My dear readers, as you may recall earlier this year (January 5, to be precise) I wrote about the Reggae Film Festival. Well, the bad news is that it will not take place this year, as planned. Here is a message posted by the Festival’s founder (filmmaker/writer Barbara Blake Hannah) on Facebook last Saturday:
“I heard the voice saying let go of it all. I wanna bless you in another way. You have passed this stage. But I kept saying it’s my passion, it’s what I love. Just then the vision JAH has for me was shown.” After much consideration, I am cancelling all plans for staging another REGGAE FILM FESTIVAL. My health is my first consideration and I have been unwell for the past week. My doctor has ordered me to take a period of total REST, with no stress and no work that requires my active involvement. At my age I must consider my health as my most important priority. I hope you understand my position.I am pleased at the achievements of the Jamaica International Reggae Film Festival. We made lasting history, launched the careers of many Jamaican film makers, and inspired others to copy our efforts for the greater good of Jamaica. I can rest now.
I am wondering why the Jamaican Government plans to import a little-known U.S. actress to host their own Jamaica Film Festival in July of this year. In Bob Marley’s 70th anniversary year, I would have thought support for a Jamaican woman who has staged a film festival celebrating reggae and Jamaican culture over the years might have been more appropriate. But who am I to question why, or how these things happen?
Anyway, Barbara is not well – and perhaps tired of pursuing her passion alone – despite the success of previous years, and the support of filmmakers like Stephanie Black (“Life and Debt”) and many others in the film industry.
I am also suffering from the aftermath of flu. So, get well soon, Barbara!
Barbara Blake Hannah
