Reggae & Jamaican Film News

Canadian Indie film to be shot in Jamaica

2012-01-24T19:51:00.000Z

By Kevin Jackson Observer Writer
Sunday, December 04, 2011

Home Again, a Canadian indie film by writer/director David 'Sudz' Sutherland is to be shot in Jamaica next February.

The dramatic feature film details the stories of three adults raised as outsiders from their childhood and are deported from Canada, the US and England to Jamaica, the land of their birth.

SUTHERLAND... want to shoot as close to the root as possible where the stories actually take place

In an interview with the Sunday Observer, Sutherland expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming project.

"We're just getting ready to assemble the crew and doing casting as well and we're pretty excited about this film. Growing up you hear stories about people being deported," Sutherland explained.

Home Again was co-written and will be co-produced by Jamaican born Jennifer Holness who along with Sutherland, run the Toronto-based indie production company Hungry Eyes Film &Television. Don Carmody who produced Chicago and Resident Evil will also share co-production credits on the project.

Sutherland said his decision to shoot the film in Jamaica and Trinidad was strategic. 'We want to shoot as close to the root as possible where the stories actually take place."

American actress Tatyana Ali who starred as Ashley in the 1990's sitcom the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and later scored hits on the charts with the gold-selling single Daydreaming has been cast as the lead in the film.

Sutherland hinted that additional casting was in the works and major names will be revealed shortly. Casting in Jamaica and Trinidad will take place once the crew visits the locations.

Pressed on the type of budget he was working with, Sutherland revealed it was a low budget production however, 'we're trying to make the budget stretch'.

Sutherland was born in Toronto to Jamaican parents. He studied at York University in Canada.

"My interest in film really developed around the time that Spike Lee was doing his thing in the late 1980's. I decided I was going to study film and video at University. But before that I wrote some plays and did some short films," said Sutherland.

His first feature film was 2003's Love Sex & Eating the Bones which won an award at the Toronto International Film Festival for Best Canadian First Feature Film Award. That film starred actor Hill Harper. "That film did quite well for us", said Sutherland.

His other film credits include Dooms Town and Guns as well as episodes of Da Kink in My Hair, Degrassi: the Next Generation and Wild Roses. He is also one of the creators of the forthcoming Canadian television sitcom She's the Mayor.

Home Again will be accompanied by a soundtrack album which will feature music from Jamaican and other Caribbean based recording artistes.

BAD FRIDAY: RASTAFARI AFTER CORAL GARDENS NOW OUT ON DVD

2012-01-23T13:03:00.000Z

Philadelphia/Amsterdam, January 23, 2012 – Oxumgirl Productions proudly presents the official DVD release and European premiere of BAD FRIDAY: RASTAFARI AFTER CORAL GARDENS, a compelling documentary that chronicles the history of violence against Rastafarians in Jamaica.

Produced and directed by John Jackson, Jr. and Deborah Thomas, along with Junior “Gabu” Wedderburn and Junior “Ista J” Manning, BAD FRIDAY focuses on a community of Rastafarians in western Jamaica who annually commemorate the 1963 Coral Gardens incident, a moment just after the island’s independence, when the Jamaican government rounded up, jailed and tortured hundreds of Rastafarians. The feature-length documentary recounts the poignant history of violence in Jamaica through the eyes of its most iconic community and shows how people use their recollections of past traumas to imagine new possibilities for a collective future.

For the film, Jackson, Thomas, Wedderburn and Manning interviewed Rasta elders who experienced the Coral Gardens incident. They convey what happened during and after the violent confrontation – and how they envisioned, and still envision, justice. The 63-minute long documentary, which was shot on DV, mini-DV and HD, also features archival footage and historical photographs, placing the interviews within the context of a longer history of persecution of the Rastafari movement. Junior “Gabu” Wedderburn, former drummer at the Jamaican National Dance Company and master drummer of Broadway’s The Lion King, has crafted the original BAD FRIDAY soundtrack featuring 14 inspirational songs.

BAD FRIDAY experienced its world premiere last year in the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, Jamaica. Since then the documentary has been shown at various film festivals in the Caribbean and North America, including the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival and Hollywood Black Film Festival. On February 10, the film will receive its European premiere in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The film will be screened at Rootical Vibrations, a popular Rasta-related film and music event hosted by Caribbean Creativity (www.caribbeancreativity.nl) that is one-of-its kind in Europe. Two of the filmmakers, Thomas and Wedderburn, will specially visit Amsterdam to participate in this festive premiere.

Besides playing the festival circuit, BAD FRIDAY is out now on DVD. The documentary is distributed by Third World Newsreel and can be purchased by institutions through www.twn.org and by individuals through www.filmbaby.com or the film’s official website, www.badfridaythemovie.com. Individuals can buy the DVD for $19,99 and download the film for $14,99. The BAD FRIDAY soundtrack can be purchased through www.cdbaby.com ($12,97 for the CD, $9,99 for the download).

"Amidst the proliferation of films on Rasta, none have managed to fathom the Rastafari experience of their Jamaican Babylon like BAD FRIDAY. Now that Rasta is an increasingly co-opted global culture, this is as close as the untutored will get to understanding the meanings of being ‘Dread’ during the pre-reggae period when adherents were viewed as a ‘cult of outcasts’ and routinely victimized. A powerful and timely historical document that speaks to the ways that remembering-and-forgetting continue to shape Jamaica’s post-colonial identity."

Jake Homiak, Curator of “Discovering Rastafari”, Smithsonian Institution

BOB MARLEY: THE MAKING OF A LEGEND - New Website...

2012-01-23T10:22:00.001Z

ReggaeNews 24/7: BOB MARLEY: THE MAKING OF A LEGEND - IN PROCESS OF...:
"Soon to be linked up with an official website" Esther comments.. Yes you it here.. Esther & Gian want to create an official website for the film BOB MARLEY: THE MAKING OF A LEGEND... They have asked me if I want like to create and design the website I said "Yes" I thought it would be a great experience and I would love to help out.. As far as when the official site will be released onto the internet that date is still unknown... upon it's release though you will be hit with great info, photos, video and great fun! Although taking this site seriously will have to take effect. The goal is to attract the younger generation to visit and spend sometime on the site. Esther wanted me to create this site because she knows I am young and I am the perfect one to deliver the messgae to the younger people..

*STAY TUNED TO FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS SUBJECT* ..

