Akwantu: the Journey, a new documentary film by writer/director, Roy T. Anderson, a Maroon, answers the question, Who were the Maroons?
Akwantu: the Journey documents the struggle for freedom of the Maroons of Jamaica who were able to flee the plantations and slave ships to form communities in some of the most inhospitable regions of the island. Poorly armed and outgunned, the Maroons faced down the mighty British Empire led by such brave warriors as Cudjoe and Nanny. Cudjoe who has historically been described as a “short almost dwarf-like man” fought for years to maintain his people’s independence and freedom. However, Cudjoe also held the belief that the only way to secure a stable future for his people would be to negotiate a long-term peace with the British. This way of thinking, some would say eventually lead to the signing of a peace treaty with the British in 1739. Nanny, a spiritual leader skilled in the use of herbs not only managed to keep her people healthy, but safe as well by utilizing effective “guerilla warfare” tactics to defend against the vaunted British firepower. More about the Maroons.
Watch a preview here.
Oh wow. I never had heard of the Maroons. I would like to see this movie. Thank you for introducing me to a part of history I never knew about before.
You’re welcome, Courtney. I was at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival a few years ago and found out that there are Maroons in the US as well.
Huh. Very interesting. Such neat things that get buried in history. Or maybe it wasn’t buried but I never paid attention before. At any rate, I always like finding new things like this so I’m very glad you wrote about this!
Thanks, Courtney. I’nm glad I did too. Hearing that you find value in my post is like the icing on a cake. Thanks for letting me know.
Great! A very courageous people. I’ll keep an eye out for it – thanks for letting us know.
You’re welcome, Narelle. I can’t wait to see it myself.
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Thank you for stopping by.
great article thanks. the movie must be great!
You’re welcome, Mark. Thanks for your visit and your comment.