Jerome Laperrousaz
Jérome Laperrousaz, whose relationship with Jamaica started 25 years ago, when he shot the feature film Third World- Prisoner in the street, has in Made In Jamaica, given jamaican artists of all ages, from the Kingston ghetto, the opportunity to speak out.
His intention is to express the astounding musical quality of reggae music and the power of its political commitment : it has developped and become a rebelious and militant identity anthem.
The award winning director - Continental Circus(Jean Vigo Prize, selected for the Academy Awards), Hu-Man(Grand Prize at the Trieste Film Festival), Third World- Prisoner in the street (selected for the Cannes Film Festival), Nicolas Le Riche, Principal Dancer(selected for the FIPA Film Festival) etc. as well as prestigious advertising campaigns (Best commercial of the Year award)- has chosen an investigative approach favoured by a privileged relationship with each of the artists and a total immersion in their universe.
Laperrousaz attaches importance to the idea of giving the viewer the ability to share the intimacy, the proximity with those he chooses to film – in the manner of a casting for a feature film - in their everyday life, during recording sessions or live on stage.
Made In Jamaica follows the underlying dramatic thread of the social commentary which is prevalent in every song and text.
All are actors or witnesses of a situation of which all aspects are blown out of proportion – post colonialism, identity loss, poverty, unemployment, violence, religion, sexuality, family breakdown -
The film in itself, takes the shape of a tragedy facing and blending lust for life, excessive partying, concerts, verbal battles between dancehall artists, body eloquence, exacerbation of sexuality and gang warfare - « The chains that were around the ankles of slaves have been molded into guns and put on the hips of every poor african slave descendant », to quote Bunny Wailer – murder, death urges, Eros & Thanatos.
Laperrousaz, in Made In Jamaica, applies the rules of a work of fiction - lighting, framing, set design, multiple takes, use of extras, direction, placement and choreography - yet retains the fragility and emotions of its characters. Risk taking and jubilation are at the heart of the creative process. Music is played and recorded live.
Out of these highly powerful depictions, enriched by the critical analysis of the protagonists, Laperrousaz has created a historical and geographic portrait of a country through the portraits of personal identities.
The musical brillance of reggae music – Jamaica has an exceptional concentration of talents – as well as the political impact of its message, has and enjoys a universal reach.