From Imani Motion Pictures comes the crime thriller Dutch, based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Teri Woods. Directed by Preston A. Whitmore (This Christmas, True To The Game), Dutch follows the calculated drug trade mastermind Bernard “Dutch” James, Jr., played by Lance Gross (House of Payne) as he seeks domination in the streets whilst the takeover of an African drug lord’s lucrative heroin empire.
The film stars a stellar cast of some of the most highly regarded entertainers in black culture. Tyrin Turner, famous for his role as Caine in the cult classic 1993 film Menace II Society, stars as the character Sugar Ray.
Multi-platinum Atlanta rapper Gunna makes his feature film debut in Dutch as a former friend of Dutch. While facing prison time, the authorities attempt to bait him into infiltrating the alpha male drug lord’s operation.
A soundbite in the trailer shows Gunna, real name Sergio Kitchens, responding to the authoritative figure by saying, “I ain’t no snitch.” It’s comical if you know anything about hip hop. Several months ago, Gunna’s credibility was challenged when he was accused of being a snitch for participating in a Crime Stoppers video leaked by a hater. The accusations didn’t seem to taint the “No Time” rapper’s career as he continues to excel in music and now, film.
Another surprise sighting includes Jeremy Meeks (True to the Game 2), also known as “Prison Bae,” who plays the role of street gangster Craze in Dutch. A convicted felon that found his niche in entertainment when a photo of him went viral on Facebook, Meeks has made a way in the acting world as a regular in crime thrillers. He’s already amassed five films to his portfolio.
Macy Gray, a mainstream music star that has managed to develop an impressive slate of acting roles that include Training Day, Idlewild, and For Colored Girls, portrays Delores Murphy, while comedian Michael Blackson (I Got the Hook Up 2) makes an appearance as a robber. The surprise cameos don’t stop there, however.
Compton rapper O.T. Genasis, born Odis Oliver Flores, also makes his feature film debut as the no holds barred drug dealer Kazami.
Former Disney star Kyle Massey, best known for his role as Cory on That’s So Raven is also featured in the film. Other actors starring in Dutch include Melissa L. Williams (Ruthless), Michael David Kelly (Insecure), Markice Moore (Snowfall), and Miles Stroter (The Quad).
Watch The Trailer:
Manny Halley is on board as executive producer, alongside co-producers Yolanda Halley, Mahir Fadle, and Rodney Turner II.
The film is slated to be released just in time for Thanksgiving on Nov. 26, with the film’s soundtrack releasing the same day. Whether Dutch will be released in movie theaters remains a mystery as COVID-19 mandates continue to impact theater openings. Check your local theaters for more information.
