There are many aspects of the documentary that I feel I have captured well, this includes the accuracy of the arguments of the Rastas. When I played the documentary for the Rastafarians, they felt I had represented them in their true light.
Putting it all together...The editing phase.
There I was, with over four hours of raw audio material, and now I had to somehow find the best twenty four minutes and place it in a clear, coherent order. I had been so involved in all the conversations and chanting, that I decided to capture as much material as possible, instead of narrowing it down to one theme. For the final piece I am rather thankful for obtaining so much material, but at the beginning stages, the hours spent sliming it down felt like an eternity.
The Individual Interviews
After having the series of group interviews I wanted to have a one on one with each of the three main elders. My questions were asked to get their on personalities out, and to talk about the days before they were Rasafarians. What interested me is they all seemed to have the same type of story. The fist man I interviewed was Benjamin.
The chanting episode
This was it, I had arranged to meet all the Rastafarians at Jased's house, they were going to chant for me. I felt deeply honoured as not many people are allowed to record this very spiritual event.
My Second meeting
The second meeting with the Rastafarians showed me the trust and dedication they had for my project. Four elders had walked over several kilometres to meet at Jased’s house to talk on their way of life. I must admit, the more they told me about their culture, the more I respected them.
My First Rastafarian Church service
For years I have been fascinated with, what is to me, the mysterious and unspoken culture of the Rastafari. They seem like a culture which has been misrepresented, almost out casted. My aim for this documentary is to demolish the typical stereotypes that comes with the rastafarian religion. Yes, at first everyone thinks the Rastafari culture is an excuse to sit around all day and smoke weed. People believe they are unambitious louts who do not work because they are ‘lazy’. Well these are the questions I will be asking them.
King Haille Selassi I
This is a replica of the picture in the middle of the alter. Notice the lion in the background. This animal is a symbol of the spirit of the Rastafarians, their dreadlocks are also known to mimic the lions mane.
Rastafarian Dreadlocks
At least five of the Rastafarians had been growing their dreadlocks for over a decade now, one reached hip length.
Two sevens clash.
This sign is made when two rastafarians meet, or when the chalice is passed on to ther next elder. It is a sign of respect and love, as it creates a bond between the elders.
The Last Supper
This photo is hanging in Benjamin's house. It is a symbol of how christianity and Rastafarianism are linked.
About Me
- Ross
- I am a fourth year radio student studying at Rhodes University in Grahamstown. This blogsite will document my last year of Radio Journalism as a student. My aim is to be as proffesional as possible in this industry, and to take all my academic assignments as seriously as if they were for a corporation. Below will hold various accounts of my experiences, as well as how I feel I will grow as a journalist.