Grand prize for film ‘Behind Closed Doors’ | Entertainment

Behind closed doorsa Jamaican suspense drama produced by Kingston-based Yaad Boiiz Productions, was named ‘Best Caribbean Film of 2024’ at the recent Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF). The festival, held in Toronto from September 8 to 15, featured nearly 100 films, including features, shorts, documentaries and music videos.

CEO of Yaad Boiiz Productions and producer of the film, Orville Matherson, was on hand to accept the award and paid tribute to those who contributed to its success.

“I accept this award on behalf of my entire team from Jamaica, who could not be here tonight and who did such an amazing job on this film,” Matherson said. “We had an extra screening here last night and the response we received to this labor of love was incredible. As a producer I can now tell you that I am in heaven!”

Matherson, whose production credits include the hit urban drama Jamaican mafiahinted at the perseverance it took to bring the film to the big screen – a journey that took six years.

Recorded entirely on location in Jamaica, Behind closed doors is directed by Marc Anthony Deacon from an original screenplay by Tachelle Ferron. It features Shevrado Oliver ( Van Yard series), Rachel Seaton, Pepita Little, Darron Donaldson ( Van Yard series), Kay-Ann Dennis and Leroy ‘Tommy Lee Sparta’ Russell. The film follows the story of a young college student (Seaton) in desperate personal and financial straits who reluctantly agrees to help from a wealthy young Jamaican entrepreneur (Oliver), but discovers that his help comes at a dangerous price.

Matherson is joined by Oraine Gordon, Cheleta Buddo-Gayle, Elvis Griffiths and screenwriter Ferron.

Intrigued by the recognizable storyline and looking for a sequel to his successful previous effort, Jamaican mafiaMatherson signed on as producer in 2018 when the film was already in pre-production. The production team’s first major decision was to recast the entire project with actors they believed could fill the complex roles.

After filming wrapped in 2019, the team began post-production and planned reshoots when COVID halted production for more than two years. By the end of the pandemic, several individuals, both in front of and behind the camera, had left the island or moved to other projects. Nevertheless, Matherson persisted.

“It took every ounce of perseverance for me and the team around me to stay on track. We worked on it day in and day out for more than six years, not knowing for sure whether this film would ever be completed and see the light of day. I still can’t believe we got to where we are today. So to receive this acclaim in Toronto and to hear from so many attendees at our screenings how much they enjoyed the film and how proud they were to know that it is an all-Jamaican production means a lot,” he shared.

Since hitting the festival circuit earlier this year, Behind closed doors has won several awards, including Best International Feature Film, Best Director and Best Editing at the Switzerland Film Fest and Screenplay Competition; Best Caribbean Drama from the International Black Diversity Film Festival; and the Narrative Feature Silver Award from the International Independent Film Festival.