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Statement
of Significance Audience and Dissemination Plan While tapping into the little-known relationship between Judaism and reggae, Awake Zion also serves as a symbolic message to multi-ethnic communities (such as Crown Heights, for example) about the futility of intolerance and the need for respect-within our cultures, and if we're not too afraid to look, beyond them, too. And because Awake Zion tackles a range of themes-history, religion, oppression and music-audiences inevitably come from various constituencies: the film examines one of the newest religions (Rastafari) alongside one of the oldest (Judaism), and therefore caters to members of both; but because the connection is explored through reggae, Awake Zion also speaks to audiences drawn to music, Caribbean culture, and the history and impact of Black Power movements. While the historical and biblical angles might appeal to older, perhaps more traditional viewers, the reggae feeling draws a younger crowd-the whole sum resulting in a beautifully diverse mix of audiences, young and old, white and black, Jews sand Gentiles. The goal of Awake Zion is as much to bring together disparate audiences, as it is to document different types of artists in the context of reggae music. Throughout the project, Awake Zion has joined forces with reggae musicians to create and host multicultural jam sessions, featuring black and Jewish artists from various "schools of reggae". While the parties/concerts have served as initial fundraising efforts through ticket sales, they also allowed us to experiment live with the ideas in the documentary, forums to really get into the prospect of Judaism and reggae in a way that keeps music as the driving force of the project. In collaboration with JDub Records, the new label supporting emerging Jewish music, we hosted two installments of The Unity Sessions, bringing together Jewish and black reggae MC's on one stage for evenings of freestyle lyrical battling in the Jamaican dancehall style. By hosting these events, Awake Zion became part of the multicultural and musical dialogue it was investigating, adding a fresh dimension to the culture of Jamaican music, and bridging ethnic, religious, and political lines through shared musical experiences. When the documentary Buena Vista Social Club was released, the positive response was as much about the renaissance of Afro-Cuban music as it was about the men whose stories were being unearthed. In documenting Jewish reggae musicians and incorporating their original music in the film, Awake Zion, too, attempts to unearth an aspect of reggae music that most people have not considered, while fostering a revitalization of this classic Jamaican genre. For this reason, the production of a soundtrack will be a key element in the distribution of Awake Zion. The goal is to produce a double DVD package, to include the documentary (including director and subject commentary, outtakes, and relevant historical information) and the Awake Zion soundtrack, featuring both original and licensed music. In keeping with the spirit of the documentary, the original music will include collaborations between Jewish and Black musicians who are featured in the film. Local preview screenings have
played a critical role in the initial phases of the dissemination plan,
providing audience response barometers and generating buzz about the topic.
From film festival directors and music industry professionals to non-for-profits,
churches and synagogues, various organizations have approached us with
interest in the project, and because of the piece's broad range of audiences,
Awake Zion will be distributable and educationally relevant in a number
of ways: at Hillel houses, African/Caribbean and music departments across
university campuses; at religious centers and schools within Black and
Jewish communities; and at music festivals, international film festivals,
theatres, and television broadcasts worldwide. |
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