The Story of Lovers Rock (2011) [N/A]

Featuring:
Dennis Bovell, Paulette Harris-German, Janet Kay

Directed by:
Menelik Shabazz


Release Date:
September 30, 2011

Original Title:
The Story of Lovers Rock

Genres:
Documentary | Family | Music

Production Companies:
Splice Post

Production Countries:
United Kingdom

Ratings / Certifications:
 N/A

Runtime: 97

The Secret World of a Generation and the Birth of a Reggae Genre

In the 70s and 80s Britain was rife with racial tension and police harassment particularly against black British youths. These youths were the rebel generation who were also searching for an identity. They created a music - a sub genre of reggae known as Lovers Rock. This music became a global brand through artists like UB40 and Maxi Priest. The music brought a level of intimacy between young people that was unique. It was also 'girl power' music that empowered a generation of young women. Through comedy, live performance, dance, interviews and archive the film takes you back to an untold era of British cultural, music and political history.

Lovers Rock, often dubbed 'romantic reggae' is a uniquely black British sound that developed in the late 70s and 80s against a backdrop of riots, racial tension and sound systems. Lovers Rock allowed young people to experience intimacy and healing through dance- known as 'scrubbing'- at parties and clubs. This dance provided a coping mechanism for what was happening on the streets. Lovers Rock developed into a successful sound with national UK hits and was influential to British bands (Police, Culture Club, UB40) These influences underline the impact the music was making in bridging the multi-cultural gap that polarized the times. The film sheds light on a forgotten period of British music, social and political history.

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Rankings and Honors

The Story of Lovers Rock (2011) on IMDb
Internet Movie Database 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes 86%

Associate Producer:
Paulette Harris-German

Costume Design:
Jackie Lodge-West

Director:
Menelik Shabazz

Director of Photography:
Ian Watts

Editor:
Julian Sabath

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