News Americas, New York, NY, 4 October 2024: Jamaican suspense drama Behind closed doorsproduced by Kingston-based Yaad Boiiz Productions, has won the prestigious Best Caribbean Film Award at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF). The film was honored during the festival, held from September 8 to 15 in Toronto, which featured around 100 films from around the world.
Behind closed doors appeared as a standout at the festival, receiving such positive reviews that an additional show was added on September 14. The film was met with overwhelming applause, receiving a standing ovation at its final screening.
Orville Matherson, CEO of Yaad Boiiz Productions and producer of the film, accepted the award at the closing gala of the festival. “I am accepting this award on behalf of my entire team from Jamaica, who did an amazing job on this film. The response we have received has been incredible. As a producer, I’m in heaven!” Matherson said.
Matherson, also known for producing Jamaican Mafiashared the perseverance it took to finish Behind closed doorsa project that spanned six years from its inception in 2018. The film faced numerous challenges, including delays due to COVID-19, but Matherson and his team remained committed to completing the project.
Shot entirely in Jamaica, Behind closed doors is directed by Marc Anthony Deacon and written by Tachelle Ferron. The film stars Shevrado Oliver, Rachel Seaton, Pepita Little and Leroy ‘Tommy Lee Sparta’ Russell, and tells the fascinating story of a young student who, faced with financial difficulties, reluctantly accepts the help of a wealthy entrepreneur, only to understand the risk. that comes with it.
The film’s success at TINFF is part of an impressive run on the festival circuit in 2024. Behind closed doors it has already won Best International Feature, Best Director and Best Editing at the Switzerland Film Fest, as well as Best Caribbean Drama at the International Black Diversity Film Festival.
Matherson is now seeking distribution deals and recently represented Jamaica at Africa Fame Week in Cape Town, where he is in talks with major distributors and streaming platforms. A soundtrack for the film is also in the works, with premieres planned for Jamaica and several other countries.
