The National Weekly breaks it down.
Dreadlock Story
Exploring the secret Indian roots of Rastafari
Much has been documented about the Rastafari faith in Jamaica, from its theological birth to its modern-day global influence. But new film “Dreadlocks Story” finds a significant and unexpected source for this Jamaican Afrocentric faith – India. Filmmaker Linda Aïnouche interviews scholars about the history of Indians in Jamaica, the cultural and spiritual mixing between Indo- and Afro Jamaicans and the influence of the Hindu faith on Rastafari culture, from the Ital diet to wearing locks.
The film also tells the story of Leonard Percival Howell, known as the “First Rasta” and was a pioneer for the faith. Many Jamaican Hindus were among his first followers. Jailed for two years by the Jamaican colonial government, Howell wrote a famous pamphlet in 1935 under a Hindu pen name Gangunguru Maharaj, unveiling the connection between the lifestyles of the Rastafari in Jamaica and Sadhus (Hindu holy men) in India.
Filmed in France, India, Jamaica and the U.S., the documentary includes interviews from Professor and social historian Verene Shepherd, Professor Ajai and Laxmi Mansingh (who have been pioneering researchers studying the Indian presence in Jamaica) and Sons of Leonard Howell, Monty and Blade.
In all, “Dreadlocks Story” is an ode to the empowering spiritual fortitude, resilience and creativity of people oppressed and colonized, whether in India or Jamaica.
Bazodee
Trini carnival meets Bollywood romance
The long anticipated acting debut of King of Soca Machel Montano will finally be released this year in the new Bollywood-style film, “Bazodee.” With a feature performance from legendary Bollywood star Kabir Bedi, this film is a vibrant retelling of the old star-crossed lovers story, set in the backdrop of Trinidad’s carnival season.
Set to premiere next week in the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival at the historic Globe Cinema in Port of Spain, “Bazodee” is a musical drama about a rugged soca singer (Lee, played by Montano) who falls for a beautiful young Indian woman (Anita, played by Natalie Perera, a London-born newcomer of Sri Lankan parentage). But young Anita happens to be engaged to Kumar, a man she doesn’t love (played by Staz Nair). Anita must then decide between the obligations of family and life and the pursuit of true love.
Directed by award-winning American film and television writer, producer and director, Todd Kessler, the film also features the acting talents of a number of Trinidadian actors, including Teneille Newallo and Cindy F. Daniel.
Though Bazodee marks the silver screen debut for Montano, he proves a natural fit as a charming romantic crooner – perfect for this fun film full to the brim with the latest soca tracks.
