This week, the Out N About sat down for an interview with film maker, Peter Sagnia, and his two actors, Edsel Monzon and Jenise Diaz, about their movie “The Wonderful Counsellor” which premieres this Sunday, February 9, at the Caribbean Cinemas in Cole Bay.
Peter Sagnia is the Director and Producer of the movie, but they did have a script writer to develop the story lines. It wasn’t an intentional idea to set out on a story that touches upon mental health, but rather he was inspired by other series, like “In Treatment” and “Huff” in particular, that feature psychologists.
Sagnia said he wanted to have a story about a therapist in the Caribbean, since there is sort of a taboo, due to shame that the Caribbean culture has in regard to mental therapy and sharing feelings. By contrast, in the States, for example, having a therapist is quite normalized.
Sagnia brought a bit of conflict into the storyline by having the main character, the therapist, be someone with religious background, more on the conservative, scriptural and biblical side. In reality, a therapist is not supposed to impose any religion on their patients, so you will see how this adds another dynamic to the story.
This movie is actually Season One of a five-part miniseries. The miniseries segments are combined together for a movie style “Theatrical Release” that runs for a total of 1 hour and 50 minutes. The “Red Carpet Premiere” this Sunday is set to pull in approximately 300 persons. It will also be the actors’ first time seeing the movie and viewing their performances. There will be some dignitaries attending, including Prime Minister Luc Marcelina; Minister of Education Culture Youth & Sport, Melissa Gumbs; and Dr. Bird Lake.
There are also showings scheduled for February 14 and 15 at Caribbean Cinemas, and there may be a later screening at Belair Community Center. Also under consideration is a run at the theatres in the Netherlands, Curaçao, Barbados and possibly some other islands. The production did get some help with funding from Culture Funds with the final post production and editing stages. They also partnered with TelEm, SER and WIB in terms of renting out the movie screens for the premiere.
Introduction of Actors and Characters
Edsel Monzon, plays the role of Michael Wonder, a Therapist married to Chloe. Michael is near bankrupt, so he is desperately trying to build up his client base. Edsel’s first role was in “Here comes the Groom” a film that was written and produced by Latoya Lake, with cinematography by Peter Sagnia Films. Edsel was able to audition and fall into this role of Michael Wonder. Edsel himself also works on writing scripts and enjoys versatility of becoming different characters. He originates from South Reward and relates to his character because he also enjoys helping others, and being patient in understanding different personalities and where they are coming from. As a physical trainer himself, he likes to help others improve in the same way a psychologist is trying to help people improve their mental perspective.
Jenise Diaz plays the role of Chloe Wonder, the wife of Michael Wonder. Chloe is the owner of a very successful coffee shop. Her success as a businesswoman puts strain on the marriage, since Michael is struggling in his career. Chloe is finding it difficult to deal with her husband, who is a bit clueless to his marital status and their home life. This is her first official role as an actress, but she has done a short film for the Women’s Health Desk on “Teen Dating Violence” and some other smaller TelEm commercials.
Jenise grew up in Simpson Bay and is excited that her acting career is starting to blossom. She is attracted to roles and characters that sort of push the boundaries and can take her out of her comfort zone, because that is how she can learn and develop her craft further. Jenise is working on a novel and is interested in taking a screen writing master class. She enjoys writing poems and short stories as well. Jenise relates to her character through the drive towards success. She became a mother early in life, so she did not attend University, but she has been very motivated to move forward with her career goals and achievements.
There is a rotation of other characters, for example, a man named Nathan who lost his job and is having suicidal thoughts. Diane, a school kid is struggling with her relationship with her mother. There is an elderly couple struggling with the fear of Covid and illness and still trying to enjoy life. So it becomes a portfolio of St. Maarteners and some of the real life challenges they face.
The other actors in this film are Rita Gumbs, Earl Duzong, Shama Flurton, Lorenzo Gomez, Clarisse Glasgow, Ernika Van Putten, Addy Mossell, Denicia Liverpool, Sarina Alexander, Aurelio, Thomas Fernando, and Ayanna Mossell.
Did you face any challenges during the filming period?
The group started filming during and after Covid, which means it was a tough and emotional time for everyone. Facing this together, they all became like a family. Working on a creative project such as this created a common goal and a sense of teamwork.
Jenise had to overcome personal challenges during the filming of this movie. Unfortunately, her father suffered two strokes in 2020 and then passed away in 2021. Also, Edsel’s mother fell ill, which was nerve racking and challenging for him. Since filming took a few years, some of the characters moved off island and production had to be adjusted accordingly.
The main cast became very close with long work days. Sagnia’s wife Rose-Anne was a cheerleader of encouragement, she also handled hair and makeup. There was always food on set, which was a key part to staying fuelled up and happy to continue acting. Call time was 7:00am and they would often work until later in the evenings. So it was even a challenge to turn around and return the following day. They had rehearsals leading up to the shooting days – that was no joke – everyone had to come 100 percent prepared, with fully memorized lines.
Edsel would practice his lines even while driving around with visualizing the character dynamics. Peter really feels that these two actors are wonderfully talented and even humble; he truly enjoys working with them. Peter pulled together this creative team of actors after the Covid period, a time that was hard on everyone. They got strength from one another’s passions and intensity and really dedicated themselves to this collaborative project.
They didn’t have gaffers and all the fancy equipment that a real Hollywood production would have, but they were able to work with what they have. Film creation in St. Maarten certainly has its challenges, but it’s important that we put our island and the Caribbean out there to at least get a presence on the main stage of the filming industry.
How did you seek inspiration for your character?
The entire cast sat down and we went through our characters and the development of these personalities. They were able to pull from their own real life experiences with relationships and handling the fear of Covid. Peter enjoys hearing from his actors, their interpretation of their own characters. He says you get more authentic performances when they can seamlessly slip into the role. He encourages his actors to speak in their actual accent since they are from St. Maarten, instead of any over-acting.
Do you have any favourite restaurant, nightclub or activity in St. Maarten?
We had a private caterer on set that provided excellent meals. Sagnia loves Bombay Bites. Edsel is actually also a personal trainer and has a food business called Healthy Eats. Jenise has a Latin background so she loves dancing – in particular, she is a fan of salsa dancing at Soggy Dollar Bar on Tuesday nights, which has a live band and then DJ EM. Jenise is always memorized when she is on a boat ride, to see our own landscapes and the clear water. She enjoys Grand Case, Pinel Island and Orients Bay along with water sports.
Any favourite quotes?
Edsel: “A man’s who will exceed his failure, is already a great man” so as long as you keep pushing, you will achieve in one form or another.
Jenise: I have been leaning towards my faith and trust in universal timing during the difficult times in life. Proverb 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, lean not onto thine own understanding.”
Sagnia: Maturity and age result in not overthinking and judging oneself too much. I am always in a ‘learning mode’ to stay creative and pick up new strategies and filming techniques, because “Faith without works is dead.”
