RISE UP
Award-Winning Jamaican Feature Film
Although ‘Rise Up’ is essentially a Jamaican documentary film that spotlights Reggae, it transcends genre and niche seamlessly weaving three distinct stories into one inspiring film that is both dramatic and vibrantly explosive. Some are saying that ‘Rise Up’ is like a Jamaican ‘Hoop Dreams’ and the best movie to come out of the Caribbean in years - a potential Best Documentary nominee for the 2011 Academy Awards. The film features appearances and performances by both arising and legendary artists including Burning Spear, Sly & Robbie, Turbulance & Judah Tribe.
 Directed by Luciano Blotta (a native of Argentina) and produced by Darrin Holender (‘Sorority Row’), the film is the winner of the 2009 AFI/Discovery Silverdocs Best Music Documentary Award and was an audience favourite as an officially selected film at fifteen international film festivals including IDFA Amsterdam and the Bahamas International Film Festival. Recently, ‘Rise Up’ was chosen by the Lincoln Centre’s Film Society to celebrate Black History Month on its way to a theatrical release in Jamaica and the USA in October. A one-hour version of the film will be broadcasted by the UK’s BBC Storyville and many other television networks worldwide have ordered the film for their upcoming programming schedules including the PBS series AfroPop.
Not since the ‘Harder They Come’ and ‘Rockers’ has a Reggae film been able to reach worldwide audiences like ‘Rise Up’. In a recent interview with the Australian press, Blotta stated, “I saw how much talent there was [in Jamaica], how flamboyant, different and creative all these people were and it really inspired me”. He is excited to finally share his six-year project with audiences worldwide that can, in his words, ‘appreciate this priceless portrayal of a uniquely proud country’.
Having screened to full houses in nine countries since November 2008, ‘Rise Up’ has indeed connected to men and women, young and old from all backgrounds. Audiences have been dancing, laughing and crying in their seats. Core Reggae audiences and music doc fans have lauded the film for its authenticity and entertainment value whilst general audiences have praised the film for its original storytelling, inspirational tone, beautiful images and sounds. Entertainment industry veterans who have viewed the film have commended Blotta’s efforts as an invaluable contribution to both the Jamaican culture as well as the medium of documentary cinema.
WATCH BURNING SPEAR TRAILER HERE
IMAGES OF BLACK WOMEN FILM FESTIVAL
The only UK’s Film Festival entirely dedicated to celebrate the contribution of African Descent Women in Cinema - Tricycle Cinema - London
 A three-day programme showcasing some of the best and outstanding films by Black women filmmakers offering strong and diverse interpretations of African Descent women. Events include performances by UK female lyricists, Q&A with Filmmakers, great debates, Award ceremony and festival party. A fun experience of the Festival and its unique screenings
- UK premiere of the most outstanding film featuring international female Hip-hop and R&B artists such as MC Lyte, Monie Love, Erykah Badu, Estelle and Queen Latifah
- UK premiere of the film and the women filmmakers at the centre of the lawsuit against actor Christ Rock for his latest film on Black hair
- The Bahamian first film feature to receive international acclaim, a beautiful and poetic film with stunning cinematography, introduced by the Bahamians High Commissioner in London
- Africa’s own ‘Slumdog Millionnaire’ about children from the townships of South Africa with stunning performance from main female character, 10-year-old Tambi, picked from 3,000 children to play the role. An ideal film for a family outing
IBW Emerging Filmmakers’ Forum:
* IBW Short Film competition showcasing two best finalists
* Screening of two influential women’s portraits: Claudia Jones & Amy Ashwood Garvey
* Screening of Best Short Narrative by women that use innovative cinematography and editing to tell a story of love and deceit
WATCH TRAILER HERE
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