A Celebration of Garifuna Culture A GARIFUNA JOURNEY – A documentary by local filmmaker and St John Film Society founder Andrea Leland and co-producer/director Kathy Berger, 1998 (46 min) “…captures the triumph of spirit of the Garifuna people.” This film, made with the cooperation and participation of the Garifuna people, celebrates the enduring spirit of these descendants of the African and Carib-Indian inhabitants of the Caribbean. The Garifunas were never enslaved. They resisted British colonialism and, because of this, were exiled to Central America where their distinct culture continues to exist today. Told in the voices of the Garifuna themselves, the film is engaging and colorful. It is an encouraging testament to a society’s ability to keep its music and spirituality alive amid the threats of the encroaching bigger world. “…a vital step in archiving the rich culture and fascinating trajectory of the Garifuna of Belize. The video is a prime model for the use of the moving image in preserving living culture.” - Huntington International Independent Film Festival. Also – Local Drummer Eddie Bruce! Eddie Bruce will demonstrate some drumming techniques similar to those of the Garifuna. A Short Film By Local Filmmaker I Hear Your Voice in the Circling Night – A short film by local filmmaker and St John Film Society founder Sigi Torinus, with music by Brent Lee, 2009 (7.35 min), performed by Noiseborder Ensemble, Windsor, Canada. “A poetic journey beginning in the white North and traveling to the Tropics into the deepest depths of the night.” Footage from St. John, Virgin Islands and Northern Canada.
Global Economy and the Developing World LIFE AND DEBT – A documentary by Stephanie Black; narrated by Jamaica Kincaid (80 min.) “If you come to Jamaica as a tourist, this is what you will see…” This award winning feature length documentary, screened at the 2001 Human Rights Watch Film Festival, explores the complexity of international lending and free trade in the developing world. It focuses on individual Jamaicans who struggle to survive amid US and multinational economic agendas. Jamaica Kincaid’s narration is based on her nonfiction book, “A Small Place”. As the film begins, she contrasts what the visitor to Jamaica sees with what is kept hidden, and her voice is coolly alluring as she says, “When you sit down to eat your delicious meal, it’s better that you don’t know that most of what you are eating came off a ship from Miami.” Michael Manley, Jamaica’s former prime minister, was interviewed for the film. He speaks openly yet sadly about mistakes his administration made that led to the devastation of the country’s economy. The film outlines the path of economic decline after the first International Money Fund loan that was meant to improve development yet resulted in increased debt and dependency. It visits the Free Trade Zone with its deplorable working conditions, where workers are paid US $30 a week. “…the overall impression left by this devastating film is of the global economy as a dog-eat-dog world where the usual culprits, the United States and its multinational corporate clients, have the advantage.” – The New York Times Related Film BANANA SPLIT – A lesson in the history of the banana: its production, transportation and challenges. This lighthearted film stands in stark contrast to the devastation of Jamaica’s banana industry depicted in “Life and Debt”.
In honor of the 8 Tuff Miles road race, St John Film Society Presents: SPIRIT OF THE MARATHON A documentary by Mark Johnathan Harris, Jon Dunham & Gwendolen Twist (102 min.) ffff “…an inspirational journey of perseverance and personal triumph…” The first ever non-fiction feature film to capture the drama and essence of the famed 26.2 mile running event. Filmed on four continents, the movie brings together a diverse cast of amateur athletes and marathon luminaries. As six unique stories unfold, each runner prepares for and ultimately faces the challenge of the Chicago Marathon.
AFRICA UNITE By director Stephanie Black (89 minutes) A feature length documentary and concert tribute to reggae icon Bob Marley On the occasion of Africa Unite in 2005, three generations of Marleys travel to Ethiopia to present a live musical tribute to reggae legend Bob Marley on what would have been his 60th birthday. Along with clips of the Africa Unite youth symposium, the film focuses on the roots of Rastafarianism and the significance of Marley’s life to its movement. Includes performances by Widow Rita and sons Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Damian, and Ky-Mani, along with vintage clips of Marley himself in action.
