After his own health scare, Birmingham filmmaker Harris Josey captures a relentless journey of vengeance, honor and survival in his film,
The Seal of Death 2.
Harris Josey is a writer/director based out of Birmingham. He is a graduate of Birmingham-Southern College with a BA in Media Production. Harris has directed short films such as “The Seal of Death” and “The Big Shave,” and has done commercial work for companies such as Beach Better Co. and Reno Refractories, Inc.
After directing “The Seal of Death” and winning several awards including Paris International Film Awards for “Best Thriller” and “Best VFX,” Harris was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with a large brain aneurysm that would change his life forever. Two brain surgeries and the work of the UAB medical staff saved Harris’ life. During his stay in the hospital, Harris grew closer to God and had time to think about the things that matter most to him, his family and friends.
With a new perspective on life, Harris set out to make his next short film, “The Seal of Death 2,” his most ambitious project yet. This film allowed him to grow as a director and work with industry veterans like producers Jay Galloway, Bernadette Chapman, Tasha McCrory and many more. In addition to Sidewalk Film Festival and Cine Paris, Josey has plans for “The Seal of Death 2” to be released to other festival circuits as well.
The film has already won “Best Thriller” and “Best Trailer” at the Cine Paris Film Festival and was officially selected into their main/annual film festival. Cine Paris is an international film festival in Paris reuniting artists, creatives and filmmakers, focusing on discovering new talents and works.
The Seal of Death 2, shot in Birmingham, takes advantage of some of the city’s most beautiful architectural structures, including The Masonic Temple Building downtown. The building is situated in the middle of the Fourth Avenue business district and was one of the few commercial areas of town where African Americans owned businesses during the civil rights era and were welcomed into restaurants, pharmacies and clothing stores. The “Seal of Death 2” fight scenes were filmed in the Lodge Room of the building showcasing its beautiful hues of blue and historical architecture. The audience instantly feels like they are stepping into a time machine, but still as if inside a New York City warehouse building.
In “The Seal of Death 2,” the audience is reunited with Tony Han, a former detective haunted by his past from “The Seal of Death.” He receives a letter threatening his honor and life and is determined to face the one person responsible, Shang Lee, The Head of the Yakuza. Han embarks on a dangerous quest for justice, teaming up with NYPD Captain Winnie Ford, sister of his late partner Marcus. The two devise a daring plan to infiltrate Lee’s Yakuza Base in New York.
The adrenaline-fueled pursuit leads them to an abandoned warehouse, where they confront Kuma Haga, one of the Yakuza’s regional bosses. Through a thrilling chase, they coerce him into granting them safe entry into the heavily guarded base. Disguised as captured prisoners, Han and Ford are escorted past the guards, inching closer to their ultimate showdown.
As they breach the Throne Room, the tension reaches its all time high. Lee, seemingly unfazed by their presence, stands as a formidable adversary. A dramatic clash ensues, with Haga sacrificing himself in a futile attempt to defeat Lee. The encounter escalates, and the protagonists find themselves with no way out but to engage in a life-or-death battle.
“‘The Seal of Death 2’ is a thrilling roller coaster ride that will captivate audiences from start to finish,” says Josey. “We wanted to take the foundations laid in the original film and elevate them to new heights to immerse viewers in a world filled with danger, honor and redemption. I couldn’t be more proud of the incredible cast and crew who brought this vision to life. ‘The Seal of Death 2’ showcases remarkable performances by our actors, who bring their characters to life with authenticity and depth.”
As Han, Andrew Vilar portrays a haunted hero consumed by the pursuit of justice, while Kristen Kinder delivers a fierce and determined portrayal of Captain Winnie Ford. Together, they create a dynamic duo that resonates with audiences on an emotional level.
