Jamaican actor, producer, and director Cornelius Grant is enjoying what he describes as one of the busiest and most rewarding periods of his two-decade acting career, with five productions slated for release over the coming months across cinemas, television and digital platforms.

The remarkable run includes Stew Peas, which opened in cinemas on July 22 following its June 27 premiere at Carib 5; Redeemed, premiering at Carib 5 on August 3; 3 Sum One Truth, arriving on YouTube this August; Chain of Power, premiering at the University of Technology (UTech), Jamaica on September 19; and Possession, which is set to air later this year on Sky Network in the United Kingdom.

Grant said the timing of the releases was purely coincidental, noting that three of the projects were filmed last year. However, balancing two feature films simultaneously tested both his endurance and dedication.

“It has been a great feeling. It’s a coincidence that three of those projects were shot last year, and with the two feature films I had to be juggling between two sets on the same day. It was a great feeling because that’s what I wanted for my career — to be a working actor who’s always on the go,” he told Observer online.

The actor is particularly proud that both Stew Peas and Redeemed will be screening at Carib 5, describing it as a landmark achievement for Jamaican cinema.

“For me, that’s a great feeling and I think it’s also a Jamaican record for a local actor to have two films in theatres at the same time. Even though I’m doing a lot of international work, this is one achievement I’m celebrating locally,” he said.

Grant explained that Stew Peas represented an important opportunity to strengthen his local film portfolio.

“I didn’t really have any local Jamaican movies on my credentials and I needed that, so when I saw the opportunity I got on it right away. What audiences will see in Stew Peas will blow them away. Sosiessia Nixon-Nixon completed the film in just 12 days, which was incredible, and my character brings a little flavour and style to the production,” he said.

While Nixon-Kelly is celebrating the success of Stew Peas, so far, she is calling for more investment in what she describes as an infinite industry rich with talent.

“Filming in Jamaica is very hard. Locations are not easily accessible. The government has somewhat relaxed the rules where we can now get our permits easier and quicker online. But, really and truly, production has not gotten easier because what we have not gotten to date is the resources that we really need to take our stories to a global audience,” she told the Observer

The psychological thriller closed its first weekend as the second highest-performing film at the Jamaican box office, trailing only the international blockbuster The Odyssey.

“This tells me that Jamaicans want to see Jamaican films… right now, I know that Stew Peas is getting a lot of international recognition because the Jamaican voices are online talking about the film… Stew Peas is all the way in China. What I want is for corporate Jamaica and the government to do more for the locals. Yes, we get the international productions coming in who bring their experience and expertise. But, we have so much home-grown talent and not the resources,” she added.

On another hand, Grant is also looking forward to reaching international audiences through Possession, directed by acclaimed Jamaican filmmaker Storm Saulter. He noted that Redeemed also has an international dimension through its cast and production team.

“It’s good to be back on the international market since the Bob Marley: One Love movie. This is my first project that will be airing on Sky TV, directed by one of our own, Storm Saulter. Redeemed is also international because of the people involved, including director Luc Stephan, Malik Yoba and Safaree,” he added.

Another upcoming release, Chain of Power, offers audiences an entirely different experience.

“The story revolves around a young woman who inherits a magical chain that is stolen, and the story follows the chase to recover it. It’s an adventure film directed by Lushan for LSK Productions. I want people to support the local film industry and our young talents because they’re doing great work,” he said.

Grant is especially excited about 3Sum One Truth, a project that showcases his talents beyond acting.

Produced under Good Vybz Entertainment and Alpha Studios, the film was written by Grant and Sabrina Thomas, directed by Grant and co-directed by Nicholette Neilson.