Jamaican-born Hollywood Stuntman Celebrates Jamaica’s Indomitable Freedom Fighters

[Tropicana]

Film by Jamaican-born Hollywood Stuntman Celebrates Jamaica’s Indomitable Freedom Fighters


They were considered the “Spartacus” of their time; except these enslaved Africans were victorious in their
fight for freedom. For more than eighty years during the 17th and 18th centuries in Jamaica, these brave warriors were able
to engage and defeat the mighty British Army in some of the most inhospitable regions of the country. Referred to as
Maroons or “Cimarron,” meaning wild and untamed; this determined group of Africans refused to remain in bondage.
Although poorly armed and outgunned, the improbable victories by these freedom fighters led to the signing of two peace
treaties in 1738/1739 that established Maroon self-government in Jamaica. Nowhere else in the New World had Africans
enjoyed such a degree of autonomy, coming almost sixty years before the Haitian Revolution of 1791, and almost one
hundred years before slavery was abolished in the former British colonies in 1834. This fact is not lost on Jamaican-born
director Roy T. Anderson, who brings us the rich history of his ancestors in this award-winning documentary, “Akwantu:
the Journey,”
Through Anderson’s lens, the film tells the story of an enduring people who possess an indomitable spirit. With towns and
communities physically indistinguishable from that of their fellow Jamaicans, even today, the Maroons remain a “nation
within a nation,” fiercely protective of their ancestral legacy. Because of its historical significance, the Jamaican
government selected “Akwantu: the Journey” to participate in its historic 50th Anniversary of Independence Celebrations
in 2012. To view the trailer on YouTube, visit:

The annual Slavery Remembrance Day is held on August 23 to commemorate events that gave rise to the Haitian
Revolution which started during the night of August 22 to August 23, 1791 in St. Domingue (today Haiti). This date has
been designated by UNESCO as a reminder that Africans were the main agents of their own liberation. Akwantu: the
Journey celebrates a people who not only resisted slavery but inspired others as well all across the Americas during the
slavery period – including the great Toussaint L’Ouverture in Haiti. This day we will honor the memories of our African
ancestors and collectively say “never again.”
On August 23 at 7pm, Toronto will join a growing list of cities, including New York, Liverpool, and Kingston, Jamaica
that will screen “Akwantu: the Journey” in recognition of Slavery Remembrance Day. In Toronto, the New Jersey-based
filmmaker will be on hand to present his groundbreaking film at the Innis Town Hall Theatre on the campus of the
University of Toronto. In addition to the showing, the program will include live entertainment and a post-screening Q & A
and reception. Patrons will also be able to purchase their very own DVD copy of Akwantu: the Journey.
Akwantu will also screen on August 23 at the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool as part of their 2013 Slavery
Remembrance Day Programme that will include a post-screening panel discussion and Memorial lecture by noted
University of the West Indies (Mona) Professor Verene Shepherd, who herself is featured in the documentary. The
screening of Akwantu at the UN headquarters in New York will be organized under the sponsorship of the Jamaica
Permanent Mission to the United Nations on Wednesday, August 28. Other world screenings recognizing Slavery
Remembrance Day will unspool in Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Kingston, Jamaica.

http://eglintonavewest.com/2013/08/2...edom-fighters/

[j-kid]

Did any of you in Canada attend this showing?

[Tropicana]

I would have but by the time I found out about it, it was too late. I know Roy and his cousin Errol really well and would definitely want to support whatever they do. One of these days I will do a write up about the Jamaican stunt performers who got their start in Toronto for the front page. I've been meaning to do this for some time.

Here is Roy:



VIDEO Interview with Roy: http://vimeo.com/ondemand/akwantuthejourney/67325130

More: http://vimeo.com/ondemand/akwantuthejourney/67324533

About the Akan: http://vimeo.com/ondemand/akwantuthejourney/67324533

[Tropicana]

Here is the official website:

http://www.akwantuthemovie.com

Roy T. Anderson

ROY T. ANDERSON is writer, director and producer of his first feature-length documentary Akwantu: the Journey. A veteran stuntman/stunt coordinator, Anderson is a world record holder and an award winning stuntman. For more than twenty-five years he has performed stunts for such Hollywood stars as Will Smith, Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx, accumulating more than 400 production credits in the process. He's worked on such hits as "Men in Black 3," "The Dark Knight Rises," "Spiderman 2," "Bourne Ultimatum," "American Gangster," and top-rated TV shows; "Law & Order," and "Sopranos." While continuing his stunt work, Anderson has flipped the script to direct his first film. During his storied career Roy has shown the ability to be very creative in his performance and coordination of difficult stunts, and he brings this same imagination to the table as a first time director who has observed some of the best filmmakers in the world.

