'Cargo', the largest Bahamian film production to date set to begin production

Thu, Nov 12th 2015, 11:42 PM

Kareem J Mortimer, chairman, and Alexander I. Younis, vice-president, of Bahamian production company Best Ever Film, have geared up to begin production on "Cargo", a feature film written and to be directed by award-winning Bahamian filmmaker Kareem J. Mortimer.

"Cargo" begins production on November 14 and will star British actor Warren Brown of BBC America's critically acclaimed crime drama series "Luther" as the lead character, Kevin.

"We are excited that we have Warren Brown on board to portray Kevin. This role demands tremendous range and physical discipline, as well as a deeply compassionate view of human nature. Warren Brown possesses these qualities and more, and works with honesty and conviction. We know that he can lead our audiences to the darkest places of human experience, but also bring them out into the light on the other side," said Kareem.

Adding great talent and star power to the ensemble in this action/drama are Jimmy Jean-Louis (Heroes, Toussaint Louverture, Joy), Omar J. Dorsey (Django Unchained, Ray Donovan, Selma), Persia White (The Vampire Diaries, Girlfriends) and Gessica Geneus (Moloch Tropical, Toussaint Louverture).

Loosely based on the 10-time award-winning short film "Passage", "Cargo" is the story of a sensitive fisherman who transforms into a human smuggler to pay off a gambling debt. It's a story about people who are struggling just to survive, and one that deals with profound, overarching themes relatable to audiences the world over.

Written, developed, funded and produced locally, "Cargo" is the largest Bahamian feature film project to date. Mortimer and Younis are determined to utilize the wealth of homegrown talent and resources, and have provided opportunities in both cast and crew positions for the project. Over 30 speaking roles are for Bahamian actors, and a feature film of this size offers many crew positions during the various stages of production and shooting.

"We have felt and received a huge amount of support from the various communities and in so many different ways. Everyone feels the potential here to do something big. This is a unique moment for cinema -- a story from an island, told with integrity by one of its indigenous storytellers in the global context of human smuggling and inciting its audience to reflect on human rights, wealth and individual choices. We are all very excited to make this happen," said Younis.

Over the past five years, Kareem J. Mortimer has won over 30 awards for his film projects and has had his work distributed in over 40 countries. "Cargo" won best pitch at Caribbean Tales in 2012, and is the first part of a nine-film slate put together by Best Ever Film that was co-founded in 2013 by Mortimer and Younis, an Austrian entrepreneur and artist, and is engaged in the development, production and distribution of films. Under the esteemed direction of some of the most notable members of Nassau's business, financial and service industry leaders, "Best Ever Film" is a pioneer in the Caribbean region. Its primary objective is to make unique, story-driven films that resonate globally.

For more information go to http://besteverfilm.com.


Photo: besteverfilm.com

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