by Howard Campbell
LOS ANGELES – With less than three months before the release of his debut film, Jamaican Fernando Edwards is already looking ahead to a more expansive project.
Rooted Betrayal, a 30-minute psychological thriller, is scheduled to air March 25 on Amazon Prime and Tubi. Edwards wrote, directed, produced and stars in it.
It took two years to complete Rooted Betrayal with Edwards accounting for the lion’s share of the budget. He plays Andre, while the cast is completed by Surely Ramos as Keisha, Daniel Gilfillian as David and Marissa Ford as Stacy.
As showtime approaches, Edwards plans to expand Rooted Betrayal into a six-episode series. Another project close to home is also in the pipeline.
“I want to finalize the writing for the TV series Domino Effect which I want to produce in Jamaica. I’ve already written the pilot plus two episodes as I seek future investors,” he disclosed.
Rooted Betrayal is Edwards’ most ambitious film effort since moving to Los Angeles 10 years ago and getting into the industry.
Born and raised in Portmore, a vast housing development on the outskirts of Kingston, Jamaica’s capital, he earned a scholarship to Missouri Baptist University where he earned a degree in business management.
After graduation, an almost fanatical interest in film led him to Los Angeles where he enlisted in acting classes. Edwards also learned about the production aspect of the business.
He has appeared in the HBO drama Ballers, and played Shooter in She Ball, the 2020 comedy starring Nick Cannon, Cedric The Entertainer and Chris Brown.
