Despite minor glitches on its recent production in Jamaica, Squatta, a movie directed by American James Williams III, is expected to meet its October deadline.

Williams told the Jamaica Observer that he and his crew filmed scenes at 12 locations during their 10-day trip to Jamaica in June.

“The final round of principal photography and production in Jamaica was extremely challenging given our budget, but the cast, crew, and some very close friends provided the talent, grit, and finances to get us through it,” he said. “
Squatta is full of heart because of them!”

Some of the filming took place in Port Royal, at the Caribbean Maritime University; Johnny’s Comedy Bar; and Lucky 38 club.

Squatta, which Williams describes as a “thriller/horror flick”, stars Jamaican actors Christopher Daley, Kadeem Wilson, and Stokley Brown.

There are smaller roles for actress Joan McKenzie, singer Blvk H3ro, deejay Mr Easy, and Esco (formerly of Esco and Leftside).

Production on Squatta started in early 2025 in Williams’ hometown of Warrenton, Georgia. Last September, he and his Twilight Ebb crew visited Kingston for four days for additional filming.

Williams, who served 21 years in the United States military, put up most of the US$250,000 to film his first movie, which he says is based on “classism and how the oppressed remain resilient until they reach a breaking point”.

He added that: “The film is in the can, we are on track for the film to be completed before our goal to première in October. We’ve started speaking with distributors and we are exploring the best timing for distribution. However, we have post-production to get through before the path is clearly defined.”

Squatta is the fourth feature project by the Maryland-born Williams, an admirer of Jamaican dramas such as
Third World Cop and Shottas. He is a graduate of Howard University, earning a bachelor’s degree in radio, television and film.

Williams began drafting a script for what became Squatta in 2008 after seeing a communal settlement while visiting Trinidad. While in Kingston several years later, he observed the city’s rugged landscape and was inspired to update it.

Brown, best known for his role in the 2015 movie Jamaican Mafia, was the first Jamaican cast by Williams.