One of the main films of Jamaican reggae culture The Harder They Come, the classic from the beginning of the 70 starring the star of that moment Jimmy Cliff, will be exhibited for the first time in Chile this Friday 10 from January on the part of Nexo Cinema, in the center of Santiago, from 21:00 hours.
The film released in 1972, 10 years after independence, marked a milestone in Caribbean cinema for being the first feature film completely Jamaican, filmed on the island, with Jamaican director and cast, with a plot based on ordinary life in Jamaica, differentiating this tape with everything before.
Directed by Perry Henzell Y, as we already said, starring Jimmy Cliff, The film tells the story of Ivanhoe “Ivan” Martin, a young man who faces discrimination and oppression while pursuing his dream of being a reggae singer, a character based on Vincent “Ivanhoe” Martin, known as “Rhyging”, who was a Jamaican criminal who became a legendary outlaw and folk hero, often considered the original rudeboy.
“Rhyging” became famous in 1948 after escaping from prison, run away and commit a series of robberies, murders and attempted murders before being shot dead by police. In the following decades his life became a myth in Jamaican popular culture., culminating precisely with his personification in this cult film.
Another relevant aspect of the film is its powerful soundtrack. that helped show and take reggae around the world for the first time, a task that the album also contributed to Catch a Fire of The Wailers of the year 1973.
Great songs like the one with the title of the film, O “Pressure Drop”, “Johnny Too Bad”, “Sitting Here in Limbo”, “Shanty Town” O “You Can Get It If You Really Want” marked the presentation of reggae to the world, and although the film was not a box office success outside of Jamaica, Its soundtrack was very influential and endures to this day..
The Nexo Cinema initiative
The initiative Nexo Cinema is a self-managed film club in the heart of Santiago that offers a unique cinematographic experience, that operates at the Plaza Cinema -Company 1068-, a historic room that, during the day, It's a cinema for adults, but every Friday and Saturday night it transforms into a cultural space.
“Our goal is to offer a film program that expands the city's cultural offering., creating a collective experience in each function (…) where the dialogue between the screen and the viewer creates new realities. At Nexo Cinema, each function is an invitation to break prejudices, connect with others and experience cinema differently”, they said from this cinematographic initiative to Reggae Chalice.
In addition to the projection, a vinyl fair will be held, a sound system and selectors to share and celebrate together with the music that moves us and makes us vibrate.
“This event is an opportunity to come together as a community., strengthen ties and plan together a future film and reggae series What we want to do during the year 2025. We would like to invite different groups and communities to share this moment with us, meet us and participate in the creation of this cycle”, added from Nexo Cinema.
Likewise, They announced that starting in March, On the first Friday of each month they will show a film related to cinema and reggae, including titles that have marked the history of Caribbean cinema and reggae culture.
“This cycle aims to connect reggae-loving communities, offering a safe space for reflection, cultural resistance and integration through music and cinema. It is an invitation to enjoy reggae and its cinematographic history, as we build together an inclusive and diverse cultural space”, the organizers highlighted.
To see in the cinema They Harder They Come general accession cuesta $4.000, while $3.000 for students and seniors, at the same time, Admission will be free if you come dressed as a character from the film., although you must bring a reference image of the character you will be characterizing to validate the entry.
Tickets can be purchased at the cinema box office starting at 20:30 Friday hours - the performance will begin at 21:00 hours- with cash or card, although there is an extra charge of $200 if you pay by credit card and $100 with student card.
