RasTa: A
Soul's Journey World Premiere
(2012/Canada/Documentary/95 min)
Dir: Stuart Samuels
 |
| Donisha Prendergast, First grand-daughter of Bob & Rita Marley Photography by ProfoundlyKim on Tumblr |
If you were ever curious about
the roots of and origins of the Rastafarians, RasTa: A Soul's Journey should be
at the top of your list. This documentary takes us on a journey with Bob and
Rita Marley's first granddaughter, Donisha Prendergast. Donisha's quest to
learn the truth about the origins of the Rasta religion and culture spans 8
countries: Jamaica, Ethiopia, South Africa, Britain, Canada, India, Israel and
the United States. Each country brings her into close contact with people from
all walks of life that live Rasta in the forms of religion, culture, diet,
philosophy, artistic expression, relationships and political ideology.
What I loved about the film was
experiencing this young Rasta woman connect with people of all races, ages,
nationalities and socio-economic backgrounds. From the freedom fighters of the
South Africa and the political scholars in Ethiopia to the Israeli Jews in the
temples of Israel, their common spiritual link to Rastafari was undeniable.
Donisha was received with love by all, not simply because of her lineage to
reggae royalty, but because her tongue spoke the same language and her heart
beat to the same Nyabinghi drums of Rasta people worldwide. Donisha's pursuit
of Rasta knowledge brought so many pieces of the puzzle together and the viewer
will appreciate the effort this documentary took to show Rasta in all aspects
of life in the puzzle pieces located around the world.
Donisha received gifts of stories
on her grandfather, the legendary Bob Marley, from people who knew him
personally. She also learned about the history of Leonard Howell, the first
Rastafarian, and how he established Rastafarianism in the hills of Jamaica.
Donisha wept when she learned about the persecution of Rasta that ensued when
the Jamaican government felt the need to extinguish this peaceful rebellion
which was teaching the descendants of slaves to open their eyes to new things
and embrace African spirituality.
The history of Marcus Garvey and the coronation of Haile Selassie were other important gems in this film which do even more to validate this beautiful piece as a classroom history tool.
The history of Marcus Garvey and the coronation of Haile Selassie were other important gems in this film which do even more to validate this beautiful piece as a classroom history tool.
The breathtaking landscapes and
heartical people Donisha embraces in the 8 countries she visits as well as the
irie music throughout the film make it a 90 minute excursion to destinations
pleasing to the Rasta in our heart. I would definitely recommend this film to
every member of the splintered, destructively partisan and ineffective United
States congress and urge them all to blaze it up while dem a chant praises to Haile
Selassie I, learn about ital livity and sing ONE LOVE.
Yougahnese Williams, Writer-At-Large
Yougahnese Williams, Writer-At-Large
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