Synopsis

Jamaica may be a small country, almost one-fifth the size of Korea with a population under 2.6 million, but it is considered the Holy Land of Reggae, represented by Bob Marley. It was during the 1960s that this small nation, which existed as a British colony and the center of the slave trade for over 300 years, attracted attention for its music. However, violence still prevails in the streets at night due to illegal drug trafficking and the unstable political situation. Even during the filming of this documentary, a famous dance hall singer, Bogle, was killed by gunshot. Amongst all this violence and poverty, the Jamaicans have music to ease their pains, and in this light, this film explores the past and present of Jamaican music. The testimonies of artists from old school reggae such as the 2005 Grammy Award winner and frequent guest at the Rolling Stones concerts, Toots, and a good friend of Bob Marley who performed together in their band, The Wailers since 1963, Bunny Wailer, to dance hall artists who have received worldwide acclaim with their sensual dance and rhythm such as Bounty Killer and Elephant Man, all explain what music means to the Jamaican people. The film also presents a rich array of extraordinary Jamaican music, such as Bunny Wailer’s rendition of ‘No Woman No Cry’, which he sings in commemoration of his friends Marley and Peter Tosh, who have long passed away. (Chun Jin-su)

Director

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  • Jerome Laperouza
  • Jerome Laperouza is a renowned director who won the Grand Prix at the Trieste Film Festival for *Human*, received the Jean Vigo Award, and was nominated for an Academy Award for *Circus of the Continent*. He has also been invited to the Cannes Film Festival for *The Third World - Street Prisoners*. Laperouza has worked extensively in advertising as well. His connection to Jamaica began 25 years ago when he directed the feature *The Third World - Street Prisoners*, and through *Made in Jamaica*, he was able to draw out honest stories from Jamaican artists of all generations.