Blind Shotta keeps it positive - New Jamaican Movie

2012-01-18T18:59:00.000Z

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL Observer senior writer
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

BORN and raised in the crime-ridden St Andrew neighbourhood of Admiral Town, Rayon Walker knows a thing or two about area dons. But not even in his wildest dreams did he envision becoming one.

For one month last year, Walker played a don in producer Diavallan Fearon's low-budget movie, Blind Shotta. The 28-year-old has the starring role of Father Blinds, a visually impaired area leader who runs a tough St Andrew inner-city community.

Rayon Walker (centre) with cast members Phillip Lee King (left) and Raneal Onfroy in the movie, Blind Shotta.

Though he had no acting experience, he was drafted into the project by Fearon, a musician/producer known in dancehall circles as 'Dia'.

"Him sey to mi, 'my youth, mi a do a movie an' yuh a right man fi it'," Walker told the Observer. "So, mi jus' tek it wid both hands."

Blind Shotta was largely filmed in the Grants Pen community of Kingston last summer. Its small cast includes several dancehall acts whom Fearon has produced, such as singjay Bridgez.

Walker says spontaneity was the most satisfying aspect of the movie which is expected to be released in 2012.

"We didn't do anything from a script. When we were filming, a lotta people come outa them house an' jus' start dead wid laugh," he chuckled. "That was the best part of the whole thing."

Like Fearon, Walker has a strong musical background, though their tastes are considerably different.

Walker says he is a committed Christian and member of the Apostolic church. He is also head of KGA (Keeping God Alive) Productions, which records and promotes gospel and cultural artistes.

To date, he has recorded three albums including the recently released Godman and Friends Revival. He sees nothing wrong taking on a character that is arguably the most vilified in Jamaica.

"Winston Bell is a Christian an' he's in Third World Cop. Tyler Perry is big in his faith an' look at the movies he does," Walker pointed out.

"This is a comedy, there's no killing an' I have no regrets."

With Blind Shotta completed, Walker says he will concentrate on promoting his new album and shooting a music video. He admits being stung by the acting bug and is looking forward to appearing in more films.

New Movie about Rose Hall + Annie Palmer

2012-01-16T08:57:00.003Z

An article taken from yesterdays Observer:
Sunday, January 15, 2012

THE story of Annie Palmer — the infamous White Witch of Rose Hall — could make it to the silver screen by next year if film and television producer Mark Kenny has his way.

Irishman Kenny was introduced to the story when he first moved to Jamaica and lived in Montego Bay. A tour of the majestic great house, which is now a popular tourist attraction, made him aware of Palmer and her reign of terror mingled with lust, the fight for power and tragedy — a fantastic story and the basic elements of a good feature film, he thought to himself.

Rose Hall Great House in Montego Bay, the former home of Annie Palmer.

"At the time, I was looking for projects to develop into feature films and this was perfect, so I got together with a writer friend of mine and we began discussing the possibilities," Kenny tells the Sunday Observer.

The project is now at the treatment stage and a script is set for completion by May of this year. Once this is done, Kenny will be making the rounds seeking financiers to fund what he expects to be a US$2-million budget.

"There is a company in the Dominican Republic — Indomina — which is already interested. But I will be taking the script to the Cannes film festival later this year to seek additional funding," he discloses.

If all goes as planned, filming should commence in the final quarter of this year.

And what of the treament of this Jamaican story, which has made the Rosehall Great House one of Montego Bay's major tourist attractions? Kenny says upon discussing the project with his business partners, it was realised that making a period piece would be to expensive. Therefore, the decision was taken to write a contemporary version of the story set in present day with historical references.

Film-maker Storm Saulter, who directed the 2010 gripping drama Better Mus' Come, has already been contracted to direct the White Witch film, and he is excited about the prospects of the project.

"This film is not going to be what everyone is expecting," an excited Saulter notes. "I am currently working with Mark on developing the story and it is truly a wonderful journey that we are on."

Both Kenny and Saulter are tight-lipped about their wish-list of actors for their film, but both did indicate that it is a mix of both local and international talent, in order to fulfil the balance of global appeal yet being authentic.

The authenticity of the final product is especially important to Saulter, who notes that he is keen on keeping the Jamaican elements true in the story and eliminate bastardisation, as sometimes happens when a director is brought in from outside. As he has done with Better Mus' Come, he is even willing to opt for subtitles in order to "keep it real".

Here in Jamaica, Kenny is known for his production work on the popular televised talent show Digicel Rising Stars and the boxing reality series, Wray and Nephew's The Contender.

Regarding The Contender, Kenny says the second season of the sports series returns to local screens in February. "The boxers have already been chosen and we are just sorting out some issues with the ring, and depending on what happens, we will begin airing either February 8 or 15," he tells the Sunday Observer.

The First Rasta - DVD Now Available

2011-12-29T19:41:00.000Z

Helene Lee's new documentary 'Le Premier Rasta' or in English 'The First Rasta' is now available to purchase on dvd via the official website. The dvd comes with some extra deleted scenes and interview with Helene Lee along with booklet, all priced at 18Euros including shipping worldwide.

The DVD version is approx. 30mins longer than the the French TV version thats been floating around...so buy the official dvd for the full version and help support this film genre.

BUY DVD HERE

New 2 part award winning Usain Bolt documentary to air on BBC

2011-12-28T19:19:00.004Z

A new 2 part documentary about Olympic and World 100 metre record holder Usain Bolt is scheduled to show on the BBC in february 2012.

The documentary trailer for "Usain Bolt: The Fastest Man Alive" (2x 60mins) has recently received a prestigious 'Golden Podium Award' for it's trailer at Sportel, the international Sports Convention for Television and New Media in Monaco. The trailer features the amazing and tension-building drama of the false start in Daegu’s World Championship.

For the 22nd year in a row, the Golden Podium Awards have rewarded the directors of the world’s best sports TV images. The best sequences were screened during the awards ceremony, presided by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco on Tuesday, October 11, 2011.

Producer/Director of the winning two-part documentary Gael Leiblang has secured exclusive access to Usain Bolt and has been filming up close and personal with Bolt over the last 12 months as he prepares for the biggest race of his life. The films have been produced for France 2 in France and presold to BBC One in the UK.

