Jamaican actress leads cast in int’l film ‘Chokehold’

While some were busy doing manual work over the Labour Day weekend, others were engaged in the digital world watching movies, including the newest release, Chokehold, on the streaming platform Tubi. Chokehold, which features an international cast including its lead actress, Jamaican Sherando Ferril, chronicles the pitfalls and pain of an abusive relationship, and the resilience required to get out of it and all the ramifications that may follow. This comes at a time when the ‘Me Too’ movement has made significant advancement, plus many female celebrities have gone public about their personal experiences in an effort to help others have the courage to find their own voice and walk away.

The film examines the lives of Mike (Enyinna Nwigwe) and Victoria (Sherando Ferril), a married couple imprisoned by haunting memories that threaten their broken relationship. Mike, a decorated police officer, struggles with inner demons while his wife strives to break away from the vicious cycle of abuse. Shot in St. Martin in 2022 and later shown at the Cannes Film Festival, the film features an international cast including known Nollywood actors and BET’s Brely Evans.

A leading figure in the Caribbean film and television industry, writer, producer and director, Joel Ayuk, founded Cani TV, a local channel in Saint -Martin, and established the Saint -Martin International Film Festival (SIFF). Ayuk, who originally hails from Cameroon, has been a resident of Saint-Martin for more than two decades. With a career spanning close to two decades, he shared with The Gleaner that his inspiration for the film was real-life experiences surrounding domestic violence and mental health.

“I am thrilled to present the final product, showcasing the incredible potential of the Caribbean. This film embodies my commitment to delivering exceptional storytelling and shedding light on important social issues,” Ayuk said.

He added:, “I wanted to create a film that not only entertains but also raises awareness, sparks important conversations, and educates our communities. The process was challenging, but giving up was not an option. Raising funds was complicated, and finding distribution took nearly two years, as I did not want to take the easy route. Today, I’m proud to say that Chokehold is officially streaming on Tubi, OG Network and will soon be on more than thirteen 13 additional platforms.”

Lead actress Ferril, who is also the CEO of Yaad Bridge Entertainment, shared that it was a huge honour to be present on the prestigious festival stage where the film was well received. 

“I’m actually, to date, the first Jamaican to play a lead role in a film that has gone to the Cannes Film Festival. I kinda have mixed feelings about my role because the last three characters I’ve been given to play are women who have been abused by their husbands, and that speaks to what is happening in our society,” Ferril stated.

Emphasising that she was “not being preachy”, Ferril stated that she “is always happy to get characters of people who usually don’t get a voice, and women who are abused generally don’t talk about it or get their stories shared”. 

Currently, Ferril can also be seen locally at the Courtleigh Auditorium in ‘Feminine Justice’ playing  the role of an abused wife.

Nicola.cunningham@gleanerjm.com

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From left: Lead actor Enyinna Nwigwe; lead actress Sherando Ferril , and writer and director, Joel Ayu.

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From left: Writer and director, Joel Ayu; lead actress, Sherando Ferril; Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, and  lead actor Enyinna Nwigwe.