'Jamaican Mafia' rents a Palace - Producers book Carib 5 for J'can premiere
Published:Tuesday | November 17, 2015 | 12:00 AMShereita Grizzle
After suffering a few setbacks on its journey to the silver screen, Jamaican Mafia will premiere on local soil on November 27.
Co-producer of the film, Orville Matherson, told The Gleaner the film will have its local premiere because of a decision to rent the theatre from Palace Amusement.
"Palace Amusement stated that they would not release Jamaican Mafia as a part of their regular programmes because of the subject matter. It (the matter) was resolved by me renting the theatre from them," he revealed. "I did that because I wanted Jamaicans to experience Jamaican Mafia the same way that they've experienced movies with similar subject matter from abroad."
Still, Matherson said he is happy to announce that the movie will be shown in Jamaican cinemas.
"We are very excited to be premiering Jamaican Mafia in the heart of its birth country," he said. "We suffered a few setbacks, but it was always our intention to have the film shown in local theatres so we are just excited to see it happening, finally."
The film was scheduled to have its local premiere earlier this year, but those plans were shelved after Palace Amusement told the movie's producers that they were not interested in showing the film because it was too violent.
In April, Mykal Fax, screenwriter and co-producer of Jamaican Mafia, told The Gleaner that he was disturbed by Palace Amusement's decision, stating that it was hypocritical of the cinema chain to refuse to show the film because of its graphic content, when they often show violent films coming out of the United States.
LIVE STREAMING
In addition to the local premiere at Carib 5, Jamaicans across the globe will also get to see Jamaican Mafia via live streaming.
"Audiences all over the world will finally be able to get what they've been asking for," said Matherson as he explained how the live stream will work. "JAmerican Productions, in conjunction with Elique Media Group, urges you to go to www.fame.watch and make your purchase beginning at 12:01 a.m. on November 27. Customers can purchase with PayPal or credit card. Digicards are also available for those who don't want to use their credit card or PayPal. Digicard sales locations will be announced soon."
After the screening at Carib 5, viewers are invited to join the cast and crew at The Palms, 107 Constant Spring Road, St Andrew, for the official after party, where they will get the opportunity to meet the stars of Jamaican Mafia. Actors Paul Campbell and Mykal Fax are expected to be among the guests.
Tickets to see Jamaican Mafia at Carib 5 cost $1,000 and are now on sale. The movie starts at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets for the after-party will be sold for $1,500 each.