‘Behavior’ provides ‘compelling exploration of mental health issues’

“Behavior,” produced by FloXFilms, a film about a middle-class Haitian-American family living in Canarsie, Brooklyn, premiered at the Regal UA Sheepshead By theater on July 12.

Prominent Haitian-American entertainment publicist Marie Driven says “Behavior” provides a “compelling exploration of mental health issues and the pressures young people face in urban America.” 

“Set against the backdrop of cultural tensions between Haitian and Dominican (Republic) communities, ‘Behavior’ delves into the intricate relationships and personal struggles of its young protagonists, portrayed by Daniel Jean and Jodell Lewis,” Driven, the managing director of the Brooklyn-based Playbook MG, told Caribbean Life after she and supporters gathered to celebrate the private movie screening of “Behavior”, directed by Haitian-American filmmaker Wanly Florexile. 

Driven said the theater was “packed with community members, other actors and influencers.” 

Marie DrivenPhoto courtesy of Marie Driven

In “Behavior,” she said, Kelvin Hammond, playing the character CJ, “shows signs of severe anger issues from a young age, including destroying a stuffed animal given to him by his father.”

Driven said Jodell Lewis, who plays CJ’s father, “recognizes the cries for help but opts against therapy, fearing it might jeopardize his application to the police force.”

Meanwhile, Driven said CJ’s mother advocates for seeking professional help for their son. 

“As CJ grows older and finally begins therapy, his sessions reveal worsening conditions,” said Driven, stating that “’Behavior’ highlights the significant impact of mental health on children’s lives and how many parents overlook the signs, often unaware that they might be contributing to the problem. 

Wanly FlorexilePhoto credit: John Ricard

“The film emphasizes the importance of acknowledging mental health issues and seeking professional help to prevent harm to both children and their families,” she added. 

Educator Aminique Kirnon stars in “Behavior” as “Marie”, a mother to a teenage son, “CJ” (Kelvin Hammond). She told Caribbean Life that the Haitian-American family is “unsure of how to best support their child, who appears to be struggling with a mental illness.”

She said “Behavior” focuses on the stigma attached to mental health, peer pressure and socio-economic inequalities. 

 “There are some Caribbean families who don’t believe in seeking therapy and would much rather their children to suppress their feelings,” Kirnon said. “Knowing this background information gave me the courage to show that there are families who desire professional help and will do whatever it takes to heal their family. 

Starr MaharajaPhoto credit: John Ricard

“In ‘Behavior’, you will notice how two different parenting styles can cause further harm than good,” she added. 

Without knowing too much about the script, Kirnon said she figured that it would be easy for her to play the role of a mother. 

“As we sat there, during our table read, and the story started to unfold, I realized that not only am I playing the role of a mother” but also as Christopher’s wife,”Kirnon added.

Florexile, described as “a family man, who has love for both real estate and producing movies”, said he has seen the challenges that independent filmmakers experience. 

KelvinPhoto credit: John Ricard

Instead of waiting for the approval of Hollywood, Florexile said he decided to produce his own films under “Flo X Films”.  

He told Caribbean Life that he founded the production company with his wife, Basma Zenab, and friend Rodney Yates. 

Florexile said he has won multiple independent movie awards, including for best director. 

He said he has eight movies currently streaming on multiple platforms. In his latest project, “The Consequence”, Florexile plays an illegal immigrant named “Dave,” “who arrives in the States without legal documents and seems to find trouble everywhere he goes”. “The Consequence” is currently streaming on Tubi. 

Florexile said he has another movie, “Life of a Zoe”, which he also wrote, starred and directed. 

He said the movie stars some of the biggest names in the Haitian entertainment community, such as  Tonton Bicha and the late Mikaben. 

Jayden PyramPhoto credit: John Ricard