Major prize for ‘Behind Closed Doors’ film

Behind Closed Doors, a Jamaican suspense drama produced by Kingston-based Yaad Boiiz Productions, was named ‘Best Caribbean Film of 2024’ at the recent Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF). The festival, held in Toronto from September 8 to 15, showcased nearly 100 films, including feature-length movies, short films, documentaries, and music videos.

CEO of Yaad Boiiz Productions and producer of the film, Orville Matherson, was on hand to accept the award and paid tribute to those who contributed to its success.

“I’m accepting this award on behalf of my entire team from Jamaica who couldn’t be here tonight and who did such an amazing job on this film,” Matherson said. “We had an additional screening here last night and the reaction that we received for this labour of love was incredible. As a producer I can tell you right now [that] I am in heaven!”

Matherson, whose producing credits include the popular urban drama Jamaican Mafia, alluded to the perseverance required to bring the film to the screen – a journey that took six years.

Shot entirely on location in Jamaica, Behind Closed Doors is directed by Marc Anthony Deacon from an original screenplay by Tachelle Ferron. It features Shevrado Oliver ( From Yard-The Series), Rachel Seaton, Pepita Little, Darron Donaldson ( From Yard- The Series), Kay-Ann Dennis, and Leroy ‘Tommy Lee Sparta’ Russell. The film follows the story of a young college student (Seaton) who finds herself in desperate personal and financial straits and reluctantly agrees to accept help from a wealthy young Jamaican entrepreneur (Oliver) only to discover that his assistance comes at a dangerous price.

Joining Matherson as producers are Oraine Gordon, Cheleta Buddo-Gayle, Elvis Griffiths and screenwriter, Ferron.

Intrigued by the relatable storyline and seeking a follow-up to his successful prior effort, Jamaican Mafia, Matherson signed on as a producer in 2018 when the film was already in pre-production. The production team’s first major decision was to recast the entire project with actors they believed could inhabit the complex roles.

After filming wrapped in 2019, the team began post-production and planned re-shoots when COVID shut down production for over two years. By the pandemic’s end, several individuals, both in front of and behind the camera, had left the island or moved on to other projects. Nevertheless, Matherson persisted.

“It took every ounce of perseverance from myself and the team around me to stay the course. Day in and day out for over six years we kept at it, without knowing for sure if this film would ever get done and see the light of day. I’m still in disbelief that we made it to where we are today. So, to receive this acclaim in Toronto and to hear from so many attendees at our screenings how much they enjoyed the film and how proud they were to know it’s a completely Jamaican production, means a great deal,” he shared.

Since landing on the festival circuit earlier this year, Behind Closed Doors has picked up several awards including Best International Feature Film, Best Director and Best Editing at the Switzerland Film Fest and Screenplay Competition; Best Caribbean Drama from The International Black Diversity Film Festival; and the Narrative Feature Silver Award from the International Independent Film Festival.