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Movie journeys home

Published:Thursday | October 28, 2010 | 12:00 AM
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Mark Hart (second right), executive producer of 'RiseUp', toasts to the success of the movie in Jamaica with Kemoy Reid (second left), a singer in the film, Luciano Blotta (left), the director, and Carlos Less, assistant producer and Kemoy's manager. The four helped to host the premiere of the movie at the Carib 5, Cross Roads, on Tuesday. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
Fred Locks (left) and Brushie One String (right), persons featured in 'RiseUp', share a unique greeting during the premiere of the movie at the Carib 5 on Tuesday. Carlos Less, assistant producer, seems to have learnt the trick as well.
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Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

After five years in the making and a journey that took them many places in the island, Mark Hart and Luciano Blotta were finally able to premiere their documentary RiseUp at Carib 5, Kingston, on Tuesday.

"This has been a long journey and I am very happy to see you all here. RiseUp is really as a result of the fact that I really loved reggae music. All this music coming out of Jamaica and I couldn't see anything on film. So, I invited Luciano Blotta down here and the rest is history," said Hart, executive producer of the film.

It was certainly history in the making for the Argentinian Blotta, who says the experience changed his life.

"Jamaica changed my life, so I want to thank Mark for that. It's all about rising up, showing your talent and expressing yourself," he told the audience.

Underground industry

Blotta further explained that in the initial stages, they wanted to work with some of the more established artistes but they were not afforded this opportunity. Hence, they turned their eyes to the underground music industry, which he says added much more to the production.

"We didn't have the resources to get the big guys. At first, that was our weakness but I think it became our strength," he said, noting that they helped to expose each other.

In the film, Hart and Blotta explore the lives of three upcoming artistes at the time; Kemoy Reid, Ice and Turbulence. It shows the 'countrygirl' Kemoy who overcomes most of her shyness and eventually gets the chance to record with world-class producers Sly and Robbie, as well as singer Susan Couch.

There is also the story of the 'ghetto yute' from Hungry Town, who moves from walking and riding a bicycle to the studio to owning his own motor vehicle, touring the world and experiencing a great deal of success locally and internationally.

Contrasting Turbulence, there is Ice who is the 'uptownie' from Jacks Hill in St Andrew. He lives a luxurious life of money, girls and cars, but he is hell-bent on a music career.

The film is certainly an eye-opener, exposing several aspects of the music industry.

While the focus is on the three artistes, the crew also interviews many people in the industry who provide more insight on the issues affecting it and the society in general.

Not overshadowing the talents in the film, there is also a focus on the beauty of Jamaica. The film also takes the viewers to downtown Kingston, various studios and dances where people take pleasure in toasting on the microphone.