With the premiere of a major film last month, actress Merlisa Determined, who is of Saint Lucian parentage, believes it’s time to do films in Saint Lucia.
Merlisa is an accredited United Nations Ambassador and International Award-winning actress known for movies such as A Pound of Flesh (2015), The Land (2011), Gem of the Rainforest (2013), Clash (2021), and last year’s Second Chance alongside Spragga Benz.
She has also been in the spotlight for her role in the Netflix series CLASH. In addition, Merlisa played the villain Lolita in the award-winning political crime Drama “Lone Star Deception,” starring alongside Oscar-nominated actor Eric Roberts.
A Texas Southern University graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Psychology and Theater Arts, Merlisa grew up in the community of Choiseul before moving to the United States.
After visiting Saint Lucia earlier this year, she said she was very interested in returning home to contribute to the advancement of young people and the film industry.
“This is something that I would really love to do sometime soon, especially after the release of the latest movie called “Unbelievable,” she told St. Lucia Times this week.
“Unbelievable” stars Merlisa and Spragga Benz, DJ Super Twitch and Charmaine Fenton. Cleon A James directed the film with Robert Peters as the Cinematographer.
“The movie premiered in Miramar, Florida in October and it was a sold out event with the Commissioner of Miramar and other officials and celebrities in attendance,” the film star says.
“This is my second movie with Top Notch films, the first was Second Chance also with Spragga Benz, which has since been officially released on Tubi,” she informed St. Lucia Times.
“What happened was that after Second Chance and in particular the way the movie ended, there were several calls for Spragga and I to do another movie and so now we have it,” Merlisa said.
She describes the new movie as a heartfelt film that deals with a lot of drama, illness, death and love.
“Spragga plays the role of Chris and I play the leading female role as Nurse Ruth. The film is about a man who suffers loss and must find the strength to let go of past trauma and hurt in order to find love again,” Merlisa said without giving away too much.
“I am thrilled about this film and I can’t wait for the fans all over to experience it,” she said, unable to contain her excitement.
She says she would like the movie to be showcased in Saint Lucia as well and to start casting calls for a few movie projects on the island.
“While I was in Saint Lucia in May, I really started to crystalise my dream to come back to shoot two to three movies. I have always wanted to wait until I was in a position to come back and do something on the island and I feel like I am currently in that position to do so. I have a couple of scripts that I think are ready, we just need to make sure that the scripts are tailored for us to shoot on the island,” Merlisa told St. Lucia Times.
She disclosed that Netflix director Robert Peters is also on board. Peters currently has the popular film Hijack 93 on Netflix, which has garnered over three million views.
“So we are excited about coming to Saint Lucia to utilise some of the beautiful scenery and backdrops, to scout for local talent in addition to bringing some outside talent to assist in carrying the movie projects forward,” Merlisa says.
The experienced film actress who has worked in the United States and parts of Africa is keen to place Saint in the film spotlight.
Her next film project is “Fractured Trust”, directed by Henrovee Nathaniel and is already in post-production. Merlisa hopes that after that, she can begin to focus on starting the process of returning to Saint Lucia for the film projects.
Photo: Spragga Benz and Merlisa Determined.
Now that’s what I am talking about. Everyone doing their bit for love of Country. We welcome you back home sister and thank you for your service.
Never Ever heard of her
I thought that she was borne in St Croix USVI
My lady that’s the best thing that will happen for St Lucian . It has always been my dream of a Movie Production Village in St Lucia Hopefully you have realized that dream. Trust me St Lucians have talent embedded a rich and blessed culture. I’m an author and supports you. St Lucians will help you make it happen 🙏 😉.
I am very proud of this young lady and her many accomplishments. So excited for the opportunities she will be bring to the island. This article did say Merlisa Determined is of “Saint lucian parentage” which means her roots is “ lucian” and born in St.Croix. 🇱🇨🇻🇮. Bravo to her👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Stay away please
Great news . I recently received two gold awards and my honorary doctorate for my work in film production within the Caribbean and Saint Lucia, specifically. The sad thing is we have produced great films but since we are still unknown on the world stage , distribution can be difficult forthcoming. Our super great film ‘ Shantaye’s World ‘ is yet to find distribution .The person who contacted us was involved in an accident during the process and we are still waiting . Check us out as you may be able to work with us and we with you !
Great news . Our award winning movie in New York which was sold out in cinemas in the UK testifies to the fact that we can find ourselves in a ‘safe place’ when it comes to film production in Saint Lucia.
Feel free to contact us if you need our assistance for information or contribution based on our local experience.