The upcoming Guyanese movie, “Upriver” was officially launched at the opening of the inaugural Guyana Festival on Friday August 8, 2014. The movie which is currently in its pre-production will be released in 2015.

The Dramatic Arts Academy (DAA), the banner under which the movie will be produced, is extremely grateful to acting Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Irfaan Ali, for the opportunity afforded for the launch. Also, the DAA would like to thank Impressions for realising the booth.

Hundreds of patrons, both local and overseas, flocked the ‘Upriver’ tent and from the feedback they were enthralled by the promotional video. They also lauded the noticeable different approach to local film making and commended the effort.

They clearly could not hide their excitement for the release of the movie.
President Donald Ramotar graced the tent and interacted with the staff. He also commended the effort and extended best wishes for its production.

Some 300 persons, local and foreign, from all ages and background took the opportunity to register for auditions which will be held soon in various parts of the country. Over 120 persons, including three foreign actors, will comprise the cast with ninety per cent of the film to be shot in the interior. Online auditions would be facilitated shortly at www.uprivergy.com.

Written by Neaz Subhan, winner of the Best Playwright title for “When Chocolate Melts” in the 2013 National Drama festival, ‘Upriver’ with its captivating story-line, is set deep in the heart of Guyana’s forests and would present a thrilling and chilling rollercoaster ride through this vastness.

In addition to the entertaining adventure it will capture, ‘Upriver’ will present Guyana’s eco-tourism in a format that is captivating to an international audience.
Guyana’s natural beauty through its pristine forests, breathtaking and iconic waterfalls, rolling savannahs, majestic mountains and flora and fauna, has always been magnetic to those with cameras.

The numerous images captured have been mind-blowing and over the years have propelled unprecedented interest.
Film makers, especially, cannot resist this enticing attraction to enthusiastically present the astounding cuts to viewers around the world. Documentaries produced by international film entities have proven this.

The marketing influence of films needs no convincing. It can propel Guyana to become a major international filming location with redounding economic opportunities. Guyana has the potential, both in its beauty and the talent of its people.

The DAA believes that the time is ripe for a major local film production worthy of international audiences and film festivals. ‘Upriver’ presents an opportunity for a few steps towards this. In this regard, the DAA is hopeful that corporate Guyana can join in making this journey a reality while benefiting from strategic product and service placement.

Placement of products and services in movies is one of the most effective means of advertising. Many companies, big and small, fast food outlets, restaurants, beverage producers, banks, phone establishments, car dealers etc. have and continue to benefit tremendously from this.

‘Upriver’ provides an opportunity for local companies to explore and benefit from product and service placement. The world is now a global village waiting to learn about other products and support would not only assist in realising the movie, but would also enhance the awareness of products and services of companies.