THE Carib 5 cinema in Cross Roads was packed to capacity last Friday for the premiere of the film Jamaican Mafia.

A joint production between Donzo Productions, Kingston 11 Films and Yaad Boiz Films Productions, it was filmed in New York.

Jamaican Mafia tells the story of Zoolian Anderson (played by Mykal Fax), a car salesman who quits his job for life in the fast lane with his uncle Soljie (played by Paul Campbell), head of an organisation known as Jamaican Mafia.

A number of well-known entertainment personalities appear in the film. They include Irie Jam Radio’s Robert ‘Bobby’ Clarke, Linkup Media and Fiction Fantasy boss David ‘Squeeze’ Annakie, singjay Michelle ‘D’Angel’ Downer, dancer John Bling, music executive Johnny Wonder and singer Martina.

The film got the thumbs-up from some patrons.

“Yuh know how long wi want one a dem kinda film ya? It is well put together and mi enjoy every moment of it,” said dancer Keiva.

Deputy mayor of May Pen, Uphell Purchell, said Jamaican Mafia shows that there is a future for the local film industry.

“I think Jamaica has been seeing some future in movies. With the development process that’s coming too, it’s really something that will enhance Jamaica. This, of course, will help to build the economy,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Fax is happy the movie lived up to its pre-premiere hype.

“This is my passion, and once you have the passion you can’t go wrong. I’m just glad to see the movie has lived up to the hype because the adrenaline rush is so high right now,” he said.

Fax, who co-produced the film, also handled casting and wrote the screenplay.

“Once I saw the characters and each person who came to audition, I knew right away who was right for what role. I chose the cast right away,” he explained.

Hannah Town-raised actor Stokley Brown, who plays Massop, describes his role as an easy fit.

“I’ve been exposed to gangsters from growing up in Hannah Town. I just put my feet into the shoes of gangsters and brought the character to life.”

For D’Angel, the role of Robin was one she could not refuse.

“It was a really good vibe. When Orville contacted me I didn’t hesitate,” she said.

Co-producer Orville Matherson said it was strategic to have entertainers in the cast.

“We wanted to give this film a chance to succeed and we knew we had a good script. So we decided to include entertainers.”

Campbell, whose credits include Dancehall Queen and Third World Cop, was also at the premiere.

“The people who came out to see the film tonight totally loved it. What I want more than anything else is that more of us start to make our films and kill the monopoly. It’s about making your movie and telling your story,” he said.