Synopsis

Jamaica is home to one of the world's most fascinating cultures and historically important people – the Maroons. Yet so little is known about the Maroons, whose very rich culture and heritage is threatened to now become a thing of the past. That would be a tragedy; after all, the heroes and heroines of the Maroon rebellions could be considered the Spartacus of their time; except these slaves were victorious in their fight for freedom. This fact is not lost on Jamaican-born, New Jersey-based filmmaker Roy T. Anderson. After years of research and dozens of interviews that took him from remote regions of Jamaica's Blue and John Crow Mountains, to the coastal regions of Ghana and its interior, then finally to the mysterious and isolated Maroon community of Accompong, he has conceived Akwantu: the Journey. This ground breaking documentary film tells the story of a people whose enduring saga has too often been misunderstood or omitted from the history books.

Although there is some dispute as to the origins of the word "Maroon," most historians agree that it derived from the Spanish word "cimarron" meaning wild, untamed, and as a general reference to livestock that has gone astray. Around the middle of the eighteenth-century runaway African slaves in the West Indies, and the Americas were generally referred to as Maroons. These determined former slaves refused to remain in bondage, instead they chose to fight for their freedom and to build a new albeit uncertain life.

Akwantu: the Journey documents the struggle for freedom of the Maroons of Jamaica who were able to flee the plantations and slave ships to form communities in some of the most inhospitable regions of the island. Poorly armed and outgunned, the Maroons faced down the mighty British Empire led by such brave warriors as Cudjoe and Nanny. Cudjoe who has historically been described as a "short almost dwarf-like man" fought for years to maintain his people's independence and freedom. However, Cudjoe also held the belief that the only way to secure a stable future for his people would be to negotiate a long-term peace with the British. This way of thinking, some would say eventually lead to the signing of a peace treaty with the British in 1739. Nanny, a spiritual leader skilled in the use of herbs not only managed to keep her people healthy, but safe as well by utilizing effective "guerilla warfare" tactics to defend against the vaunted British firepower.

As a result of The First Maroon War, generally regarded as having occurred between 1720 – 1739, two peace treaties were signed with the British in 1739 establishing Maroon self-government on the Leeward and Windward parts of the island. As a condition of these treaties the Maroons agreed to remain in territories designated by the British Crown; the Leewards to possess lands situated between Trelawney Town (founded by Cudjoe) and the Cockpits, while the Windwards were given a "certain quantity of land..." that included Nanny Town (founded by Nanny) in the Blue Mountain region of Jamaica. Another treaty term (that remains a contentious issue even today) required the Maroons to come to the aid of the colonial government in capturing future runaway slaves and return them to their masters for which they were to be compensated. The Maroons also agreed to safeguard the island against attacks from all foreign enemies, and to also put down future slave insurrections.

Nowhere else in the New World had Africans attained such a degree of autonomy coming almost sixty years before the Haitian Revolution (1791), and almost one hundred years before the abolition of the slave trade (1834) in the former British colonies.

Accompong is home to several hundred former African slaves and their descendants. Situated in the south western Jamaican parish of St. Elizabeth in that rugged, hilly terrain known as "Cockpit Country" is where Anderson has proudly traced his Jamaican ancestry. Accompong's original settlers consisted of ethnic groups from Africa's Gold Coast (modern day Ghana) and the Congolese (or present day Cameroon). Today, Accompong and the other Jamaican Maroon communities of Scotts Hall, Charles Town and Moore Town, provide us with a living reminder of a proud people whose ancestors succeeded against unbelievable odds in their struggle to remain free.

