Jamaican Actress Sherando Ferril Stars In ‘ Chokehold’ International Film

Jamaican actress and producer Sherando Ferril is gaining international recognition for her leading role in Chokehold, a powerful drama now streaming on Tubi that explores domestic abuse, trauma, and the resilience required to escape cycles of violence.

The film, which features an international cast, arrives at a time when conversations surrounding gender-based violence continue to gain prominence globally, fueled in part by movements such as #MeToo and the growing number of women publicly sharing their experiences to encourage others to seek help and reclaim their voices.

In Chokehold, Ferril portrays Victoria, a woman trapped in an abusive marriage to Mike, played by Nollywood actor Enyinna Nwigwe. The story follows the couple as they confront painful memories and emotional wounds that threaten to destroy their already fractured relationship. Mike, a decorated police officer, struggles with personal demons, while Victoria fights to break free from a cycle of abuse and reclaim her life.

Filmed in St. Martin in 2022, Chokehold later screened at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and features a diverse international cast, including Nollywood stars and BET actress Brely Evans.

The film was written, produced, and directed by Joel Ayuk, a leading figure in Caribbean cinema and founder of Cani TV and the Saint-Martin International Film Festival (SIFF). Originally from Cameroon, Ayuk has lived in St. Martin for more than two decades and said the project was inspired by real-life experiences involving domestic violence and mental health challenges.

“I wanted to create a film that not only entertains but also raises awareness, sparks important conversations, and educates our communities,” Ayuk said. “The process was challenging, but giving up was not an option. Raising funds was complicated, and finding distribution took nearly two years because I wanted the film to reach audiences through the right channels.”

Ayuk expressed pride in the film’s success, noting that it is now streaming on Tubi and OG Network, with plans for release on more than 13 additional platforms.

For Ferril, the project represents another milestone in an already impressive career. The actress, who is also CEO of Yaad Bridge Entertainment, said it was a tremendous honour to see the film showcased at Cannes.

“To date, I am the first Jamaican actress to play a lead role in a film that has screened at the Cannes Film Festival,” Ferril said.

She admitted that portraying Victoria was emotionally complex, particularly because it marked the third consecutive role in which she played a woman suffering abuse at the hands of her husband.

“That reflects what is happening in our society,” she said, adding that she is passionate about portraying characters whose stories often go unheard.

“I am always happy to play characters who usually do not get a voice, and women who are abused generally do not talk about it or have their stories shared.”

Ferril continues to bring attention to the issue through her stage work as well. She is currently appearing in the local production Feminine Justice at the Courtleigh Auditorium, where she once again portrays an abused wife.

With Chokehold reaching international audiences, Ferril hopes the film will not only entertain viewers but also encourage meaningful conversations about domestic violence, mental health, and the importance of breaking the silence surrounding abuse.