Producer of 'Desperate Decisions' Kamall McLean. - Contributed

Desperate Decisions, the latest movie coming out of Jamaica, explores the romantic drama genre and introduces a new cast to the Jamaican screen.

Set in Jamaica, the film tells the story of Patrick (Martin Clarke), who is struggling to make something of his life without support from family. Searching for a deeper meaning in his life, Patrick finds unexpected love with Verona (Jessica Francis) and the two begin the most tumultuous chapter in their lives. For the film's producer, Kamall McLean, Desperate Decisions is not only about making desperate decisions, it is also a story about determination, loyalty and astute resilience.

true love story

"It is a true love story, so it has a lot of natural chemistry and it has a story that people can relate to," he said.

Coming under the production banner of El Shadai, Desperate Decisions is written and directed by Paul O. Beale. Filming began three years ago and was done throughout the island. The lead roles are shared by Clarke and Francis, while Rosemarie Murray, Winston 'Bello' Bell and Owen 'Blacka' Ellis provide strong support.

What makes the film even more interesting is the new talent it exposes.

"I had an open cast call three years ago. When we first started I had selected some folks, but the film was delayed," McLean explained. "I had a crisis in my family and the majority of the cast was lost, so I had to start all over and get more people. This time I went on the streets. I was looking for a particular crowd and I wanted to make it as natural as possible. When I saw personalities that would fit a part, I approached the persons and got them involved in the film."

McLean discovered Clarke and Francis, neither having prior interest in acting, during his 'street recruiting' and they were then trained by Murray.

film premiere

The film premiered last night at RedBones The Blues Café in New Kingston and can be seen there again on Saturday, February 28. McLean said he was aiming to have Desperate Decisions shown in local theatres and in the United States.

He was born in Jamaica, but migrated to the USA many years ago. His earliest experiences in entertainment included promoting a series of stage plays in New York. These included plays by Oliver Samuels and Beale. He has always had a keen interest in theatre and screen and Desperate Decisions provides a good platform for his entry into the screen industry. This winter he is looking to start his next project, a movie called The Deportees.

See tomorrow's Gleaner for a review of Desperate Decisions.

A scene from 'Desperate Decisions'. - Contributed

Jessica Francis and Martin Clarke on the set of 'Desperate Decisions'.