Los Angeles, CA – Backyard/Desert, the highly anticipated feature debut from rising director Ethan Felizzari-Castillo, has secured an impressive ensemble cast, blending Hollywood royalty with emerging talent. Academy Award and three-time Golden Globe nominee Eric Roberts (Runaway Train, The Dark Knight) has signed on for a pivotal role, joining rising star Rosie Dean (The Last Christmas Party), Juanes Montoya (HBO’s Fantasmas), the beloved David DeLuise (Wizards of Waverly Place), and recent UnitedSolo Best Actor winner Peter-William Jamieson.
The gripping narrative centers around Pammy (Rosie Dean), a young border patrol agent who stumbles upon a dying migrant, Jose Luis (Juanes Montoya), in the unforgiving desert. This fateful encounter forces her to confront her place within the complexities of immigration policy. Eric Roberts steps into the role of Russ, Pammy’s seasoned partner, whose perspective challenges her evolving moral compass. Meanwhile, Peter-William Jamieson plays Pammy’s patriotic husband, Bob, another border patrol agent, while David DeLuise brings a sharp edge to his portrayal of Phil, a high-ranking officer and longtime colleague of Roberts’ Russ.
Adapted from the play of the same name by Nancy Irene Kelly, Backyard/Desert offers a deeply personal and politically charged exploration of the U.S. migrant crisis. Felizzari-Castillo, who co-wrote the screenplay with Kelly, aims to capture the emotional and human complexities of the issue through an intimate and cinematic lens. The film is being produced as a collaboration between New York-based CK Films and Italian powerhouse Arte Video, known for its internationally acclaimed productions.
With Sabrina Howells (Caywell Casting) assembling the powerhouse cast, the production team also includes producers Stefanie Colón, Adam Del Valle, and co-producer Alessandra Manias, who doubles as the film’s production designer. Rising cinematographer Luke Pengelly will bring the raw beauty of the Arizona desert to life, setting a stark yet poetic backdrop for the film’s emotionally charged story.
Principal photography begins in Los Angeles and Yuma, Arizona, in Spring 2025, capturing both the brutal reality and breathtaking landscapes that define the migrant experience. Director Ethan Felizzari-Castillo sees this project as a crucial conversation starter: “We’re doing this the true indie way, but we’re confident that our vision will stand toe-to-toe with major studio productions. Now, more than ever, stories about migrants aren’t just important—they’re necessary.”
With its potent storytelling and powerhouse performances, Backyard/Desert is shaping up to be a must-watch indie drama, destined to leave a lasting impact.
For updates, visit the CK Films Website and follow Backyard/Desert on Instagram.
