Mother In Law, a West Africa-funded movie co-starring Jamaican actor Everton Dennis, won Best Independent Film Africa at last month’s Hollywood African Prestigious Awards (HAPAwards) in Los Angeles.

The comedy, which stars Vivica A Fox, Miguel A Nunez and Nigerian actress Patience Ozokwor, was directed by Prince Joshua Nana Morrison Budukuma of Ghana. He won the Best Director in an Independent Film category.

Clarendon-born Dennis, who plays a thug in Mother In Law, is pleased with being part of an award-winning film.

“It’s a validation of the hard work and dedication put in by everyone involved. The recognition not only celebrates the film but also inspires me to continue pushing my creative boundaries,” he said.

Held annually since 2017, the HAPAwards took place on October 27 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. It honours persons in the African Diaspora who excel in the arts, music and commerce.

In Mother In Law, Dennis’ character is hired by Ozokwor to intimidate Fox’s family. She is against her African son marrying Fox’s daughter, an African American.

Since his debut in the autobiographical Out The Gate 13 years ago, Dennis has co-starred in the movies, Temperature Rising and Gangland: The Musical.

His latest movie role is in Babylon, tentatively scheduled for release in 2025. Dennis is also a recording artiste known as E-Dee, who has released three albums.

– Howard Campbell