Produced by French production company Elephant Doc (part of Elephant & Co) for France 2, Zodiak Rights has presold Usain Bolt: The Fastest (1x60’) and Usain Bolt: The Legend (1x60’) to BBC ONE in the UK.

In the London 2012 Olympics Usain Bolt will try to retain his three Olympic titles and his three world records. On the night of the 100m final, over 4 billion viewers will watch him as he attempts to enter the history books by becoming the first man ever to retain the 100m gold medal.

The first film "Usain Bolt: The Fastest" is an intimate portrait of the fastest man on earth told by his relatives in Jamaica. Made with his complete cooperation it features Bolt in his home environment away from the cameras. It also features all the people who have helped get Bolt to the top of his profession – his first coach, his relatives, his best friends and the Jamaican national coach. (This film is available in Feb-March 2012.TBC)

The second film "Usain Bolt: The Legend", an in-depth account of his life during the 2012 Olympic Games will feature the build up to the 2012 Olympics and follow Bolt in a fly on the wall style through his preparation and then the games themselves as he tries to retain his coveted gold medal. This film will be available immediately after the 2012 Olympics August 2012.

At 25 years old, Usain Bolt is the quickestman on the planet. An extraordinary athlete. A legend. In 2012, he will try to become the first man to win the 100m gold medal on the track in two consecutive Olympic Games. But how can a man 6’5’’ tall and built like a rugby player be so fast?

Zodiak Rights holds worldwide rights to both documentaries excluding France, and will be launched to the international market at the forthcoming MIPCOM.

More info soon....

(not to be confused with the BBC documentary 'The Fastest Man who has ever lived' from 2011 or 'Why Do Jamaicans Run So Fast?')

SHOWTIME - The History Of UK Dancehall Live On Stage (DVD)

2011-12-28T11:52:00.001Z

A new 70 minute long Dancehall documentary has recently been released on dvd by Kudos Records here in the UK. The film interviews some of the UK's legendary dancehall artists and highlights how the reggae dancehall scene gave birth to many other music genres.

Synopsis:
"The Heatwave are known for throwing mad parties, and Showtime on 15th June 2011 was madder than most. But Showtime was more than just a party. It was an explosion of UK dancehall history, bringing together legends from every era of UK rave music to share the mic and spit lyrics over classic dancehall riddims.

In this feature length film, Rollo Jackson (Tape Crackers, Toddla T, Hot Chip) captures the magical live performances and takes us behind the bright lights and onstage hype, conducting in-depth interviews with pioneers of the UK bashment scene like Glamma Kid, Stush, Skibadee and Riko Dan. The result is an epic document of UK music culture and a vital piece of oral history, telling a story which is often forgotten or misrepresented by the mainstream."

BUY DVD HERE

National Library Of Jamaica Seminar - Legal Deposit & Building The Archives

2011-12-13T10:18:00.000Z

Just wanted to share this video with you of the National Library of Jamaica's open day they had not so long ago where Minister Grange spoke about the importance of donating films and music to the National Library and also about the new law which makes it mandatory for one copy of all new film and music productions in Jamaica to be deposited with the Library, this ensures that Jamaica's culture gets preserved properly so this is a really good step forward.
The Jamaica Film Academy is also actively involved in the building up of the NLJ's film archive and attended the event along with film makers from Jamaica and abroad to donate both films and music to the archive.

If anyone watching this video has Jamaican themed music, film or books and would like to help contribute then you can contact the NLJ directly for information.

Drinkers at Notting Hill Carnival contribute to Jamaica-inspired masterpiece..

2011-12-08T15:43:00.002Z

Just a short video i wanted to share....

Drinkers at the Notting Hill Carnival may have unknowingly contributed to a Jamaica-inspired art project. As part of this West London Caribbean festival, Red Stripe beer cans were collected from the festival for the ultimate recycling project: a DIY sound system. What better place to start a project using beer cans than a street festival attended by more than one million people each year?

After cleaning, drying and sorting, the collected uncrushed cans were taken to a studio where a design team, led by sound artist Yuri Suzuki, assembled them into groupings that eventually formed a 2.5 metre sound system. The blocks of cans were aligned to mimic stereo tubes and project sound.

Jamaican singer/songwriter Gappy Ranks and British DJ Al Fingers teamed up to test the sound system. The pair tested the range and versatility of the system using a variety of sound effects and vocal effects characteristic of reggae and dubstep music. System tests were a huge success, with sound from the system being well beyond the artists' expectations. Following initial testing, the system was taken to Village Underground for a launch event featuring dub artists MC Chunky, Ben UFO and others.

The project is a tribute to resourceful Jamaican culture and ‘do-it-yourself’ creativity. Musicians, artists and other creative individuals use the materials available in their environments to make something new, such as steel drums made from discarded oil cans. The project celebrates the brand Caribbean roots as well as making a great contribution to the recycled art genre.

Music Voyager - Made in Jamaica - New Documentary Series.....

2011-11-28T11:18:00.006Z

A new 3 part documentary series has recently been released titled "Music Voyager - Made in Jamaica", 3 episodes of 26mins each have been made about Reggae music, you can either rent or purchase the 3 films below:

MUSIC VOYAGER Made in Jamaica - Beyond Bob Marley
MUSIC VOYAGER visits with some of today's most popular reggae artists. Jacob travels to St. Thomas for an intimate unplugged performance with Tarrus Riley, journeys to the hills outside Kingston for a tour of reggae star Richie Spice's family farm and is treated to an acoustic set on beautiful Goldeneye ...
Directed by: Kelly Magelky
Runtime: 26 minutes

PURCHASE YOUR COPY HERE - Made in Jamaica - Beyond Bob Marley

MUSIC VOYAGER Made in Jamaica - Dancehall Marathon
MUSIC VOYAGER experiences the powerful dancehall scene first hand at the massive Reggae Sumfest festival. Jacob visits legendary producer King Jammy, gets a lesson on how to be a Jamaican DJ, tries out the latest dance moves, and meets two young dancehall talents, Chino and Steven MacGregor.
Directed by: Kelly Magelky
Runtime: 26 minutes

PURCHASE YOUR COPY HERE - Made in Jamaica - Dancehall Marathon

MUSIC VOYAGER Made in Jamaica: Roots, Rock, Reggae
MUSIC VOYAGER joins a drumming session with the Akwaaba Drummers, journeys to the town of Negril to meet Gilzene and the Blue Light Mento Band, heads back to Kingston for a studio session with guitar legend Ernest Ranglin and Sly Dunbar and ends with an intimate concert with musical icon ...
Directed by: Kelly Magelky
Runtime: 26 minutes

PURCHASE YOUR COPY HERE - Made in Jamaica: Roots, Rock, Reggae

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Collaborative Jamaican Documentary wants you to be a part of their film....

