‘The First Rasta’ speaks during three-day Caribbean Film Fest
One dozen films representing diasporan nations slate a listing of diverse creativity for April 26-28 at Teacher’s College, Columbia University in Harlem in order to spotlight the Caribbean Film Festival.
From Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Martinique, Suriname, Puerto Rico — a plethora of topical offerings promise delightful documentaries, as well as long and short features.
“The Mali-Cuba Connection” kicks off the preponderance of eye-candy at 6 p.m. on the first day with a film focussing on 10 young musicians sent from the Spanish Caribbean island during the Cold War to strengthen cultural ties with the African nation.
How they combined talents to produce a new sound while emboldering a revolutionary agenda led to the creation of an iconic band and poignant informative storyline in the 81-minute feel and sound- good document.
The following day highlights another presentation by the African Diaspora International Film Festival with “The First Rasta.”
The 85-minute documentary offers an enlightening excursion with a man credited for changing the cultural landscape of Jamaica by endearing an Africa-centered philosophy which appealed to people whose history was decided by colonialists.
Returning for another go-round after debuting during past annual ADIFF outings, the film spotlights Leonard Percival Howell, who allegedly captured the minds of Jamaicans eager to follow a philosophy contrary to the traditional beliefs.
Also known as The Gong, the founder of the Pinnacle community — 4,000 members — is acclaimed the title holder who first invoked Rastafarianism.
Slated to screen on April 28 at 3 p.m. the film annually attracts patrons eager to glean the origins of a movement which has grown from local cult following to a global lifestyle.
On that same date at 1 p.m., the Dominican Republic offers “Sugar Cane Malice” and from the Bahamas “Who In Da Morning” at 6:30 p.m.
Prior to the previous day’s screenings, a spotlight on Claude McKay traces the literary genius as he traveled for a decade through Europe mingling with the political and artistic avant gardes during the 1920’s.
McKay travelled from Jamaica to Marseille, Harlem, Russia, Morocco — all the time advocating Black consciousness and thoughts.
From Trinidad and Tobago, “Time & Judgement” promotes Menelik Shabazz’ sci-fi prophecy at 4:30 p.m.
The film includes archival footage featuring Bob Marley, Walter Rodney, Kwame Toure, Maurice Bishop, Kwame Nkrumah, and Haile Selassie.
“Franz Fanon: His Life, His Struggles, His Work” adds the French Caribbean island of Martinique to the lineup at 2 p.m.
Revered for his anti-France stance and advocacy of Algerian liberation, the Black radical thinker gets a 51-minute spotlight.
From Suriname, the provocative “You Can Read Can You?” questions why a generation was denied knowledge of the atrocities committed in the 1980s.
Virtual attendees can have the option to view a selection of 2024 films at nyadiff.org
Cinco de Mayo with a “Likkle Whine”
In case tacos are on the menu for Cinco de Mayo, perhaps curry goat and Jamaica’s colorful dance styles can add flavorful spice to the Mexican treat.
According to organizers of an alternative gathering billed Cinco Whine: a Caribbean Cinco de Mayo party, a promise of revelry Jamaica-style and a “likkle whine” will mark observance of the May 5 date.
Catch you On the Inside!
