April 7th 2009

Garifuna Journey

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.