Shot in Jamaica, Ghana, Canada and the United States over the course of two years, the film will feature interviews with world renowned scholars, Maroon officials and present day Jamaican residents (both Maroon and non-Maroon), all the while weaving Roy's ancestral personal journey from the 'gold coast' of West Africa (Ghana) to Maroon society and finally North America.
Akwantu: the Journey highlights Anderson's travels to the "Motherland," retracing the steps of his ancestors and their agonizing trek on foot from Africa's northern interior to the coastal dungeons of modern day Ghana. Here slaves would be imprisoned while awaiting transport across the Atlantic Ocean – the dreaded Middle Passage. This forced-journey would inevitably give rise to the desire within these Africans to regain their lost independence and stolen freedoms. They would come to embody both in mind and spirit the struggle of a people that history would come to know as the Maroons.

Maroons today have not forgotten their glorious though bloodied path to freedom. As far back as Anderson can remember his family has always spoken proudly of their rich Maroon heritage. In recent years Roy (a veteran Hollywood stuntman and world record holder) began searching out his family's history. What started out as an innate sense of curiosity grew into a newfound sense of pride. Anderson was now more determined than ever to tell the tale of the Maroons; Jamaica's best-kept secret.

With this 87-minute feature length documentary, writer/director Roy T. Anderson invites you to join him on a most improbable journey into the lives of a people whose enduring spirit of self-determination is as much alive today as it was more three hundred years ago.

[Tropicana]

And this is his cousin Errol's stunt reel:

[Tropicana]

Roy T. Anderson: Award-winning Stuntman Documents Heritage

When mainstream America think of places like the island of Jamaica, sadly, a few things first come to mind: (1) Reggae (2) Smoking Ganja (marijuana) and (3) Rum…most things associated with “partying.”By the way, did you know that this year marks the eighth year in celebrating the month of June, as Caribbean American Heritage Month?
In recognition of Jamaica’s rich culture and powerful yet, rarely told stories, Hollywood-stuntman turned director Roy T. Anderson, steps behind the camera to direct his first project, “Akwantu: the Journey.”
The Indie film project was born out of Anderson’s frustration with not knowing enough about his own heritage. When he would ask his mother, or interview elder family members about it, he found that information is passed down through the oral tradition and, in most cases that’s just not enough.
Out of curiosity Anderson, decided to take it a step further by researching his heritage through the Latter Day Saints genealogy records which led to the discovery that on his mother’s lineage, he’s the proud ancestry of the Maroon’s, Jamaica’s Freedom Fighters.

The Maroon’s were enslaved Africans who fought for 80 years to win their freedom from the British Army.In the film, Anderson shares the story of an enduring people who possess an indomitable spirit to die fighting rather than remain in bondage. The documentary explores Jamaica’s rich history, that include freedom fighters who fought for independence.
The 87-minute film was shot in Canada, Ghana, Jamaica and, the United States over the course of three years.
“Add another year to include research,” says Anderson.
For Anderson, the most important part of the project is to educate and spread awareness about the wonderful things that the people of Jamaica were able to accomplish.
For more information about the movie, visit www.akwantuthemovie.com
About Roy:
Roy T. Anderson is an award-winning stuntman/stunt coordinator. For the past 25 years, Anderson has performed stunts for the Who’s Who of Hollywood, including Will Smith, Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx – just to name a few.
He has more than 400 production credits to his name with appearances in blockbuster hits, such as “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Spiderman 2,” “Bourne Ultimatum” and “American Gangster.” On television, he’s appeared in such top-rated TV shows as “Law & Order,” “Sopranos, and “Person of Interest.”

http://www.thechocolatevoice.com/roy-t-anderson-award-winning-stuntman-documents-heritage/

[Tropicana]

