Sherando Ferril leads international abuse drama Chokehold on Tubi

Over the Labour Day weekend, some Jamaicans spent time on hands-on community work, while others turned to online entertainment and caught Chokehold, a new film available on Tubi. The production is led by Jamaican actress Sherando Ferril and brings together performers from several countries for a story centred on domestic abuse, the struggle to leave a harmful relationship and the consequences that can follow.

The film arrives in a period when the Me Too movement has gained ground and several well-known women have spoken publicly about their own experiences, hoping to encourage others to speak up and remove themselves from abusive situations.

Chokehold follows Mike, played by Enyinna Nwigwe, and Victoria, played by Ferril, a married couple whose damaged union is weighed down by painful memories. Mike is portrayed as a decorated police officer battling personal turmoil, while Victoria tries to free herself from repeated abuse. The movie was filmed in St. Martin in 2022 and later screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Its cast includes recognised Nollywood performers as well as BET’s Brely Evans.

Joel Ayuk, the film’s writer, producer and director, is regarded as an important name in Caribbean film and television. He created Cani TV, a local Saint-Martin channel, and also founded the Saint-Martin International Film Festival. Ayuk, originally from Cameroon, has lived in Saint-Martin for more than 20 years and has worked in the industry for nearly two decades. He told The Gleaner that Chokehold was shaped by true experiences connected to domestic violence and mental health.

“I am thrilled to present the final product, showcasing the incredible potential of the Caribbean. This film embodies my commitment to delivering exceptional storytelling and shedding light on important social issues,” Ayuk said.

He added: “I wanted to create a film that not only entertains but also raises awareness, sparks important conversations, and educates our communities. The process was challenging, but giving up was not an option. Raising funds was complicated, and finding distribution took nearly two years, as I did not want to take the easy route. Today, I’m proud to say that Chokehold is officially streaming on Tubi, OG Network and will soon be on more than thirteen 13 additional platforms.”

Ferril, who heads Yaad Bridge Entertainment, said it meant a great deal to attend the major festival where Chokehold received a strong response. “I’m actually, to date, the first Jamaican to play a lead role in a film that has gone to the Cannes Film Festival. I kinda have mixed feelings about my role because the last three characters I’ve been given to play are women who have been abused by their husbands, and that speaks to what is happening in our society,” Ferril stated.

Ferril said she was “not being preachy”, but explained that she welcomes roles built around people whose experiences are often unheard, especially abused women whose stories are rarely told. Jamaican audiences can also see her at the Courtleigh Auditorium in Feminine Justice, where she plays an abused wife.