The Garrisons Of Gordon House Published: Sunday | November 13, 2011

The recent movie Ghett'A Life was perhaps the most compelling depiction of garrisonism to date, and probably as close as most Jamaicans living outside these areas will ever get to the phenomenon.

I recently asked a senior Kingstonian parliamentarian if he had seen it. His answer was: "Yes, but it reflects the past." Well, when participants of the YUTE programme were shown the movie, many broke down in tears at seeing the reality they have lived so graphically depicted. Some said it was like reliving their experiences during the last general election.

If our corporate powers that be really want to help end garrisonism, a powerful first step should be for the private sector of Jamaica to sponsor a free showing of Ghett'A Life on television. No Jamaican seeing it could fail to be ashamed of their country tolerating such injustice.

The Garrisons Of Gordon House Published: Sunday | November 13, 2011

The recent movie Ghett'A Life was perhaps the most compelling depiction of garrisonism to date, and probably as close as most Jamaicans living outside these areas will ever get to the phenomenon.

I recently asked a senior Kingstonian parliamentarian if he had seen it. His answer was: "Yes, but it reflects the past." Well, when participants of the YUTE programme were shown the movie, many broke down in tears at seeing the reality they have lived so graphically depicted. Some said it was like reliving their experiences during the last general election.

If our corporate powers that be really want to help end garrisonism, a powerful first step should be for the private sector of Jamaica to sponsor a free showing of Ghett'A Life on television. No Jamaican seeing it could fail to be ashamed of their country tolerating such injustice.

Touching And Thought Provoking

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Wednesday 2nd November 2011

Wednesday 2nd November 2011

Touching And Thought Provoking

New Jamaican film, Gett'a Life, tackles politics, friendships and gang warfare in refreshing light

Written by Hazelann Williams 
29/08/2011 07:07 AM

TALENT: Kevoy Burton stars in the film

GHETT’A LIFE is an explosive new movie about politics, friendships and growing up in a ghetto in Jamaica.

Centered on 16-year-old aspiring boxer Derrick (Kevoy Burton), the film follows the ambitious protagonist, who longs to be a professional boxer and represent Jamaica at the Olympics.

The only problem is, the gym that will make him a serious contender is in the opposing garrison (territory) – which means he has to risk his life in order to follow his dream.

Ghett’a Life vividly explores the deadly hypocrisy of Jamaican politics, as the government and army is replaced in the ghettos by power crazy ‘dons’, who manipulate MPs and do not hesitate to kill anyone in their garrison who does not obey them.

Despite the initial three minutes of violence that start the movie, viewers are sure to be enthralled by the heart-jerking rendition of a boy’s struggle to be the best boxer in Jamaica, and his determination to unify the city and stop the violence. Some parts of the film portray typical teenage dramas, but as clichéd as they may be, young love and teenage rebellion will always remain relevant.

The cinematography is as good as any Hollywood blockbuster, a refreshing sight when compared to previous Jamaican films that have, unfortunately, been known for their poor quality.

 Money was the major obstacle for Browne, as the film failed to secure adequate funding, despite winning the Hartley Merrill International Screenplay Award in 2006 at the Cannes Film Festival.

That is where producer PJ Asher stepped in. Along with Pan Caribbean Financial services, Asher was able to raise the $1,200,000 needed to produce the movie, which was then filmed and completed in just six weeks. Asher believes this was down to the hard work of the all-Jamaican crew.

“I hope this film will be used as a tool to unite our communities,” Asher said at a recent screening of the film in London.

Persevering through the setbacks, the team were able to produce a highly relevant and touching film, that screams out against the blatant violence, duplicity and greed that runs rampant in Jamaican culture.

A thought provoking film, Ghett’a Life will leave a positive effect on all who watch it.