2011-11-26T16:31:00.003Z

OnePeople is a collaborative documentary that invites people worldwide to contribute footage to celebrate Jamaica's global reach 50 years after independence. We pose the question
"What does Jamaica mean to you?" with the aim that a global community of creative minded people will respond by uploading a visual representation of their answer.

We know this tiny island nation has touched many outside of our country, even beyond our diaspora, and with this project we will embrace anyone who has ever been moved by a reggae song, enjoyed a plate of ackee and saltfish, a Negril sunset, been inspired by the words of Marcus Garvey or simply has a point of view.

OnePeople will premiere in London, Toronto, New York, Miami and Kingston on August 6th 2012.

We hope we have given you all the information you need right here but feel free to contact us with any questions.

Submissions will close January 6th, 2012.

View The 8 EASY STEPS

www.onepeopledocumentary.com

Marley Africa Road Trip - STARTS TONIGHT....(2nd Nov.2011)

2011-11-02T08:32:00.007Z

The new Marley Africa Road Trip starring Ziggy, Rohan and Robbie Marley will air on TV across the world tonight.(Showtimes below this article)

MARLEY BROTHERS EMBARK ON SOUTH AFRICAN ROADTRIP (Discovery Channel Press Release)

Last summer Ziggy, Rohan and Robbie Marley travelled to Africa to embark upon an adventure, which has been captured for a new documentary, Marley Africa Roadtrip.

The series follows them while in South Africa, observing the brothers as they experience life in Johannesburg and travel to remote areas. Africa held Bob Marley spellbound but this film discovers it through his sons' eyes, as they share an exploration, keeping close to the heart of the country, meeting its people and encountering its wildlife. Between adventures on the road they relate the lessons they have learned from their father about family, moral righteousness and revolution.

The series captures their highs and lows with an intimate camera crew, encouraging the trio to film their thoughts, memories, unique humor and frustrations. The three brothers' interaction with new characters and each other is very engaging as they bring a sense of fun, charisma and thought provoking observations. They discuss returning to the land their father loved and seeking not only what had become Bob's dream of a unified Africa, but to find out what they themselves have done with their father's legacy. In 1980, thirty years before the brother's trip, their father Bob Marley performed at the Independence Concert in Zimbabwe. Ziggy was with him on that trip and it is something that he reflects on regularly, "One of my most memorable moments was being in Zimbabwe in 1980 with my father. It was life changing for me and it shaped my thoughts of Africa and knowledge of African struggles. What we're trying to do is keep one of the dreams that my father and the forefathers of African liberation had in mind, which is for real African unity", Ziggy said. The six hour series, set for release in 2011, the 30th anniversary of Bob Marley's passing, is produced and directed by acclaimed documentary maker, David Alexanian. Alexanian and his production company, Elixir Films, were behind Ewan McGregor's unforgettable motorcycle trips across the world in the popular series' "Long Way Round" and "Long Way Down". Alexanian said "The documentary will provide viewers with an intriguing look into a legendary musical family".

While on the trip Ziggy was motivated by the prospect of performing with African musicians and the series finale sees him planning and performing a concert in Soweto. The documentary will feature Ziggy teaching local musicians to play his own as well as his father's music and rehearsing for the spontaneous performance with new musicians, in record time. While on the trip Ziggy said "We are trying to perform a concert, for free, in Soweto because I want to show my respect to Soweto and the struggle. We are trying to do it on our own, guerilla style. Reggae music is free music. Like my father said nobody has ownership on it. It's like oxygen, like the wind, like the rain".

Ziggy Marley also recently released a new song, Africa Land to celebrate the occasion. He is a five-time Grammy winner and reggae icon, whose last Children's Album, Family Time, won the Grammy for Best Musical Album for Children. Rohan Marley is an entrepreneur and philanthropist, whose company, Marley Coffee, offers gourmet ital coffee to major gourmet food distributors worldwide. Robbie Marley is a motorcycle stunt rider who has appeared in several major motion pictures, and also owns a retail store in Miami, Florida.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE HERE

Episode 1

Wednesday 2 November, 2011 on Discovery World

AFRICA – @ 21:05 (Standard South Africa Time) on Discovery World
ARMENIA – @ 01:05 (Armenia Standard Time, Thursday Nov 03 2011) on Discovery World
AZERBAIJAN – @ 23:05 (Azerbaijan Standard Time) on Discovery World
BELARUS – @ 21:05 (Eastern European Time) on Discovery World
BELGIUM – @ 20:05 (Central European Time) on Discovery World
BOSNIA – @ 20:05 (Central European Time) on Discovery World
BULGARIA – @ 21:05 (Eastern European Time) on Discovery World
CROATIA – @ 20:05 (Central European Time) on Discovery World
CYPRUS – @ 21:05 (Eastern European Time) on Discovery World
CZECH REPUBLIC – @ 20:05 (Central European Time) on Discovery World
DENMARK – @ 20:05 (Central European Time) on Discovery World
ESTONIA – @ 21:05 (Eastern European Time) on Discovery World
FINLAND – @ 21:05 (Eastern European Time) on Discovery World
GEORGIA – @ 23:05 (Georgia Standard Time) on Discovery World
GREECE – @ 21:05 (Eastern European Time) on Discovery World
HUNGARY – @ 20:05 (Central European Time) on Discovery World
ICELAND – @ 19:05 (Greenwich Mean Time) on Discovery World
KAZAKHSTAN – @ 01:05 (Alma-Ata Time, Thursday Nov 03 2011) on Discovery World
KYRGYZSTAN – @ 01:05 (Kyrgyzstan Time, Thursday Nov 03 2011) on Discovery World
LATVIA – @ 21:05 (Eastern European Time) on Discovery World
LITHUANIA – @ 21:05 (Eastern European Time) on Discovery World
MACEDONIA – @ 20:05 (Central European Time) on Discovery World
MALTA – @ 20:05 (Central European Time) on Discovery World
MOLDOVA – @ 21:05 (Eastern European Time) on Discovery World
MONTENEGRO – @ 20:05 (Central European Time) on Discovery World
NETHERLANDS – @ 20:05 (Central European Time) on Discovery World
NORWAY – @ 20:05 (Central European Time) on Discovery World
POLAND – @ 20:05 (Central European Time) on Discovery World
ROMANIA – @ 21:05 (Eastern European Time) on Discovery World
RUSSIA – @ 23:05 (Moscow Daylight Time) on Discovery World
SERBIA – @ 20:05 (Central European Time) on Discovery World
SLOVAKIA – @ 20:05 (Central European Time) on Discovery World
SLOVENIA – @ 20:05 (Central European Time) on Discovery World
SWEDEN – @ 20:05 (Central European Time) on Discovery World
TURKEY – @ 21:05 (Eastern European Time) on Discovery World
UKRAINE – @ 21:05 (Eastern European Time) on Discovery World

