James Bond is returning to his island roots, shooting its 25th installment in Jamaica.
Star Daniel Craig with Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, and director Cary Fukunaga officially launched the film at Golden Eye, where author Ian Fleming wrote all of his Bond novels. The latest production is partly set on the island, where other James Bond classics like “Dr. No.” and “Live and Let Die” were also filmed. The film also marks a coming-home of sorts for two of its stars; actress Naomie Harris (who plays Eve Moneypenny) has Jamaican roots through her mother, while fellow star Lashana Lynch claims ties through both her parents.
The production has also pledged deeper engagement with Jamaica behind the screen. An estimated 500 Jamaicans will to work on the film in production and technical roles, as well as extras work. The film has worked in close collaboration wit the Jamaican Film commission. Film Commissioner Renee Robinson says this production plays part in a wider cinematic renaissance for the island. This most recently includes Idris Elba’s directorial debut, “Yardie.”
“This will be a bumper year for the contribution of the creative economy to local GDP,” said Robinson in an interview with Loop Jamaica “We expect (and are ready for) more large scale productions, both local and international, to film on the island in the coming years.”
The film will also mark a return of Port Antonio to the silver screen. The eastern city has played backdrop to other cinematic hits like “Cocktails” and “Club Paradise.”
