FROM THE US, Jamaica and Canada the celebrated Jamaican director Storm Saulter’s feature, Sprinter, is set to arrive in the UK and carry on the Caribbean carnival spirit; sprinting into UK cinemas from 6 September.
Produced by Overbrook Entertainment with Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith executive producing, the film is a coming-of-age story about Akeem Sharp (Dale Elliott), nicknamed "The Rasta Rocket" for his dreadlocks and amazing running speed. Akeem wants to be Jamaica’s next top track-and-field star and hopes his athletic talent will catapult him into the US collegiate athletics system and reunite with his mother, who left him as a child. Unfortunately, Akeem’s dream faces obstacles from his turbulent home life with a volatile father and an older, former athlete now scam-artist brother who works his way into Akeem’s career.
This is Storm Saulter’s second feature film, following the 2011 award-winning debut film Better Mus’ Come, which was hailed by critics as signalling a fresh new movement of independent filmmaking throughout the Caribbean.
It has an all-star Jamaican and American cast including Kadeem Wilson (Ghett’ A Life), Dennis Titus (The Mighty Quinn), Shantol Jackson (Yardie), Bryshere Y. Gray (Empire), with Lorraine Toussaint (Selma, Orange is The New Black), and David Alan Grier (In Living Color, Jumanji), as well as a cameo from the most iconic sprinter of all, Usain Bolt. The film also features original songs by Grammy Award winning artist NE-YO and dancehall artist Shenseea.
The film aims to move away from the stereotypical storylines of guns and gangsters typically told about Jamaica. It will bring a fresh and positive youthful energy to UK screens, with its inspirational coming-of-age story, energetic Jamaican dancehall music, and vibrant Caribbean cinematography all combining to produce a film that has the feel-good factor of 90s hit film Cool Runnings and the cinematic appeal of classic The Harder They Come.
The UK release will run alongside special music events and draw on UK based/born Jamaican artists, with music performances from GAIKA, spoken word artists and Dancehall DJ nights. Director Storm Saulter and Producer and Writer Robert Maylor (Mental Telepathy Pictures) will be in attendance, taking part in Q&As for a select number of screenings across the county.
Pinkett Smith said: "Sprinter showcases the unbreakable bond between parents and their children. The film is a testament to the powerful, personal, and universal stories that can be told when underrepresented voices are given access, inclusion, and opportunity. Will and I are so proud of this film, and are beyond excited to share it with families in the UK."
The release is supported by the BFI Audience Fund, awarding funds from the National Lottery. The film will be released in selected Odeon, Picturehouse and Cineworld cinemas as well as a number of art house cinemas across the UK.
For the full screening schedule see visit www.sprinterthefilm.com [2]