You can’t deny the influence that Jamaican Reggae and Dancehall music has had on music, style, and fashion around the world, and now some 30 years after Bob Marley’s death there’s new documentary film called “Hit Me With Music” which can be seen at the Maysles Cinema in Harlem this month.   Directed by Miquel Galofre, the film features dancers, dj’s, producers, artists, school children and ghetto youth as they reflect on their experiences and the influence of the Dancehall scene. It’s not all pretty though, as Dancehall culture is also very controversial.

“The film doesn’t shy away from the problematic aspects of dancehall culture and nightlife – violent lyrics, the Gully – Gaza clash between supporters of Vybz Kartel and Mavado, the controversial subject of “Daggering”, the exploitation of women in the Go-Go, and the reasons why people bleach their skin, are all explored in this documentary. The film remains open about the issues without coming to a didactic conclusion, inviting enjoyment and discussion.”

Hit Me With Music
Miquel Galofre, 2011, 74 min.

Showtimes: 7:30 pm – Sunday,  January 8th,  22nd and 29th.

Maysles Cinema and Maysles Institute are located at
343 Lenox Avenue (Malcolm X Boulevard), New York, NY, 10027
Between 127th and 128th.