotlighting familiar ones, bridges the gap between the streets and the screen, and sets a standard for quality in local production.
This isn’t just a movie it’s a pivotal cultural moment. A stamp in history. One that could signal the birth of a film industry Guyana can finally call its own.
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