Veteran actor Delroy Lindo is stepping behind the camera for the first time as a feature-film director with Jabari’s People, an upcoming Jamaican-set family drama starring Lindo alongside Winston Duke, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Wendell Pierce and newcomer Seyi Andes-Pelumi.
The film recently wrapped its 22-day production in Kingston, Jamaica. Written by Daoud Abeid and Dakhil Hausif, Jabari’s People follows Jabari, a gifted but defiant teenager from Brooklyn who is sent to Jamaica’s Blue Mountains to live with his estranged grandparents following the sudden death of his mother.
As Jabari adjusts to life in Jamaica, the story explores themes of grief, family, identity and inheritance, while bringing three generations of a family together to confront long-unspoken issues.
Andes-Pelumi portrays Jabari in his first feature-film role. Winston Duke plays Jabari’s father, while Marianne Jean-Baptiste portrays his grandmother. Lindo takes on the role of Jabari’s disciplined grandfather, and Wendell Pierce plays a doctor connected to the family’s New York community.
For Lindo, the project is particularly personal. The actor, who has Jamaican heritage, first encountered the screenplay in 2015 when he was approached about starring in the film. After the project did not move forward at that time, Lindo acquired the rights in 2021 and decided to direct it himself. He has described the story as one that connected deeply with him because of his Jamaican background.
Lindo is also producing the film through his production company, Mudtop Productions, alongside Robert A. Maylor, Lena Cordina and Natalie Thompson. IAG is handling distribution rights.
The film features an ensemble of Jamaican performers, including Rolando Alberts, Shernet Swearine, Zoe Daniele ChingSang and Sule Thelwell. Lindo has spoken positively about the young Jamaican cast and their contributions to bringing his vision for the story to life.
For Lindo, Jabari’s People represents a new chapter in a career spanning decades. Known for acclaimed performances in films including Malcolm X, Crooklyn, Clockers, Da 5 Bloods and Sinners, Lindo now takes on the additional responsibilities of directing while also appearing on screen.
A release date has not yet been announced. Lindo has indicated that he hopes the film will be released in 2027, while the production is also pursuing a potential connection with the Toronto International Film Festival.
Jabari’s People brings together an accomplished cast, emerging Jamaican talent and a story centered on family, heritage and finding one’s place between two worlds.
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