Dancehall, the centrepiece of new film

Erin Hansen, Gleaner Writer

A new film, A Dance For Grace, from Jamaica-born Junior Powell and Orville Matherson's Tower Isle Productions, is putting Jamaica's reggae dancehall troupes at the centre of its optimistic plot.

A group of dancers, distraught over a mounting hospital bill for their much-loved neighbour, Grace, enters a dance competition to cover the costs for their sick friend. Lead by their Jamaica-born dance teacher Ricky Myers - played by Orville Matherson - the group travels to Jamaica to discover the real essence of the dancer's session.

Over the course of the journey, Ricky becomes re-entangled in his sordid past and the group has to come together to persevere.

Jamaica-born screenwriter and director, Powell, who was inspired by well-known Senegalese film director, writer, and producer Ousmane Sembene to venture into the film industry, has chosen to make A Dance For Grace his first feature-length film in order to 'promote positive images of Jamaica and the Western world'.

The film, under the executive production of Joan Edwards, combines American acting with local entertainment appeal. Slated for release in Jamaica on November 17 at Carib Cinema, the film features musical artistes such as Erup, Merital Family and Impac alongside local dance groups Kadillac Dancers, Black Blingazz and Sample Six.