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.
I did feel appreciative about this, however, to be critical, I feel I was very one sided and did not challenge the Rastafarians as much as I could have. My aim was to create a documentary with the same narration style as BBC’s Louis Theroux, and I have not captured his controversial witty sense. In this instance I feel I could have improved, however, I do feel I mastered the aim of being a part of the Rastafarian community. At first the Rastafarians were vary weary of my presence, and did not like the idea of my documentary, but after much negotiation as well as hours of proving my trust, the Rastafarians warmed up to me. After days of interaction they finally opened up their lives to me, and allowed m to record their chantings. Here I felt extremely privileged.
I also feel I could have used more ambiance sound later in the documentary, as the interviews become rather long. I was thinking of breaking up the interviews with the chanting episodes, however this would not work as I wanted to create a deep spiritual sense with the chanting, whilst Judah was narrating the happenings. This is why I made the chanting seem like it came from the church itself.
Not having any female or young voices was my other concern. As now ‘I and I” represents the older, male culture of Rastafarianism. I did make an effort to interview sister Grace; Jased’s wife, however she was very shy and was still learning about the Rastafarian religion, as she had only embraced this way of life two months prior. I felt she would not have added any character to “I and I”.
My narration was also rather dull, and this is one part of my journalistic skills which I need the most practice with, as a dull narrator makes a dull story. However I do feel my editing skills were up to standard, and there were many smooth transitions between the different speakers. I feel I introduced the characters well, and described them accurately.
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.
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