Faith drama ‘Redeemed: A Father’s Love’ set for Carib 5 premiere August 3

Pastor Dr Otis Manning first felt the pull of cinema in 2022, during counselling with a young woman in distress. Her account struck him so deeply that, once she agreed, he shaped pieces of what she had lived through into a screenplay. That work became Redeemed: A Father’s Love, due to open at Carib 5 on August 3.

“I remember sitting down with a young woman and doing counselling, and, at the end of the session, I told myself that this was a movie. The movie is a true story where the woman was abducted in real life and so on. I asked her permission, and she told me to go ahead. Now her story is going to be shown at the Carib cinema. I have gotten other visions from other counselling sessions, but this was the one that really captured my heart the most,” Manning said.

The lineup includes Hollywood veteran Malik Yoba, alongside Safaree, Jacinth Headlam, Cornelius Grant, Julie Mango, and further cast members. Manning, who leads God’s Family Ministry International and is credited as executive director and conceptualiser, called the venture “a blessing”.

Headlam also co-produces the faith-centred crime drama, which turns on family bonds, forgiveness, and redemption.

“We started shooting last August, and we are now going to air in August, so it is a blessing. This is my first time doing a big project like this, so I am excited. We got the most experienced Jamaica has to offer in terms of acting locally and overseas. We also got some new talent who are literally amazing in the film. Some of the young ones are most praised by the editing team,” he said.

Manning said the picture ranks among Jamaica’s earliest gospel, faith-based features. He hopes audiences embrace its message and that it helps open the way for a stronger Christian film sector.

“We want it to have a ripple effect. We want it to be a catalyst, and we want to revitalise the film industry to a different level, making it the first of its kind in terms of Christian, faith-based movies. I want to kickstart that industry in the region,” Manning said.

He added that while the whole production “took a pretty penny”, it ultimately “was a team effort”.

“We had some persons who partnered with us all the way. Jacinth is an absolute blessing ... she was one of the pioneers who assisted me from scratch,” Manning explained.

With the opening under a month away, he is counting on a strong crowd.

“We expect a big bang, and by God’s grace, we will get it,” he said.