FILM BY MINNESOTAN HONORS JAMAICAN SKA—11/15/14
Brad Klein of Minnesota has spent over ten years making a documentary film about the history of Jamaican ska music. The film, “Legends of Ska,” premiered in St. Pau, Minnesota at the Sound Unseen Festival. Klein is excited about sharing his love of ska with those who may not know much about it. He says it is like a mixture of American rhythm and blues and jazz styles, with many of the first ska musicians being trained in jazz. He was introduced to reggae music by his college roommate and then discovered its predecessor in ska.
THIRD ANANSE STORYTELLING FESTIVAL ATTRACTS INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS—11/17/14
The third annual Ananse SoundSplash Storytelling Festival and Conference will be staged from November 19 through 24, 2014. The 2014 festival is organized around eight “legs” like a spider and will include functions taking place throughout the island. On November 11, 2014, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen announced that November 20 will be National Storytelling Day and honor the role Jamaica’s oral traditions have in preserving traditional culture.
JAMAICAN FILM COMMISSION CALLING FOR FILMS FOR 2015 FESTIVAL—11/18/14
The Jamaica Film Commission has called for production-ready short film scripts and/or documentaries for consideration as entries to the 2015 Jamaica Film Festival. Entries are due by December 2, 2014. The festival will take place July 7 through 11 in 2015. The Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), which is in charge of the festival, has invited both established and aspiring filmmakers to participate in the entry process.
MR. LAS VEGAS URGES JAMAICANS TO SUPPORT ANITA ON “THE VOICE”—11/19/14
Anita Antoinette, Jamaican-born contestant on “The Voice” television program, has advanced to the top 12 in the vocal contest. However, she has not received the amount of support expected from Jamaicans on the home island or in the Diaspora. Mr. Las Vegas, dancehall artiste, has called for all Jamaicans to lend their support to Anita and give her their votes as she continues to compete.
