JERSEY CITY - Anthony Malachi has donned many hats in his career as an actor, and writer, but most recently he made the decision to saddle into the director's chair.

Malachi, who shot his new independent film "Interrogation Room 109" throughout parts of Jersey City, said he wrote the movie with a clear idea in mind.

"I feel some parts of Hudson, especially Jersey City are overrun by violence which is perpetuated by society, media (and) lack of education," said Malachi, who was born in Manhattan but grew up in the Bergen Lafayette section of Jersey City.

St. Peter's University will screen "Interrogation Room 109" on March 1 at 3 p.m. The film's title refers to the room where people accused of a crime are sent to under the legal process, a frequent setting during the independent film.

"I wrote '109' because there are a lot people who are living beyond their means and they end up putting themselves in extreme situations just to keep up with the Joneses," he added.

"Interrogation Room 109" follows Slice, a Jersey City drug dealer, determined to win back ex-girlfriend Sharon, who is currently in a relationship with G-low. The film takes a vivid look at street violence, blackmail, corrupt cops and murder, while working to expose the price that is sometimes paid for an "image," as Malachi puts it.

"This movie is meant to show that you shouldn't get involved with certain people and activities just to impress someone. Image isn't important at the end of the day. Your life is what's important," said Malachi, who plays the role of G-low in the film.

The film was shot and edited by Paterson resident Safiyah Smith and also stars Jersey City natives Lance Booth (Slice), Tayo Oredein (Sharon), Vern Wilson (C-Note), Claude Joseph (C), Reco Alford (Wildpit), as well as Joffrey "Crash" Grant, Michael Royes, Mohammad Kamara, CiCi Steed, Rochelle Walker, Joey Grant, Gil Gilead, Juan M. Montano, and Jillian Goytia.

"I met some amazing and talented people through this project, and we actually had fun shooting," said Malachi. "It's such a satisfying feeling to see your own project come to life."

Locals will recognize some backdrops throughout the film, with scenes taking place in parts of Greenville, Bergen Lafayette, Lincoln Park, Bayside Park and near Journal Square.

The film is set to premiere under O-Park Productionz. Founded by Malachi, the independent media company produces and distributes urban-themed media including full feature films, shorts and music videos.

With the help of a Kickstarter campaign, Malachi who is about halfway to his goal, hopes to raise $1,500 to get "Interrogation Room 109" into theaters. He hopes to screen the film at local libraries, schools, and community centers.

"Ideally, I want to be able to speak to young audiences about how the impulsive decisions they make now can and will impact the rest of their lives," said Malachi, who attended Snyder High School and Hudson County Community College.

Throughout his career, Malachi has appeared on TV shows "Law & Order: SVU," "Nurse Jackie," "Blue Bloods," and "Undercover Boss," and been in films "Top Five" and "Goth Chylde."

He is currently working on a web series about four friends entitled "The Underachievers" and a full-length film about a complicated love triangle, "In Love is Complicated," which he plans to release by April.

For updates on the release of "Interrogation Room 109" visit www.oparkproductionz.webs.com.

Steven Rodas may be reached at srodas@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @loftyparks. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.