#ARTinJA: Seven Jamaican films you should know about
Keeping our #TAFilmWeek going we’re giving you seven local films whether written/produced by Jamaicans and/or starring Jamaicans. Let’s get started!1) Better Mus Come (2011)
2) Dancehall Queen (1997)
Written and directed by our very own Storm Saulter, this film stars Sheldon Shepherd and Nicole Grey. The film is based around what was occurring in Jamaica in the 1970’s where the two main political parties allegedly used the support of gangs to advance their political agenda. An action and love story in one, this film is one you have to watch. Based on true events it gives you an insight what Jamaica was like in the 1970’s.
3) Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend (2011)
Directed by Don Letts and Rick Elwood, the film stars Audrey Reid who is a mother of one and a street vendor. When her means of making an income is threatened she seeks help from a man which turned out to do more harm than good. Her only way of redemption is the dance contest which she anonymously entered and won. It’s said to be “A journey into the world of Kingston Dancehall. A survival story of a strong Jamaican woman.”
4) Holding on to Jah (2011)
This film is considered to be a “kaleidoscopic portrait” with the narrator guiding the viewer on a scenic adventure through the Caribbean Islands, to Jamaica and into 56 Hope Road which is now formally known as the Bob Marley Museum. Filmmaker Esther Anderson, former girlfriend of Bob Marley, captured not only the special bond between them but young Bob Marley before the fame and exposure. The film also features shows of the Wailers’ first rehearsal as well as the launch of their career.
A film on roots reggae music and the Rastafari movement. Directed by Roger Landon Hall.5) Rockers (1978)
6) Shottas (2002)
The Rockers drama and action film is produced by Patrick Hulsey and directed by Ted Bafaloukos. It features many of our Jamaican reggae artists such as Gregory Isaacs, Jacob Miller, Dillinger, Burning Spence, Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace and Big Youth. It looks into the life of an unemployed drummer trying to make a living from the music industry in Kingston, Jamaica. After his motorbike was stolen, he comes up with a daring plan to get it back.
7) The Harder They Come (1972)
Starring our very own Ky-Mani Marley and Spragga Benz, makes their way to Miami to continue their ventures in the drug business. The 2002 Jamaican crime film was written and directed by Cess Silvera.
Directed by Perry Henzell, The Harder They Come stars Jimmy Cliff as Ivanhoe Martin. It features an artist trying to make their way in the music industry. After landing a contract with producer Hilton and later getting in a quarrel, Ivanhoe (Jimmy Cliff) finds himself resorting to crimes to help pay his bills.