Episode 2 Airs, Wednesday 9 November, 2011 on Discovery World

Babymother Screens on Film Four 7th Nov.

2011-10-30T10:34:00.000Z

Just a reminder for those of you who don't already know, Julian Henrique's great feature film "Babymother" is to be shown on Film Four on 7th Nov. 01:35am (Thats early hours of Monday morning).
Absorbing drama about the ambitions of a young, single Brixton mother and the obstacles that she overcomes in achieving them. Her dreams of becoming a reggae star are hampered by the father of her children - a local reggae artist in his own right, he is determined to stop her stealing any of his limelight.

Jamaican Film Maker receives Lifetime Achievement Award at UK BEFFTA's

2011-10-27T13:53:00.006Z

Article taken from: CWU.org website

CWU recognised for setting Black History straight

CWU researcher Pauline Granstan has been recognised for setting the record straight on who Britain's first black TV journalist was. Following an amazing string of events - sparked by Pauline's intervention - journalist Barbara Black Hannah (pictured with Pauline) has now had a book of her life published and won the Black Entertainment, Film, Fashion & Television Awards (BEFFTA) Lifetime Achievement Award. She took Pauline as her guest to the glitzy award ceremony in London on Saturday 22nd October and in her speech thanked CWU for the events which brought her the recognition she deserves. Below, Barbara writes exclusively for the CWU...

BARBARA BLAKE HANNAH - BRITAIN'S FIRST BLACK TV JOURNALIST ON BLACK HISTORY - WINNING THE BEFTTA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

In October 2008 Pauline Granstan of the Communication Workers Union emailed me to say that the Guardian newspaper had published a Black History Month timeline that listed Moira Stewart as Britain's first Black TV journalist. Pauline wanted me to confirm whether that was incorrect information, as she suspected I had achieved this very dubious distinction in 1968. I wrote her confirming I had made news in 1968 when I was appointed a reporter/interviewer in THAMES TV's new daily magazine show "TODAY - WITH EAMMON ANDREWS" that launched the station. I conducted daily interviews with a variety of famous and regular people for 9 months until my contract expired, going on to do a similar job with ATV "TODAY" in Birmingham and later working with BBC-TV's "Man Alive" and radio programmes "Wait a Minute" and "Petticoat Line".

She wrote to the Guardian informing then, and as a result of her intervention the newspaper invited me to write a Letter correcting their error which was published shortly thereafter. Thanks to Pauline the revival of this piece of Black history was a great blessing to me, as it brought my name and work to a wider audience 40 years and one generation after I had made this news. In Jamaica I had written four books, made 8 films, worked with three Prime Ministers and been appointed an Independent Senator in the Jamaican Parliament, but few outside Jamaica knew of these achievements. The Guardian article came to the attention of Black British publisher Hansib Publications, who in 2010 published 'GROWING OUT: BLACK HAIR AND BLACK PRIDE" my memoir of my life in England.

Co-incidentally, I had been working with a young English film archivist and reggae researcher Peter Gittins, and in 2008 we used his extensive collection of Reggae Films to present the first Reggae Film Festival in Kingston showcasing Jamaica's reggae music and culture in feature films, documentaries, music videos and animation. Having identified this new genre of 'reggae films' in 2008, we have since then successfully presented four annual Jamaica Reggae Film Festivals screening films from Jamaica and the world, honouring film makers from such diverse countries as Japan, Serbia, Spain and Poland, as well as the USA, UK, the Caribbean and Canada, even receiving an entry in 2011 from Iran. The event has become so popular that we intend to take it on tour to England, Canada and the USA in 2012 when Jamaica celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Independence from British colonial rule.

All this life work culminated on Saturday, October 22nd, when the Black, Entertainment, Film, Fashion & Television Awards (BEFTTA) presented me with its Female Lifetime Achievement Award at a gala event in London. The lengthy ceremony was an eye-opener for me to behold the plethora of award winners in every category of Black entertainment arts. Indeed, no such ceremony could have been held in 1968, or if at all, would have been in a very small room. Black people struggled then to have their own TV shows, magazines, plays, fashions and films, as the battle then were to overcome endemic racism and become integrated into mainstream British life.

Having returned to Jamaica in 1972, I next returned in 1982 to publish a British edition of RASTAFARI - THE NEW CREATION, the first book on the religion written by a member of the faith. Jeremy Isaacs, who had been my producer at THAMES TV and was now head of the new CHANNEL 4, invited me to make a documentary on my view of Britain 10 years later. This resulted in RACE, RHETORIC, RASTAFARI a film in which I lamented the fact that race relations in Britain did not seem to have changed much in my absence.

Looking around in these few days in London, I see that much has changed. Voices on the streets speak languages I do not understand, the African presence is more pronounced and I search in vain for remnants of Caribbean culture that was so vibrant in the Sixties that our ska and blue beat music influenced a generation of 'mods and rockers' and brought colour to the fashions of the day. Thank heavens that our Jamaican athletes have reminded the world of how great our little nation is, promising to be the stars of the London Olympics in 2012. Multi-culturalism is a good thing that has brought the core values and ethics of British goodness to the fore and though I am aware that anti-Black racism has not been completely eradicated, it seems to have ceased to be the ogre that made our lives here a sad and bitter experience. Perhaps the lack of Caribbean visibility has happened because so many like me, have returned to our sunshine islands to build them and enjoy their bright future.

