THE DOCUMENTARY “BORN IN TRENCHTOWN” FOR THE PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL IN LOS ANGELES!

Born in Trenchtown, a documentary about the architectural and political history of the crucible of Jamaican music, will have two screenings on Saturday at the Pan African Film Festival, Los Angeles. Director Greg Pond will attend the festival to answer questions and speak about the film.

Last month, Ambassador Pamela E. Bridgewater was officially presented with a copy of the documentary by Pond, an American film director.

Pond was accompanied by Professor Dixon Myers, co-producer and senior faculty member at The University of the South (Sewanee), Chris Stone, Jamaican architectural designer, Barbara Blake Hannah of the Jamaica Film Academy and Reggae Film Festival, Dr Henley Morgan, founder of the Agency for Inner City Renewal (AIR), based in Trench Town, and students from the University of the South.

Held in the US Embassy’s Paul Robeson Information Resource Center, the vibrant group discussed the similarities between the inspiration behind Jamaica’s Reggae music made popular by the sons of Trench Town and the soulful sounds of musicians from the Mississippi Delta. All spoke of the value and magnetism of Trench Town and the potential benefits to be gained, which can go beyond tourism.

Ambassador Bridgewater highlighted the importance of the need to document the rich history of Trench Town, and also shared details of the work of the US Mission in the community.

Through USAID/Jamaica in collaboration with the Agency for Inner City Renewal, the Jamaica Music Institute Studio was launched in September 2012 to facilitate an income-generating activity for at-risk youth within the community.

Pond also presented copies of his film to the National Library Film Archives.