New documentary on Michael Manley set for release

First-time filmmaker Richard Audley Vaughan said The Word Is Love: Jamaica's Michael Manley will be released on February 29 next year.

The documentary tries to depict the life of Jamaica's fourth, prime minister, Michael Manley, and the date of its release marks the 40th anniversary of the day Manley became Jamaica's fourth prime minister.

The film is a cradle-to-the-grave documentary, taking the viewer on a journey through Manley's life, from a young boy in Jamaica, to enlisting in the Canadian Air Force, to life in England and his eventual return to Jamaica.

The film highlights key events from Manley's time with the National Workers Union and covers a large spectrum of his time as leader of the People's National Party and prime minister.

The film also captures Manley's interests and life outside of the political arena.

Vaughan hopes "the film will serve as a good introduction to who Michael was".

The documentary is filled with interviews from those who knew him best, his daughter Rachel, son Joseph, wives Glynne and Beverley, and many others. The film also contains rare archival footage and audio as well as musical hits from Jamaica's top artistes who went along on bandwagons as Manley campaigned across Jamaica.

Vaughan filmed, edited, wrote and produced the film.

"I didn't/couldn't wait around for anyone to give me the green light so I just basically starved myself for months in order to save money for equipment and plane fare. And this being my first-ever project I set out to contact people who had no clue who I was, asking them if they would like to be interviewed. I was extremely surprised when mostly everyone agreed and so I set off teaching myself all I could about conducting interviews, lighting a scene, editing, and filming," said Vaughan.

"Being of Jamaican parentage, I am always asked the usual questions about Bob Marley, Rasta and reggae, I just want people to know there is more to Jamaica than that.

According to Vaughan, he had always drawn strength from his heritage and had always wanted to show his love for Jamaica.

"That is why the film is dedicated to the people of Jamaica," he said.

A ten-minute sneak peek of the documentary can be found on Facebook. http://facebook.com/manleydoc.