All this honouring of my work can be traced directly to Pauline Granstan, for picking up on that GUARDIAN mistake and contacting them and me in 2008. I can't thank her enough for opening up the window of my history and allowing my modest achievements to be highlighted and hopefully inspire other Blacks in Britain to aspire to higher heights. Keep up your good work on behalf of Black CWU members Pauline. You are a testament to the great good we Black people have done in Britain and will continue to do.

ONE LOVE.

BARBARA BLAKE HANNAH
P.O.Box 727, Kingston, Jamaica

Success and Sabotage of Lovers Rock....

2011-10-27T13:46:00.000Z

The article below has been taken from 'Black History Walks' newsletter Oct.2011

How Positive Black Films get Blocked, Messed up and Messed around......

The Story of Lovers Rock is a film made by Menelik Shabbaz about a type of music known as Romantic Reggae and the associated lifestyle and culture of the black community in England in the 1970's/80's.

Mr Shabbbaz is an an award-winning filmmaker who was never privileged and patronised in the same way that white directors of less stature have been. Lovers Rock is his first film for fifteen years, it was refused funding by all of the major arts and culture funding bodies who came up with a list of excuses ; not relevant, no market, too niche, not really history, etc etc. Mr Shabbaz and his team went to the community and repeatedly asked for investors. Despite getting full houses and rapturous applause at several preview screenings at the BFI and the Coronet, people were long on talk but short on pulling their pockets. Fifty thousand pounds was the amount in question. Mr Shabbaz persevered, completed the film despite several last minute obstacles and amazingly managed to secure a distribution deal which meant that a company would assist in placing the film in cinemas across the country. This in itself is unusual as many black films never get distributed and are shown once or twice if at all before disappearing. The result is that people never get to enjoy, learn or benefit from the those films and there is no box office results to prove such films sell. This then puts off distributors from distributing such films and producers/studios from making such films in the first place.

Mr Shabbaz and his team got the Story of Lovers Rock on a number of screens across the country. This is what happened next..

Cinemas did not display the Lovers Rock poster in advance or on the day

Cinemas did not have the film listed on their own website or on their printed programme

Cinema staff did not know that the film was on in their cinema

Cinemas did not include the film in their weekly mail out to their regular customers

Cinemas did not play the trailer for Lovers Rock before the main feature in advance of the film opening as normally happens

Cinemas that were showing the film did not take delivery of the film or if the film failed to arrive at the stated time did not chase up the distributors they just cancelled the show even though people had booked in advance to see it

Cinemas agreed to one or two screenings at weird times like 1.30pm on a Monday

No room on screen for loving black couples.

All of the above happened before and even after the screenings began to sell out.

Lovers Rock has been selling out 400 seat cinemas at 11.30pm 7.30pm on weekdays and weekends. Lovers Rock attendance and box office takings have beaten Hollywood blockbusters on at the same venue such as Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy. This is incredible as Tinker had heavy TV, Radio, billboard and newspaper advertising whereas Lovers Rock has none of that. Lovers Rock has had people being turned away at the door and dancing in the aisles. Cinemas were approached to screen the film or extend the run. This is what happened next..

Cinemas said no

That they could'nt see the point

That they were'nt sure if the film was 'right'

That it was'nt worth the risk

That they were'nt sure if there was any interest

That they could'nt put up posters as the directors name was spelt incorrectly

That they might give it one more day maybe

That they would definitely show it.. at 1.30pm on a Monday and Tuesday

This is the treatment that a successful independent black film that is making money is getting.

Does this happen to Harry Potter ? What is the problem ? Why would you refuse to screen a film that is making money ? Is it that the film shows black people in an accurate and positive light ? Why would a film that is making money at 7.30pm on a Thursday be given a follow up slot at 1.30pm on a Monday afternoon when most people are at work or school ?

Spike Lee's film about heroic black soldiers in World War 2 Miracle at Santa Anna was blocked by its European distributors because thay did'nt 'like' the film. Mr Lee took them to court and won 45 million dollars in compensation.

Oprah Winfreys and Denzel Washingtons' Great Debaters, about black academic success, which made a profit of 15 million dollars was never even released here. Jumping the Broom an African American romantic

This image, not wanted in the UK.

comedy shows loving black families getting married. It made 31 million US dollars and got to number 3 in the US charts but will not be released in this country. Shirley Chisholm the amazing and inspirational story about the first black woman to run for President was never released here. Perhaps it was because these fims have an all black cast and the majority white population is not interested in seeing black people on the big screen. In which case how is it that 50 Cents Get Rich or Die Trying got released nationwide ? It was the story of drug dealing/prostitute mum who gets murdered and her son and his drug dealing criminal associates who get killed before he becomes a rapper. Precious a film about a homeless, illiterate, overweight black teenager who is the victim of rape and pregnancy twice by her father and physical/emotional abuse by her mother; which has a scene where black women are compared to dogs.. was on 447 screens across the country. American Gangster, starring Denzel Washington, about a drug-dealing gangster who flooded Harlem with heroin in the 70's was also on general release. Attack the Block was Joe Cornish' first ever film. As a white director he had no problem getting 6 million pounds to make a film with a majority black cast. In the film we are introduced to a mostly black criminal gang as they rob a white woman with a hint of wishing to rape her, then the lead black youth goes to his local drug lord where he gets promoted to a drug dealer. He and his mates are quite happy about this. The only thing that stops him drug dealing is the arrival of aliens from outer space. By the way, the aliens from outer space are 'black' 'So black you cant see !' and 'Blacker than my cousing Femi' according to the script.The black male lead ends up in prison. This film was heavily advertised and made the top ten. What does this say about the film industry and British culture ?

"JOURNEY TO JAH" THE FILM GETS FUNDED ON KICKSTARTER

2011-10-16T19:30:00.000Z

Some great news, a new feature documentary featuring Gentlman & Alborosie has just got funding via the new Kickstarter website which is a site which allows new film makers to pitch their projects to the public.
This looks like a great new film with several big names already inolved in the project, take a look at the trailer below:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1325938240/journey-to-jah-the-film

http://www.journeytojah-film.com/

Little Roy on Jools Holland....

2011-10-16T09:52:00.000Z

Below are clips of a rare appearance from 'Little Roy' who recently performed on the Jools Holland TV show here in the UK(4th Oct.2011).
Clips below:

RED AMBER GREEN - New Film Trailer......

