... gives an internal perspective on the lives of the four talented soca stars.
Talent just seems to be reigning on the local landscape and with the recent launch of a new local film called Soca Power it is safe to say that Trinidad and Tobago is the hub of creativity. The film was produced by Maturity Music Company and a French production company. It showcases the pulsating rhythms of soca music and in depth interviews with four influential soca artistes, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, Faye-ann Lyons and Isaac Blackman.
The launch took place at Movie Towne and its producer Jean Michel Gilbert of Maturity Music saw it as an opportunity for other producers to get involved.
"THE POWER OF SOCA IS A REFLECTION ON THE TRINIDADIAN SOCIETY; THE SENSUALITY, THE PASSIONS, THE RELEASE, THE PAROXYSM OF OUR CULTURAL CELEBRATION ON ONE SIDE AND THE SPIRITUAL, MORE CONSCIOUS, SOME TIMES EVEN MORE CONSERVATIVE ATTITUDE. THE FILM IS AN EXCELLENT ILLUSTRATION OF THIS DOUBLE PSYCHE", he explained.
The film follows the four influential local talents throughout one Carnival season, moving from behind the scenes at large concerts to the heat and heart of Carnival: the streets.
FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE FILM TO THE VERY END IT KEEPS YOU INVOLVED, AS ALL THE ARTISTES PROVIDE AN IN DEPTH PORTRAIT OF THEIR LIVES.
Isaac Blackman, son of the infamous Ras Shorty I and one of the leading voices of Jamoo music praised the film for its attempt to underscore the origins of soca and local culture. During the film Isaac spoke about his father. He recounted the trials his family endured and the lessons all his siblings learnt during the difficult times. "It shows the wide diversity of our culture, and is as real as it can get in every dimension. I think itıs excellent and Iım very proud to be a part of it."
This film takes you on a soca history trail but it also adds substance and gives an internal perspective on the lives of the four talented soca stars.
Maturity Music co-produced Soca Power in Trinidad and Tobago with ADN Production Paris and Trace TV, with the support of French National Cinema, the T&T Film Company and the European Union.
Claude Santiago, who is well-known for his treatment of music-related features, directed the film, which was filmed and produced using the latest audio-visual technology, high Definition technology and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound.
Soca Power in TT is part of a six-part series of films called Musique Creole, which is based in the Caribbean. The music of TT is featured alongside that of Guyana, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique and Puerto Rico. The film first premiered in April at Canal+ Studio in Paris, where it was well received. It will also be released in Barbados, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Jamaica and Martinique; and broadcast on French television and on Trace TV, which airs in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
