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. Live performance, comedy sketches, dance, interviews and archive shed light on the music and the generation that embraced it. 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.
See video trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiJof_zx2Uk
The Story of Lovers Rock sees the welcome return after an absence of 15 years, of one of our most important British storytellers, director Menelik Shabazz. He is perhaps best known for his award winning feature BURNING AN ILLUSION (1982). Menelik has previously directed work for ITV, BBC and Channel 4. Check out Menelik’s film collection
The Menelik Shabbazz Film Collection http://www.loversrockthefilm.com/index.php?page=dvd
The release date for THE STORY OF LOVERS ROCK is 30th September 2011 in selected cinemas in London and Birmingham and other cities.
- Cinema City Norwich 29/09/11 1 day. Ritzy Brixton 30/09/11 1 day. Rio Dalston 30/09/11 1 day. Shortwave Bermondsey 30/09/11
- 3 days Vue Shepherds Bush 30/09/11 7 days. Vue Birmingham Star City 30/09/11 7 days. Peckhamplex Peckham 30/09/11
- 7 days. Pictureville Bradford 04/10/11 4 days. Riverside Hammersmith 18/10/11 1 day, MAC Birmingham. 18/10/11 3 days. Rich Mix Bethnal Green
- 20/10/11 1 day. Duke of Yorks Brighton 22/10/11 1 day.
Keep up to date for more screenings Join THE STORY OF LOVERS ROCK Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Story-of-Lovers-Rock-the-Film-September-2011/131119666982592