Film / News
Rockaway Park stages ‘immersive screening’ of I Am Judah
Unveiled at the Encounters festival back in 2022, Bashart Malik’s powerful crowdfunded documentary I Am Judah tells the shocking true story of Judah Adunbi, a 63-year-old grandfather and respected Rastafarian community elder who tasered in the face by a police officer while walking his dog in Easton in January 2017. But this is no campaigning film or exposé; rather, it tells a deeply personal story of identity, exploring Judah’s conversion to Rastafarianism in the 1970s and his decades of youth community work.
Now it’s coming back to the big screen at Rockaway Park in Temple Cloud. They promise that this will be no ordinary film screening, but a full-on immersive event. Ras Judah will be present in person alongside Bashart Malik for a panel discussion and Q&A after the screening. There’s also a photographic exhibition in the venue’s Chapel of Unrest by Mark Simmons, who’s renowned for documenting communities in Bristol’s most deprived areas over several decades
In addition, you can expect interactive theatre from indigenous African storyteller Kabbo Hue Ferdinand, who describes himself as an “artivist storyteller, ceremonial drummer and berimbau player”. Plus poetry and live music taken from the film and performed by Guire, frontman for Bristol-based roots reggae band The Golden Guild Music Group.
“Be prepared to not only sit, but stand, move, interact with the photo gallery and live performances before being seated for the screening and Q&A,” suggests the official blurb. The vegan café will be open serving tasty hot food and snacks and there will also be a bar.
There are two events, taking place on April 12 & 13. Go here for further information and tickets, price £12.
Main image: Ras Judah in ‘I Am Judah’ – Bashart Malik
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