Ernest Ranglin “Roots Of Reggae” To Have World Premier At Jamaica’s Flashpoint Festival

Kingston, Jamaica: – The tribute film “Roots of Reggae,” will have its World Premiere in Jamaica at the Flashpoint Film Festival, Friday, December 1 – Sunday, December 3 at The Caves, Negril.

A United States/Jamaican Production, the film traces the career of musical legend Ernest Ranglin. A unique piece of documentary filmmaking, it parallels Ranglin’s career with the growth of Ska and Reggae music around the world.

A Jamaican national treasure, Ranglin was awarded the Order of Distinction, and is considered by many the most important pure musician to emerge from the Island. The film features rare and extensive reflections with Ernest Ranglin, and exclusive on screen commentary by those in the know, including: Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, Native Wayne Jobson, Jimmy Cliff, Rico Rodriquez, Perry Henzell, Francis Price, Robbie Krieger, Phil Chen, Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, and Sly Dunbar & Robbie Shakespeare.

Rare film footage and photos serve to illustrate Ranglin’s career and impact. Original material was shot on various locations throughout Jamaica, Los Angeles and New York.

It was produced and written by Arthur Gorson and Wayne Jobson; Directed by Christoffer “Salzy” Salzgeber; with musical direction by Brian Jobson and Neil Case. Mr. Gorson will be flying in to attend the festival. In addition to “Roots of Reggae”, Mr. Gorson is credited as Consulting Producer on Perry Henzell’s “No Place Like Home” which is scheduled to open the festival.

“Roots of Reggae” is a short film designed for broadcast television. It will also be released in 2007 as part of a major Ranglin DVD project, which includes 13 songs from a live performance musical performance staged in Los Angeles. That event featured musicians from around the world performing with Ranglin, and included members of The Doors, The Cars and No Doubt. It was filmed in High Definition and recorded using state-of-the-art, high-resolution, digital equipment.

“Roots of Reggae” will premiere at the 2006 staging of the annual Flashpoint Film Festival is set for Friday, December 1 – Sunday, December 3 at The Caves, Negril. Firefly Films, The Caves, Island Outpost, JAMPRO, Phase 3, DB&G, Rockers Its Dangerous, 120DBF FILMS, Women’s Film Network, Palm Pictures, Final Draft, Digital Edge, On Que Productions, JTB, CVM TV and HYPE TV sponsor the festival.