KINGSTON, Jamaica. January 24, 2024: Shadow Minister on Culture and Creative Industries, Dr. Deborah Hickling Gordon, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the producers, production teams, cast, and crew of the groundbreaking Bob Marley biopic, ‘One Love’.
The film, which vividly chronicles the life and legacy of Jamaican Reggae icon Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley, stands as a monumental achievement in the annals of Jamaican filmmaking.
Dr. Hickling Gordon expressed the significance of this cinematic milestone, remarking, “It is an important juncture in the long history of filmmaking in Jamaica. It brings to the world the life and times of a Jamaican superstar whose artistry and creativity have influenced the world for over fifty years.”
In the wake of celebrating the triumph of ‘One Love,’ Dr. Hickling Gordon underscores the imperative to seize this moment and address the existing gaps in the domestic audiovisual sector.
She acknowledges that the film not only highlights Jamaica’s rich cultural tapestry but also reveals the urgent need to fortify the industry.
“Even as we celebrate the production of this feature film, which was produced here in Jamaica using Jamaican locations, talent, and management services; the production of this film causes us to recognize the gaps in the sector that urgently need to be filled to optimise the contribution of the audiovisual sector to the economy and facilitate the telling of more Jamaican stories through audiovisual media,” Dr. Hickling Gordon asserts.
To propel this vision forward, the Opposition Spokesperson on Culture (OSC) has called upon the government for an update on the one-billion-dollar Film Fund announced by Minister Clarke in the previous budget.
Dr. Hickling Gordon has emphasised the need for transparency regarding the disbursement levels, selection criteria, and beneficiary projects of the fund.
Additionally, she urges the government to expedite the consideration of incentives aimed at enhancing the production and distribution segments of screen-based industries engaged in local content and co-productions.
The People’s National Party sees immense merit in the film industry’s proposals for a comprehensive suite of incentives to foster the growth of location filmmaking in Jamaica. These proposals span import-related initiatives, tax exemptions for filming in Jamaica and initiatives to attract more productions to the country.
“At the same time, what is now required for greater consideration are ways to facilitate the growth of the domestic audiovisual sub-sector through possible tax credits for start-ups, quota systems, and other forms of incentives that will stimulate job creation and creative enterprise,” Dr Hickling Gordon said.
The Opposition Spokesperson on Culture concluded, “It is time that we invest in our audiovisual industry to be able to reap the benefits, both tangible and intangible, to grow our economy and develop our society through the creation of quality jobs.”
Bob Marley’s biopic, Bob Marley One Love, had its world premiere on Tuesday in Kingston.The biopic stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley, and Lashana Lynch as his wife, Rita. The film will have its theatrrical debut on February 14.
According to a syopsis, the movie “celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity,” according to a synopsis. “On the big screen for the first time, discover Bob’s powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a surprise appearance, walking the Red Carpet hand-in-hand. During the event, Meghan and Harry chatted with fellow attendees on the red carpet, including Bob Marley’s son, Ziggy.
The couple also posed for photos with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness as well as Brian Robbins, the president and CEO of Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon, and his wife Tracy James. (WiredJA)
