*Shot on location in Jamaica, SPRINTER tells the story of Akeem Sharp, a Jamaican teen burdened by an unstable father and an unruly older brother, who hopes a meteoric rise in track-and-field can reunite him with his mother, who has lived illegally in the U.S. for over a decade.
SPRINTER stars newcomer Dale Elliott, Kadeem Wilson (Ghett’ A Life), Dennis Titus (The Mighty Quinn), Shantol Jackson (Yardie), Bryshere Y. Gray (Empire, The New Edition Story), with Lorraine Toussaint (Selma, Orange is The New Black), and David Alan Grier (The Carmichael Show, In Living Color).
Producers are Robert Maylor, Clarence Hammond, and Jamal Watson. Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are Executive Producers, along with NBA Veteran and Media Personality Richard Jefferson, Josef Bogdanovich, Zachary Harding, Aaron Carr, Vinoda Basnayake, Donald Ranvaud, Kevin “Flipp” Montgomery, Dr. Lim, Shaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith, and Reynell “Tango” Hay.
The film will have its World Premiere at the upcoming American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in Miami on June 14 and June 15, as part of ABFF’s Narrative Features competition.
“I’m truly excited for the world to see SPRINTER,” said Writer/Director Storm Saulter. “Growing up in Jamaica, so many of my friends had one or both parents working overseas, sending back money and barrels filled with goods to support them and their extended families. The “Barrel Pickney” phenomenon, immigration issues, and the effect of globalization on families are things I’ve always wanted to explore. Within the high-stakes world of Jamaican athletics, we’ve created a timely, personal story I feel will resonate with a lot of people, and I look forward to sharing this moment with our cast, team, and audiences at ABFF.”
Producer Robert Maylor added: “Growing up with my feet firmly planted in both Jamaica and the U.S., it’s extremely gratifying to come full circle with SPRINTER, an authentically and uniquely Jamaican story rooted in a coming-of-age framework and a sport everyone understands. I’m proudest to have made this film with the support of a predominantly Jamaican crew, many of them first-timers. Similarly, the support received from our incredible partners cannot be overstated. We wish to thank everyone from Overbrook Entertainment, Puma, Flow, Grace, and especially our talented cast and crew, for making SPRINTER possible.”
Follow Sprinter at (SprinterThefilm.com)
source:
Theo Dumont
[email protected]