2011-10-09T09:55:00.005Z

'Red, Amber, Green' is a new film being made by a young Jamaican film maker named Christopher Byfield.
The film is about a group of youths who work at traffic lights selling goods to passing cars, the light colors as we all know as Red, Amber, Green which is also the Rasta colors and also happens to be the names of the 3 youths so you have a real 3 way play on words going on here.
I think the trailer says a lot about the standard of some of the new films being made in Jamaica, they may not be big budget but the quality is getting much much better as you can see.... it's only a matter of time before someone produces the next big hit film outta Jamaica....

Synopsis:
"Red, Amber, Green" depicts the lives of three Jamaican teenage boys struggling to make ends meet on the difficult streets of Kingston, Jamaica. Making a living primarily as vehicle window washers when cars stop for traffic lights, they hustle to take advantage of every opportunity, including entertainment. These friends, by virtue of the 'yielding forces' of traffic lights to provide their 'bread and butter', have incorporated these colors into their lives as a quick reminder of how to deal with their daily struggles, including learning and growing from each other, and even finding a way to help those less fortunate.

'Dub To Jungle' - Documentary - Feat: Congo Natty, Tenor Fly, Channel One+.......

2011-10-03T19:05:00.000Z

Kane FM have been blessed to document and capture the Dub to Jungle tour 2011; the film explores the living history of bass culture with interviews with Channel One Sound System, Congo Natty, Tenor Fly, Klose One, Nanci & Phoebe. We also speak with the stakeholder and Director of Punch Records Ammo Talwar and promoters about the concept behind the tour.

Roots reggae has been cited by many music critics of the 20th century as the mother of many modern music forms. Born from the garrisons of Jamaica this music has given a voice to disaffected peoples of all cultures and all backgrounds around the world. The messages of rebellion and truth seeking that roots provides struck a chord across the globe.

In the 1990′s artists like Ragga Twins, Rebel Mc & Lennie De Ice began to fuse roots reggae with acid house. Jungle techno, or as it was first called, 4beat, was born. Jungle is the child of reggae, conceived by the union of Jamaican sound system culture and British acid house music.

Director / Interviews – Chris Jones / Producer – Nick Hayman@ Burningwick / Elliot Seeds @ Motion Graphics / Sound Man – Alpesh Patel / Camera – Squeaky Clean, Sophie Akehurst, Ben Cornish.

Thanks to Ammo Talwar, Rachel Bevan, Jack Vagabondz, Gurpreet Bilkhu @ Punch, Anthony @ Kontakt, Gentlemens Dub club, Luke Murray, Jess @ Patchwork, James @ Take the Whole Cake, Channel One Sound System, Congo Natty, Tenor Fly, Nanci & Phoebe, Klose One (Ruairi), NOISE CONTROL AUDIO, Dubkasm ; Vibtronics.

Calling all Reggae/Jamaican film makers, artists and producers....

2011-09-20T10:11:00.001Z

The Jamaica Film Academy has recently been asked to help build up the National Library of Jamaica's film collection by asking it's members to donate films to the NLJ collection. The JFA have emailed all it's members in an effort to drum up support for the NLJ's campaign.

Not many people realize that there is now a law in Jamaica(The Legal Deposit Act) which requires that a copy of all films and music produced on the island be deposited with the National Library of Jamaica, this is in an effort to help preserve the country's cultural history by way of archiving audio recordings and films, so we're appealing to any music producer, artist or film maker who is able to donate music or film to contact the NLJ before 29th Sept. to confirm your attendance and to request copies of the legal deposit forms which you will need to fill in to accompany your deposit, please use the contact info below to confirm your attendance to the NLJ's public forum.

If you are outside of Jamaica then you can arrange to send materials over to them so please make contact with them.

************************
NLJ Release:

"As part of the NLJ's public education campaign to bring awareness and compliance with the Legal Deposit Act., the National Library Jamaica (NLJ) is organizing a forum on The Role of the Music/Film Industry in Building the National Collection. It will be held on Thursday September 29, 2011 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon."

One of the main features, we hope, will be the presentation of copies of films to the NLJ by Jamaican filmmakers including those from the Jamaica Film Academy/Reggae Film Festival.

We have confirmation from representatives from the Jamaica Film Commission, the Jamaica Music Society (JAMMS) and the Jamaica Association of Composers, Artistes and Publishers (JACAP) to address the audience. The Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture has also been invited. In addition, we are anticipating that a large number of persons from the entertainment industry will be in attendance and use the occasion to deposit copies of their work.

We hope that we will get more audiovisual items on that day than we have got in a year! The items we receive will contribute to the building up of a comprehensive national collection of film and sound recordings, which will be of great benefit to present and future researchers.

We look forward to seeing you.

With best wishes

Valerie G. Francis
Acquisitions Librarian (Coordinator of Forum)
National Library of Jamaica
12 East Street
Kingston
Jamaica, West Indies
Telephone: (876) 967-2494; 967-2496
Fax: (876) 922-5567
Email: nlj@infochan.com; nljacq@cwjamaica.com
Website: www.nlj.gov.jm

Black Roots - Live 1986 DVD/CD Anthology.....

2011-09-08T15:13:00.001Z

bristolarchiverecords.com have just released a new CD/DVD collection of Black Roots best releases including a DVD of the impossible to find "Celebration". A great live show from 1986, recorded at the Bristol Studio and previously only available on the original self financed video cassette issue. Taken directly from the video master this performance catches the band in fine form, joined by a horn section that includes the legendary Vin Gordon on Trombone the ten tracks are evenly split between their then pending "All Day All Night" album and their earlier more roots orientated material. Seeing them on stage 25 years ago really brings home how versatile the band were.

Thirty years after they released their first four track EP Black Roots' singles output is finally showcased on "Black Roots - The Reggae Singles Anthology". Released on September 5th, by Bristol Archive Records in collaboration with Nubian Records this 16 track album spans the band's creative peak of the 1980s.

Black Roots were Bristol's leading exponents of reggae, constantly touring throughout the UK and Europe. They also managed to release a steady stream of LPs and singles mostly on their own Nubian label. Now for the first time the majority of those singles are brought together on a single CD and limited double vinyl LP.
The music includes all of their key early singles, their first EP in its entirety, the three track follow up, the original single mix of "The Frontline" from the BBC series of the same name and later releases such as their collaborations with the Mad Professor.

