Three years ago, when COVID had almost brought the world to a standstill, some enterprising international film producers had a vision. They would move operations to the Cayman Islands; entice A-list Hollywood talent to travel here; and train and employ a crew of Caymanians to work on movie sets.
The whole idea sounds like a script in itself, but Productivity Media and Darius Films – along with Balcony 9 Productions, on a separate project – made the dream a reality. Over the course of a year, names like Nicolas Cage, Harvey Keitel, Ron Perlman, Tom Felton, Jackie Earle Haley, Don Johnson, Dennis Quaid, Ernie Hudson and many other familiar faces from the silver screen were seen eating at local restaurants, posting pictures on social media of themselves basking in the sea, and bringing characters to life in front of the camera. Multiple movies were filmed, which subsequently went into the post-production process… and now, the fun part begins.
On Friday, 28 July, residents of Cayman will have the chance to see ‘The Baker’ at Camana Bay Cinema, being released on the same date that it hits cinemas stateside. Starring Perlman, Elias Koteas and Joel David Moore, with Keitel and introducing Emma Ho, the gritty drama focuses on an elderly baker who has to protect his granddaughter from gangsters, using skills that go beyond producing an excellent loaf of sourdough. Eagle-eyed audience members will recognise some of the locations and buildings in scenes, which were cunningly modified or shot from specific angles, to work perfectly with the story.
Standing side-by-side with the celebrity actors are local extras and performers who were given the chance to be part of a bona fide feature film. There were also behind-the-camera roles filled by talented Caymanians, such as Badir Awe and Tonie Chisholm.
One particular local thespian, Ronnie Hughes, has a speaking role in the movie that also required learning a foreign accent. He is listed in the cast credits as playing the part of Sirko – a ‘heavy’ you would not want to run into in a dark alley.
“I am genuinely thrilled that The Baker will finally be hitting cinemas this Friday,” Hughes said. “It’s hard to believe that it was filmed over two years ago here in Cayman.
“After what was one of the most difficult times for the people of Cayman during COVID… to have this production come to the Cayman Islands, and bring work to the people who needed it and to develop an industry was nothing short of incredible.”
He added that it was like a dream come true to be part of all of it, and encouraged the public to head to the cinema this weekend to watch the film.
“I grew up watching Ron Perlman, Elias Koteas and Harvey Keitel. To be in a film and share actual scenes with them is something I will never forget and still cannot believe it happened.
“Congratulations to everyone involved, and if you are watching it this weekend, I hope you enjoy it.”
Buy tickets online for ‘The Baker’ at Camana Bay Cinema here.
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