Backyard/Desert, the highly anticipated debut feature from rising Salvadoran-American director Ethan Felizzari-Castillo, has assembled a cast, Popternative has learned exclusively.
The cast includes Academy Award and 3-time Golden Globe nominee Eric Roberts (Runaway Train, The Dark Knight), Rosie Dean (The Last Christmas Party), Juanes Montoya (Fantasmas), David DeLuise (Wizards of Waverly Place), and Peter-William Jamieson (Evening Caller).
Set against the stark landscape of Yuma, Arizona, the film begins principal photography in LA and Yuma in Spring 2025. The production promises to bring to life the stark beauty of the desert with the harsh truths of a migrant’s journey, creating a truly emotional cinematic tapestry.
Backyard/Desert, based on the play of the same name, delves into the personal and political nuances of the U.S. migrant crisis through a deeply intimate lens. Adapted for the screen by original playwright, Nancy Irene Kelly, and co-written by Felizzari-Castillo, the film is a collaboration between U.S.-based CK Films and Italian production powerhouse Arte Video.
“Working with our team to bring Nancy’s play to the screen has been a dream,” said Felizzari-Castillo. “We’re doing this the true ‘indie film’ way, but we are confident we will create a project that can visually compete with anything a multi-million dollar studio is producing. Now, more than ever, stories about migrants are not just important, but a necessity. We hope to really start a conversation about humanity and empathy within the migrant crisis regardless of what side of the aisle you’re on.”
Leading the cast is Rosie Dean as Pammy, a young border patrol agent who encounters a dying migrant, Jose Luis (portrayed by Juanes Montoya), in the desert, forcing her to confront her role in a complex immigration system.
Eric Roberts plays Pammy’s seasoned Border Patrol partner, Russ, a role that is pivotal to the story. Peter-William Jamieson is set to portray Pammy’s patriotic husband, Bob, who is also a border patrol agent. David DeLuise will play Phil, a snarky, high ranking officer who is a longtime colleague of Roberts’ Russ.
CK Films, celebrated for their narrative shorts, partners with a production team known for their dedication to minority-driven storytelling, including producers Stefanie Colón, Adam Del Valle and co-producer Alessandra Manias (also serving as Production Designer) along with emerging cinematographer, Luke Pengelly.
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