Well-known actor and radio personality Christopher 'Johnny' Daley stars in the film Kingston Paradise, which will be showcased at the 8th annual Caribbean Tales Toronto Film Showcase in Canada today.

The film was directed by Jamaican film-maker Mary Wells.

Daley plays the role of Rocksy, a young hustler/taxi driver desperate to escape a life of poverty and violence in Kingston.

In a release to the media, Daley said he took on the project based on the film's storyline. "The reason why I did the film was because I found the storyline captivating and at the time, I felt I needed a different kind of project. I was recovering from some personal issues and the opportunity to work on the project came up," he revealed.

first starring role

The 35-year-old actor is best known for his role as 'Johnny' on the television series Lime Tree Lane which ran from 1988 to 1998. He spent nine years playing the role.

This is Daley's third feature film. His previous film credits include One Love with Cherine Anderson and Kymani Marley; and Goat Head. However, Kingston Paradise is his first starring role.

Veteran actor Munair Zacca, Paul Shoucair, Camille Small, Peter Abrikian and Gregory Nelson also appear in Kingston Paradise.

The low-budget film was shot in sections of Southside, downtown Kingston. It was a six-year project in the making for the award-winning Wells.

Daley is celebrating his 25th year in acting and entertainment. He will culminate the milestone with the November 4 staging of an event called The Roast of Johnny Live. This will feature top comedians, actors and other entertainment colleagues paying tribute to Daley in comedic style.

Christopher 'Johnny' Daley (left) and Gregory Nelson in a scene from 'Kingston Paradise'.