Carib 5 cinema in Kingston was the epicentre of laughter, gasps, cheers, and spontaneous outbursts on Monday night as audiences reacted to the twists, turns, and emotional moments of Redeemed: A Father’s Love at its official Jamaican première.

The faith-based crime drama, which blends suspense, family, faith, and redemption, drew a diverse audience for the red carpet affair, with members of the cast and supporting individuals stepping out in snazzy pieces for the occasion.

The première also attracted strong support from several church communities, reflecting the film’s faith-based foundation. Among those in attendance were gospel entertainers Kevin Downswell and Petra Kaye, who joined members of the cast, production team, and other guests for the screening.

For Executive Producer Reverend Dr Otis Manning, the warm reception from the audience was among the most rewarding aspects of bringing the project to the big screen.

“I’m grateful. I’m thankful. Everything turned out well. The most exciting thing is that people are loving it. I’ve loved it, but, it’s more exciting to watch people loving what you’ve done,” Manning told the Jamaica Observer at the première.

Redeemed: A Father’s Love follows the devastating aftermath of a childhood kidnapping, as long-buried secrets begin to surface and dangerous truths threaten to unravel the lives of those involved. Through its exploration of betrayal, identity, forgiveness, and unconditional love, the film challenges audiences to confront difficult questions about truth, family, and redemption.

Director Luc Stephen (left) and actor Matthew Yee-Grant Garfield Robinson

Leading the cast is acclaimed American actor Malik Yoba, whose commanding performance anchors the emotionally charged narrative. He is joined by an accomplished ensemble including Co-producer Jacinth Headlam, veteran actor Cornelius Grant, social media personality Julie Mango, gospel dancehall singjay Prince Saj, Justin Awn, and entertainer Safaree Samuels, whose recent public declaration of faith has drawn renewed attention to his appearance in the film.

Although faith is at the heart of the production, Manning and the film-makers are clear that Redeemed: A Father’s Love is not intended solely for Christian audiences. The film’s themes of broken families, lost identity, forgiveness, unconditional love and the hope of restoration are presented as universal experiences that can resonate across cultures, geographical boundaries, and religious backgrounds.

For Manning, the film’s ability to affect people on a personal level is perhaps its greatest achievement.

“The best part of the film was listening to testimonies. A veteran in the business, Chris Browne told me that he’d shot movies for 40 years and there is nothing he would’ve changed,” he said.

Manning also recalled an experience involving one of the film’s actors, who came to a personal realisation while working on the production.

“I was also doing an interview with one of the actors, on set, and he said while we were filming the movie taught him that there were some stuff he had in his heart that he had to forgive. It was on the movie set, while doing the role, that he realised, ‘I messed up.’ That was awesome; to know that my movie is really helping people. I am hoping that it will have the same effect on other viewers,” he said.

Redeemed cast members (from left) Kaylia Williams, Justin Awn, Charmaine Fenton, and Jacinth Headlam Garfield Robinson

Manning shared that
Redeemed: A Father’s Love marks his foray into film-making. He said the idea of making a movie had been on his mind for some time, but he waited until he felt ready to pursue it.

“I knew I wanted to do a movie, but I wasn’t ready for it. When I was ready, I met somebody who was an actress and I left it hanging for a year. When I called her, she explained that she’s done films before. She came down and she literally walked me through. So, big up to Jacinth Headlam. She literally taught me what to do, and how to. She and I did the screening for the actors and everything. Sometimes I had to pull up my socks very hard, but I’m grateful that she really gave me the balance,” Manning said.

Attendees were left in awe following Monday’s viewing.

“I absolutely loved it. It had everything that I look for in a great film; the suspense, the drama, the humour and, most importantly, a powerful message. I found myself laughing one minute and sitting on the edge of my seat the next. It was really well done, and I think a lot of people will be able to relate to the story,” one viewer told the Observer.

Manning added that the film was produced out of pocket through the support of the church community, but believes greater investment is needed to propel Jamaica’s film industry forward.

He is calling for increased support from both the Government and the private sector, arguing that local film-makers need more resources and opportunities to develop and produce quality content.