Synopsis

At a time when contemporary art from the Caribbean is catching fire internationally, Kingston Shottas follows Jamaican artists Marvin Bartley, Marlon James and Ebony G. Patterson as they take on the controversial issues of race, class, slavery and homosexuality; making photography-based work that captures, with an arresting honesty, the challenges and contradictions of being Jamaican in the 21st century, and simultaneously navigating the vicissitudes of rising through the ranks of the international art world.

Why this story now?

Contemporary Caribbean art is hitting its stride, internationally, with seminal exhibitions at the Brooklyn Museum, The Studio Museum of Harlem, El Museo Del Barrio, The Queen’s Museum and Real Art Ways. Each one of the artists of Kingston Shottas has had work in at least one major international exhibition, and interest in the region and in their work is only growing. In March 2013, Ebony was listed as one of the top 30 black artists under the age of 40 by the Huffington Post and her work has been featured in the New York Times; her star is rising quickly, as are the stars of Marlon and Marvin. We’re making Kingston Shottas in a unique moment – one which captures three artists on the cusp of international recognition; each one driven to succeed; each one with a different way of seeing and illustrating their world.  

A central concern for me in making Kingston Shottas is to shine a light on Jamaicans actively reflecting on and reflecting themselves through art photography.  In their work, Ebony, Marlon and Marvin draw considered and compelling tableaux of the myriad elements that comprise their lives in Jamaica: neither tropical idyll nor nightmare, but reality.

Kingston Shottas is my fourth documentary feature.  While the process of making each film is different, by this stage I’ve developed a reputation for both completing my projects and doing so to a very high standard. And I’m so excited about this film!  We so rarely get the chance to see genuine stories from the Caribbean, told by Caribbean people in a way that isn’t sentimental, but which reflects a truth about our contemporary realities in the region.  Kingston Shottas is this!  In a way it has no choice but to be, as the artists themselves are so committed to creating work which speaks truthfully to NOW. So although my fundraising process is far from over, I can’t wait till all the money’s in the bank to continue filming.

Meet the artists

Where we're at

Up to now, we’ve filmed roughly four days with the artists - enough to put together the trailer you’ve seen and to get a clear sense of what remains to be filmed.

What we need and what you get

We need cash to pay for our international shoots!  We have two more shoots before we wrap production: the first is to film with Ebony in Miami and the second is to finish our filming in Jamaica with all of the artists.

I have put together what I think is a really cool collection of perks, which benefits everyone who gives some money.  For the perks that have to do with mailing things out (cards, DVDs, posters etc) we’ll cover the cost of mailing your stuff to you wherever you are in the world.  Also, if your perk includes screenings or dinner and a movie, those would be specific to Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago, and you’d have to be in one of these places to redeem the perk. You can read up some more about the various perks by clicking here: The Solitary Alchemist; The Insatiable Season; Pictures from Paradise.

Any funds we raise will be applied to the production: as they say in Jamaica, every mikkle mek a mukkle (every little bit helps).  Kingston Shottas is now officially in production.

Other ways you can help

If you’re not able to make a financial contribution to the campaign, it would be excellent help if you could spread the word to your friends and networks - just use the share tools on this page.  Thanks a million!