6 days ago
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From Bob Marley: One Love to Redeemed, Jamaican actor Cornelius Grant believes he is cementing his reputation as a multifaceted talent, and already calling this year his “year of success”.
“This [is] my third international film, [and] the second one in less than a year, and I just think it’s hard work paying off, [especially] because next year will be my 20th year in the industry. I believe [that] not giving up has put me where I am right now,” Grant told The Gleaner in a recent interview during the break on the Redeemed set.
“Just a couple weeks ago, I won an award for one of my short films – Amara The Immortal, and I’m also currently in a next feature film,” he added. While he is now excited about his roles, he initially hesitated when offered the part.
“A want tell yuh seh mi turn it dung enuh,” he said. “Because I had other obligations and the times were gonna clash. [But], [ Redeemed producers] Pastor [Dr] Otis Manning and Jacinth [Headlam] said ‘Come man, we’ll work in between your schedule’. I came and I didn’t even know it was one addi lead role. Look how mi dida turn down supm big,” he whispered, adding that, “It is all working out suh God know weh him a duh … and what’s for you is for you”.
GREAT CHEMISTRY
Though he got the character by way of ‘default’ after a series of recastings, the creative talent– who also wears the hat of producer, comedian, and filmmaker—praised the team for the “great chemistry and unity” among the cast members. All decked out in his bulletproof vest and semi-casual wear, the ‘detective,’ as defined by his role in the movie, sports a white patch at the front of his head to symbolise grey hair for the dual character he plays—an experience he beams on enjoying.
“When I first heard about this role, I thought I was gonna play a ‘badman’, but I’m Detective Thomas, suh I’m a legal badman,” he joked. “But mi a family man, godly man and a detective, and mi like how mi a change up mi roles dem from my previously known characters as a thug/badman or comedian. It shows mi diversity and it’s a good look.”
The film promises plenty of surprises, including the actor’s first time playing a dual role, portraying both a middle-aged and an older version of himself. “For the first time, [fans] are gonna see me with facial hair,” he said. “I like that I get to play a double role, like [in an] Eddie Murphy or Tyler Perry film. It [gives me the chance] to step into two very different shoes.”
He highlighted forgiveness as one of the main themes that stood out to him and expressed excitement about having comedic actress Juliet ‘Julie Mango’ Bodley as his on-screen partner.
“ I’m a person who, if yuh duh mi wrong, mi write yuh off like yuh dead to me. But [in the film] it teaches that yuh have to forgive people, not fi dem, but fi you, because that’s a heavy burden to carry. My character really have a strong heart to forgive his spouse for what she did. But it stood out to me [ina real life], me start forgive some people but stay far from dem … uno ago see some different kind a emotions from me weh unu neva see before,” Grant promised.
This film, shot entirely in Jamaica, is a crime-drama with a faith-based storyline that tests a father’s love and appeals to both law-abiding citizens and those operating outside the law. Producers Headlam and Manning use the film to tell the story of a young woman’s resilience and redemption in the face of crime and violence.
The cast includes several local talents such as Michael ‘String Bean’ Nicolson, gospel-dancehall singjay Prince Saj, Juliet ‘Julie Mango’ Bodley, local-international actor Justin Awn, Hollywood superstar Malik Yoba, reality television star Safaree Samuels, and a host of other creatives.
Grant highlighted how Redeemed showcases local talent while featuring international actors in supporting roles, while urging the public to show their support for the Jamaican film industry. He also believes the film is more than a showcase — it is a “powerful movement of God”, moving both actors and crew to tears.
American director Luc Stephen, who has Haitian roots, shared a similar view, confessing that he was also moved to tears while capturing the moments during the film, which marks his first local production.
MOVED TO TEARS
“It’s really been quite good, I love what I’m seeing and I really can’t wait to see the footage. Chris Browne is one of the best cinematographer on the island and it’s an honour to work with him,” Stephen told The Gleaner.
Riding the high of his recently released film Sin, Stephen is excited to share his work on both global and local stages, while getting a chance to work with ‘super talented local acts’.
“From the young talents who’s on set for the first time to the more [established actors], they are killing it. They cry when I need dem to cry, showed all their different emotions when they need to, I didn’t even have to ask them to – it’s like they give it to me on a silver platter,” he said smiling. “It’s such a beautiful moment ... . It’s gonna be a great movie,” he declared.
English (US) ·