Jamaican Born Hollywood Stuntman / Director, at the United Nations.
Roy T. Anderson on the Gulf of Guinea with Cape Coast Castle in view. Jamaican Born Hollywood Stuntman
Roy T. Anderson and Will Smith on set for shoot, Jamaican Born Hollywood Stuntman.
Akwantu: The Journey
The premier was quite fitting. In attendance were Dignitaries, supporters, well-wishers, and members of the United Nations. It was held in the “Dag Hammarskjold Library Auditorium” at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. They came to see the screening of the documentary, Akwantu: The Journey Written and Directed by Roy T. Anderson. This feature film is based on The Jamaican Maroons who came to Jamaica from the Western Coast of Africa. The Maroons were the First Successful Freedom Fighters of the New World.
This documentary, “Akwantu: The Journey” was a great film choice by the United Nations. They recognized “International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery during the Transatlantic Slave Trade.”
Akwantu: The Journey Cast member blow the Abeng. National symbol used during The Maroon War.
The Kindah Tree, historic Tree. in Maroon celebrations seen in Roy T. Anderson documentary, Akwantu: The Journey
According to Dr. Eugene Newry, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of The Bahamas and Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He said, “This documentary should be in all the school systems throughout the Caribbean….”. As Jamaican-born Hollywood Stuntman / Director Roy T Anderson’s film was screened at the United Nations.
Mr. Anderson was extremely humble yet proud of his work while answering questions about the film. As several cast members looked on, Co-Producer Allison Anderson was also speaking to various members of the audience. They wanted to know more about the film. Along with the significant role and impact the Maroons had in Jamaica and around the Caribbean. They were for all Freedom Fighters. I was honored to be a guest at this private screening.
Personal Story
Writer/ Director Roy gather information from his mother about what its like to be a Maroon for his documentary.
Mr. Anderson stated, “Akwantu started as a personal story…. but because it highlighted the story of the Maroons”. The Maroons are a significant part of Jamaica’s history, and he wanted to “share it with the rest of the world.”
The almost-capacity crowd at the United Nations was certainly glad he did. At the end of the documentary, he received overwhelming applause for great storytelling about the Maroons. As E. Courtenay Rattray, Ambassador Permanent Representative and The Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations stated, “…it was great that Mr. Anderson produce this documentary movie and kept it real and true…”
The Maroons fought an 80 year war
True it was, just imagine for a moment, The Maroons fought an 80 year war in Jamaica with the British from the 1600’s and eventually signed a “Peace Treaty of 1738” after successfully out maneuvering the British. As a result, “The Maroons are a sovereign people who have exercised sovereignty over Accompong Town in St. Elizabeth for over 275 years in 2013” according to Colonel Ferron Williams, leader of the Accompong Maroons.
As Jamaican born Hollywood Stuntman / Director, film screens at the United Nations, Roy stated, “We have a proud history that should be celebrated. The story of the Maroons has not risen to the stage where the world knows about them. Not enough credence is given to the Maroons. For many, the Haitian revolt was the only one of its kind, yet the Maroons successfully defeated the mighty British in 1738.”
E. Courtenay Rattray, Ambassador Permanent Representative speaks at Akwantu Premier at the United Nations.
Ms Coral Barnett President of the Overseas Maroon left and Ms Anderson, mother and cast member of Akwantu: The Journey at UN premier.
As Mr. Anderson and his team continues to gain exposure to his documentary Akwantu: The Journey. Their goal is for Jamaicans, Caribbean’s, Africans, Freedom Fighters and the World to embrace this great period in our history. Their company Action 4 Reel FilmWorks is looking to partner with private and public companies to get this documentary in schools & Libraries across the Caribbean and around the world. For more information and how to get a copy of this powerful DVD, visit Akwantu: The Journey.
Director of Akwantu Roy T. Anderson and Maxie DaCosta “A Jamaica Experience” took some time from their busy schedule to hang out at Roy’s event.
Akwantu: The Journey screens at the United Nations.
E. Courtenay Rattray Ambassador Permanent Representative & Maxie DaCosta at Akwantu premier at the UN