JAMAICAN MOVIE “DESTINY” RULES THE BOX OFFICE ISLANDWIDE, BEATING OUT DENZEL WASHINGTON, BRAD PITT & ROBERT DOWNEY JR.!

By Shereita Grizzle–

It may come as a surprise to some as it was revealed that Destiny, a local film with a difference, came in No. 1 at box offices islandwide. According to numbers revealed to the show’s producer, Jeremy Whittaker, by Palace Amusement Cinemas, Destiny beat out international films Equalizer, starring Denzel Washington; Fury, starring Brad Pitt; and The Judge, starring Robert Downey Jr, for the top spot.

Now in its third week of showing, the film has been holding its own on the silver screens and has held the No. 1 spot in its first two weeks of showing. Whittaker is more than happy about the film’s box office success.

Denzel Washington

“It has been doing well! We were No. 1 the first and second week of showing,” he said. Because of the movie’s success at the theatres, Whittaker believes that the time span on showing will be extended. “This is the third week now and we should get an extension on the theatre run.”

Whittaker also wanted to use the opportunity to thank all the persons who have supported the film thus far, but explained that he believed in the film’s ability to get to where it is today.

HAPPY, HUMBLED

“I am happy and humbled by the response, but not totally surprised. I made this movie about our ‘best Jamaican selves’, so it’s very relatable and people appreciate a storyline they can connect with.”

He encouraged others to support the film while it is still showing on the big screens.

Notwithstanding, Whittaker is well aware that the film’s time in the theatres has an expiry date and revealed that he is already thinking about other distribution plans for the movie.

Jeremy Whittaker

“We are working on other distribution plans for the movie, but it would be premature to talk about that,” he revealed.

Many persons have been enquiring about a possible DVD release, but the film-maker told The Gleaner that when it comes to that aspect, plans have not been finalised.

“There are no immediate plans for a DVD release. We will just have to see how it goes.”

The film chronicles the story of Lisa Pullen, played by lead actress Karian Sang, as she journeys to find herself following the death of her parents and a tumultuous break-up with her boyfriend. A trip to Jamaica to sell land acquired through inheritance leads to much more, as Lisa not only uncovers truths about her family’s past, but also finds herself while falling in love in the process.

The film, which is still playing, opened in cinemas islandwide on October 16.