This release wouldn't have been possible without the full support of the Band's own label, Nubian Records, who have allowed us free reign of their archives, the result being a 16 page booklet to accompany the CD that is packed full of previously unpublished photos of the band, the limited double vinyl issue comes with a similarly illustrated LP size insert.

Fortunately the original line-up of Black Roots reformed last year and with plenty of gigs in the pipeline everyone will be able to experience their live shows again.

As is usual Bristol Archive Records have paid meticulous attention to detail and, not only do you get a selection of great music, sleeve notes, a booklet packed with great photos, and a bonus live DVD, but we truly believe the music has never sounded so good on CD.

About the Artist
Black Roots were a powerful and potent force in the British reggae music scene throughout the Eighties and left a legacy of no less than ten albums and more than eight singles before bowing out of the public eye in the mid-90's. Hailing from the St Paul's area of Bristol, the original eight-member band were formed in 1979 and quickly gained a large following by touring almost non-stop around the country, playing their brand of 'militant pacifism' roots reggae in the nation's major colleges, universities and festivals. They attracted the attention of television with appearances on BBC2's Neighbours, BBC West, HTV West and Rockers Roadshow and popular radio, where live studio sessions for Radio 1's In Concert (broadcast April 1982), John Peel, David 'Kid' Jensen and Peter Powell, led to a BBC Radio 1 sessions LP. Their first releases were on the Nubian Records label and an EP containing Bristol Rock, Tribal War, The Father and The System preceded their first single, in 1981, Chanting For Freedom. Jon Futrell in Black Echoes, labelled them; "Quite simply, Black Roots are the next great hope for reggae in this country," while John Peel was quoted; "If anyone tells you that there is no such thing as good British reggae, first tell them that they are a herbert and then listen to Black Roots." John Peel's Radio 1 session, aired on 27 May, really helped the cause, with Confusion, What Them A Do, Chanting For Freedom and The Father performed live.

Film events in and around London.....(July+August 2011)

2011-07-25T17:37:00.000Z

I noticed there are several great Caribbean themed films showing around london over the next 2 months, if you want to see more events like this locally then please do your best to attend and support....

Sunday - July 31 - Prince Among Slaves: UK Premiere
From 4pm– The Stockwell YMCA Hall (Stockwell station)

Wednesday - August 3 - House of Sugar
From 7pm– PCS LEARNING CENTRE (Victoria)

Monday - August 8 - Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in the Whirlwind
From 7pm– PCS Headquarters (CLAPHAM JUNCTION)

Thursday - August 11 - Rootical (Notting Hill in the 60's with Charlie Phillips)
From 7:30pm – Portobello Pop Up Cinema

Friday - August 12, 2011 - BURNING AN ILLUSION
From 7:30pm – Portobello Pop Up Cinema

Saturday - August 13, 2011 - PRESSURE
From 8pm– Portobello Pop Up Cinema

For More info Visit NuCinema

Looking forward to 2012 for the 50th Anniverary of Jamaican Independence

2011-07-21T11:21:00.000Z

I've recently been looking into the planned celebrations for Jamaica's 50th Anniversary of Independence. I suspected that there would be many events planned as the 40th Anniversary here in the UK had many events and a great TV season dedicated to the 40th Anniversary of Independence, so i wondered what would be happening in 2012.

The 50th Anniversary deserves a big celebration don't you think? everyone needs to get together as a team and plan for 2012 NOW, so all of you Jamaicans out there, no matter where you are, why not put together a proposal for a local event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence and approach your local council or planning committees. Whether it be a story-telling session, poetry, drumming, dance, a sound system event, a reggae night, an exhibition, a Jamaican food festival or a tribute night to some of those Jamaican role models etc.

2012 will be the year that Jamaica will re-brand itself, after all the negative press over the past several years and documentaries highlighting the high crime rates and news stories highlighting government corruption, this is their opportunity to change things and start a fresh. Expect to see new tourism campaigns and TV ads and documentaries which will show us some of the different sides of Jamaica which most of us don't get to hear about.

It is true that most of the low budget feature films to come out of Jamaica tend to focus on guns and violence, this is because it sells but it does no good for the image of the island. There is so much more that the Jamaican film industry has to offer which films of all genres and in 2012 many of these films will be coming to the UK for all to see, so look out for the many film events next year and if you want to see more events and films like these being made then please make the effort to get up and attend these events and support the industry as this is the only way we are going to see the industry grow. It needs a team effort, the Jamaican film industry is on the verge of a big boom if luck is on our side but it needs the support of the diaspora and all those who love Jamaica so please try to attend these events next year and show the rest of the world what a tribute it is to have film makers from all over the globe come to Jamaica and make films about Jamaican culture. These films need to be celebrated and shown off!! i don't see any other country who has as many films made each year just about their culture, it is a real phenomenon which needs more exposure and research.

If anyone out there would like to set an event up or would like to help or volunteer some time to join one of the existing events then drop us an email info@reggaefilms.co.uk as i am starting to compile a list in order to try and help facilitate the UK events happening in 2012 and will possibly setup a website to link everyone together to make things a little easier for everyone.

If you are a venue or city council who would like to celebrate the Jamaican 50th Anniversary of Independence then please get in touch and i'm sure we can help you.......info@reggaefilms.co.uk

The Harder They Come gets a modern reggae remake......

2011-07-21T09:24:00.001Z

After numerous failed attempts, the cult Jamaican thriller The Harder They Come may at last be set for a remake. Producer-actor Trudie Styler has joined forces with, among others, Justine Henzell – daughter of the original's director Perry Henzell (who died in 2006) – who now owns the rights.

The first Harder They Come, made in 1972, starred Jimmy Cliff as a naive country boy who turns up in the Jamaican capital Kingston hoping to make it big as a musician. It is generally credited with popularizing reggae in Europe and the US, and boasted a bestselling soundtrack including contributions from Toots and the Maytals, Desmond Dekker and Cliff himself, who recorded the title track for the film.

Styler, who successfully graduated from acting to producing, with credits including Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch and Moon, told Screen Daily: "We want to keep what made the original so special – its freshness, humour, anger at social injustice, and love of Jamaican music and culture – but updated to reflect the Jamaican experience in 2011."

The original Harder They Come was part-funded by Chris Blackwell and Island Records as a means of promoting reggae outside Jamaica. It was turned into a musical in 2006, shortly before Perry Henzell's death.

(Article credited to: Andrew Pulver - The guardian.co.uk)