By Barbara Ellington, Gleaner Writer
Winston Stona (front) and Winston 'Bello' Bell - Contributed
FINALLY... a Jamaican film that explores other themes besides violence, drugs and the seamy underbelly of ghetto life! It is One Love, the latest Jamaican film, shot on location in the lush, beautiful rural countryside, premiered in Kingston on Sunday.
One Love explores issues such as love, religion, superstition, greed and jealousy and stars Kymani Marley, Cherine Anderson, Winston Stona, Winston 'Bello' Bell, Rosemarie Murray and screenplay writer Trevor Rhone in a cameo appearance.
One Love tells the story of forbidden love between a young Rasta musician Kassa (Kymani Marley) and the beautiful Christian daughter of a Pentecostal minister, Serena (Cherine Anderson). Drawn together by a mutual love of music, they must wrestle with her father's objection to the alliance as well as the religious and cultural differences between them.
Add to the mix, the unscrupulous, obeah practising, music producer Selector G (Winston 'Bello' Bell) and a jealous fiance Aaron (Idris Elba), and you have the makings of a love story filled with interesting plot twists and humorous scenes guaranteed to keep the audience engaged from the start. Make-up artist Carol Reid's work is excellent and Jamaica never looked better in shots of our coastline and lush interiors.
RASTAFARIAN AND CHRISTIAN CULTURES
Congratulations must go to screenwriter Trevor Rhone for so carefully crafting the dialogue and making it easily understood by people of all cultures. The movie began as a stageplay out of a story first written by Yvonne Deutschman, who in the '70s developed a love for Jamaica's music and culture. Drawn to the strength and passion of both Rastafarian and Christian cultures, she decided to explore these in film. However, that was not to be and the subsequent stage play was born, touring several countries including Jamaica before it would find its original intent.
From early reports, the movie has received overwhelming response from many European distributors in attendance at the last Cannes as well as the Toronto Film festivals.
Petite Cherine Anderson, who who plays the female lead in One Love is a film and music major at Middlebury College, Pennsylvania. The 21 year-old singer/songwriter/dancer is also studying Japanese and spent one year in Japan where she said she learnt a lot more about herself, having to make all her own major decisions while there.
The Gleaner spoke with Anderson as she relaxed with her parents prior to the start of the film. No stranger to the silver screen, her first acting role was with Dancehall Queen.
CHALLENGING
"I would love to continue writing, singing and acting and eventually work behind the scenes in the business," she said. For her, the part of Serena was challenging because, "...our personalities are opposite; I am more outgoing, open-minded and liberal, while she's naive and wants to please everyone. She loves music but wants to accede to her father's wishes that she sing only for the Lord. But I believe in following my dreams and my parents are very supportive of what I do," Anderson said.
Already her passion has paid off because to her credit, Anderson has worked with stalwarts such as Sting and the duo Sly & Robbie. With one semester left before graduation, she plans to keep Jamaica as her home base while capitalising on the opportunities available in the United States.
Anderson still speaks excitedly about the response of people from different cultures to One Love. "Wherever we went they had many questions and were very impressed by our music. I hope the Jamaican audience will embrace it because it examines real issues in our culture. It shows that love and music can transcend prejudices, love is a powerful force."
The rising star credits her mother and father for giving her the space to be herself and her manager Patrick Lindsay for being like a guardian angel and sharing her vision that a sound education is important in her development as a person.
PENTECOSTAL PREACHER
Anderson side, in the movie Winston Stona gave a credible interpretation of the typical Pentecostal preacher, dispensing fire and brimstone while keeping a tight rein on his flock. Kymani Marley's intense portrayal of the ambitions and long-suffering of a would-be reggae star will have audiences empathising with him. He has a great face that looks good on camera and with time could emerge as a serious actor. I only hope typecasting doesn't befall him.
Fans of Winston 'Bello' Bell will be delighted with his humorous delivery of the dishonest producer. His opening scene in the swimming pool is worth a second viewing and equally good is his interpretation of the con man confronted with obeah.
One Love will open at Palace Amusement theatres islandwide today
