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Golden Arrowhead Productions announces first feature film ‘Bushmaster’
Members of the production team for the feature film, ‘Bushmaster’
(Kaieteur News) – Set primarily in Lethem, Bushmaster– examines themes such as love, redemption, friendship and betrayal amidst a rapidly changing Guyana. Producer, Creative Director and writer of the feature film, Courtney A. Noel describes the film as a modern day pepperpot western.
Noel, a New York-based singer/songwriter popularly known his iconic patriotic tune ‘Arrowhead’ released in the early 2000s explained the film’s plot focuses on residents of Lethem who are forced to come to grips with a new oil and gas culture in a region traditionally renowned for its sustainable development practices.
He explained “The story unfolds against the stunning background of the Kanuku Mountains as friendships are tested and motives are scrutinized in a cat and mouse game of passion and betrayal that will keep the viewer guessing up to the final scene.”
According to the producer, the traditional way of life of the first peoples of Lethem will be seen and discussed in detail.
Producer, Courtney A. Noel
In some ways, he said, “Lethem is actually the star of the film.”
“In a bid for authenticity, the languages of the people of Lethem will be spoken by some of the actors- in addition to other languages…Guyana is an ever melting pot and that pot will be given a vigorous stir as this is a multicultural production representative of all of the various Guyanese ethnicities.”
The producer said too that Guyana’s diverse musical heritage will be on full display.
“This will also be reflected in what promises to be a spicy pepperpot of a soundtrack comprised of reggae, soca, chutney, R&B, pop, calypso and traditional Indigenous music featuring an all-Guyanese lineup- whether the artistes be native or Guyanese heritage.”
This all-Guyanese approach is also be taken as regards the cast. Legendary thespians of stage and screen including New York- based actors, Mahadeo Shivra, Rudy Shaw and Curt Douglas Hampstead -have all signed on for this production.
He said, “These are all actors who participated in the sizzle reel. Local legend, Sonia Yarde and popular Guyanese actor, Mark Kazim, are both onboard this project – in addition to Lethem-based newcomer, Nickell Pugsley as well as the multi-talented Ovid Williams who also serves as technical advisor.”
At present, Noel said the official casting has not yet begun for the feature film as investors are still being sought for much needed funding.
At this point, this has been an entirely self-funded venture. Government support is also being sought to assist in taking this exciting and groundbreaking story from the page to the soundstage.
In addition to Lethem – and Georgetown, filming will also take place in New York- Guyana’s fabled “Region 11″ where thousands of Guyanese reside.
He asserted “This film is advertised as a “modern day pepperpot western “- replete with the typical tropes associated with the Western genre: shootouts, high stakes card games and, of course treachery.”
According to Noel, the movie is a nod and wink to legendary spaghetti western kings, Sergio Leone and Ennio Morricone. However, the highly flavoured Pepperpot aspect makes this a uniquely Guyanese film, which should touch the hearts of all Guyanese viewers – regardless of age, race or gender.”
The Guyanese creative hopes ultimately that the film can function in some ways as a cinematic appeal to people to visit Guyana to see and enjoy what it has offer.
Noel said he hopes it appeals to nostalgic Guyanese who haven’t visited in a while – or never returned to their homeland – as well as next gens who are excited about their roots and are curious to eat labba and drink black water.”
“We are also hoping to attract foreigners who have begun to sit up and take notice of Guyana due to oil production, and are curious about this country which is rapidly shedding its unfortunate and unfair “Jonestown stigma” and furiously punching way above its weight class,” he added.
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