THE STORY of the Jamaican Maroons goes back, perhaps, to when the first shipload of slaves arrived in the island. These nonconformists led a life of active and passive resistance in the island's rugged terrain, and their indomitable spirits wore the oppressors down, leading to their being granted full autonomy of their lands.The struggle for their freedom, and subsequent independence, are well documented by local and international scholars and researchers, and told in different ways to suit various agendas.
One man who also wants to put his own perspective on this story of epic proportions is Hollywood stuntman and descendant of the Accompong Maroons, Roy T. Anderson.
Trip to motherland
The New Jersey-based film-maker is currently in Jamaica capturing footage for his feature-length documentary, Akwantu - The Journey, which was also shot in Ghana, the United States and Canada. It will feature, inter alia, Anderson's journey "to the 'Motherland' to retrace the steps of his ancestors where they made the agonisingly long trek on foot from the northern countryside to the coastal dungeons of the former Gold Coast (now Ghana)".
The film is a result of Anderson's search for his roots. "What really started out several years ago as a simple genealogy project just really took on a life of its own as I began to uncover more and more documentary information about the family elders, like birth certificates, death certificates, etc.," the writer/producer says of his first documentary.
Underdog power
But apart from documenting the exploits of his ancestors for posterity, the 90-minute film seeks to convey "that an underdog can, in the face of overwhelming odds, defeat their superpower or giant, if they have the will and determination to do so ... What the Maroons did in their many battles with the colonial powers is nothing short of magnificent. A ragtag bunch of poorly armed Africans stood their ground and gave others hope. But, of course, their history, while glorious, is very complicated. This will be covered in the documentary," he said.
To capture the essence of the story as best he can, Anderson is using standard documentary techniques of interviewing and gathering footage. There will be feature interviews with world-renowned scholars, African nationals, Maroon officials and present-day Jamaican residents (both Maroons and non-Maroons). A heavy emphasis will be placed on the visuals, which will include re-enactments and animation. "Powerful music" will help in the conveyance of the message. And while he wishes his message reaches adults, he says, "It is my hope that younger viewers will be attracted to the film as well."
And how has it been for a first-time effort? "I've been in the entertainment industry for almost 25 years as a stuntman, stunt coordinator and second unit director. I have a keen eye. I see how the director works with his crew, and I've taken mental notes over the years. So I have made mistakes, but that's how you get better. The film is really coming together quite nicely," says Anderson.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100705/ent/ent1.html

[Tropicana]

I was at an event today but unfortunately, Roy, who usually comes to it, wasn't there. He always comes when he is in Toronto. I did see his cousin Errol and he told me that all upcoming screenings will be posted here on the official website for the movie:

http://www.akwantuthemovie.com/Screenings.html

There is one coming up in New York City very soon.

I do apologize for the name dropping.

[Tropicana]

You can see demo reels of his stunt performances here. On some of these films he was Stunt Coordinator:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0027392/videogallery?ref_=nm_phs_vi

For more than twenty-five years Roy T. Anderson, based in hometown Toronto and New York, has performed stunts for such Hollywood stars as Will Smith, Denzel Washington and Jamie Foxx.

In his career as a stuntman and stunt coordinator he’s appeared in blockbuster movies like Shaft, Spiderman 2, Bourne Ultimatum, and top rated TV shows; Law & Order, The Sopranos, and Boardwalk Empire. He's also a world record holder, having leaped 28-feet between two tall Toronto buildings in 1990.
Now, while continuing his stunt work, Anderson will direct and produce his first feature-length documentary film,Akwantu: the Journey.
The documentary tells the story of Anderson's ancestors, the legendary Maroons of Jamaica and their fight for freedom.
Shot in Jamaica, Ghana, Canada and the United States over the course of three years, the film will feature interviews with scholars, African nationals, Maroon officials and present day Jamaican citizens (both Maroon and non-Maroon), while also capturing Anderson's personal journey of self discovery from Maroon society to the North American continent.
With this 105-minute feature documentary, the filmmaker invites audiences to join him on a journey into the lives of a people whose enduring spirit of self determination is as much alive today as it was more three hundred years ago.
The Jamaican Government has selected Akwantu: the Journey as one of the films that will celebrate Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary of Independence in 2012. The film will have its Caribbean premiere June 20, 2012 in Kingston, Jamaica.
We'll continue to keep an ear out for the film's progress, and whether it reaches the States.

http://blogs.indiewire.com/shadowand...th_akwantu_the

[FLUFFY]

Him good looking....
























































you no want him Tropi?

[Tropicana]

Has anyone seen the screenings of this documentary in Jamaica recently? How was it? Was it well attended?

[Tropicana]

Him good looking....

you no want him Tropi?

Really? I've known him and his cousin forever. He is very much married.

Sorry for the name dropping.

[Tropicana]

Well good news. Roy was up here for a couple of days and I had a great talk with him and finally met his lovely wife.

He was interviewed at the event as he received an award at the ReelWorld Film Festival:

He is leaving for Ghana soon. He is working on a follow up to the film.

There will be more Toronto screenings soon of the original film.

I never noticed before but he wears an abeng pendant around his neck. The one he wore the other night was silver.