Neil Armstrong, Editor - Canada Bureau

Argentina-born, Los Angeles-based independent documentary filmmaker, Luciano Blotta, recently debuted his documentary, RiseUp, at hotdocs, the Canadian International Documentary Festival in Toronto.

The film showcases Jamaica's underground music community and the struggles, dreams and aspirations of three young artistes vying for their shot at success. Following its world premiere at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) and its sneak preview at True/False Film Festival in Columbia, Missouri, RiseUp is gaining the attention of many industry insiders and music lovers. It has not been screened in Jamaica, but Blotta said he was looking forward to the moment to give back to these artistes and to Jamaica in a big way.

"We're trying to get some momentum going with the film so I can come to Jamaica with a recognised piece of art that has been touring around and it's time for Jamaica to see it and enjoy themselves," said Blotta.

Bob Marley

Blotta, 33, grew up loving the music of Bob Marley, but it wasn't until he accepted an invitation to Jamaica from his friend, Mark Hart, while they both studied at the University of Miami, that he discovered the music of some upcoming Jamaican artistes. "As a foreigner coming to Jamaica, it was striking to see the amount of talent that goes unrecognised in this place, how good this talent is and how important the music feels to them and how creative they are with it," said Blotta. He added that as a creative artiste himself who knows what it is to struggle, he felt that he would give the unknown artistes featured in his documentary any help he could give.

"It all started at a dance in Montego Bay, a place called Anchovy in 2003, an underground place where I got to see Ninja Man. My first experience with reggae was to see Ninja Man at a clash. I am filming this and it was pretty impressive," said Blotta who has worked on Indiana Jones with renowned filmmaker, Steven Spielberg.

RiseUp features Turbulence, a charismatic lyrical master from the ghetto in Kingston; Ice, the privileged songwriter from uptown St Andrew and Kemoy, a shy, angelic songstress from Clarendon, who Blotta calls "the jewel of the film". He captures the raw ambition of each aspiring artiste with an intimate and unique camera style, giving them their first taste of fame as well as a vehicle to turn their dreams into reality.

Inspired by the graffitied walls of Kingston, exotic countryside of Clarendon, pristine beaches of Montego Bay and remote ghetto dancehall parties, RiseUp captures the stark poverty, inequality and violence residing among a talented and proud Jamaican people. Featuring veteran music insiders, RiseUp also yields inspiration and homage through the true spirits of reggae music, including the legendary Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare.

The film took Blotta four years to complete and he said it was the day-to-day passion burning that kept him going over those years. "It's a journey, it's not a destination, no matter what," he said.

RiseUp is a poetic film that chronicles the improbable journey where life, art and dreams collide, and expresses the perennial Jamaican struggle through the lens and microphone of a very talented filmmaker.

The documentary will also be screened at DocAviv (www.docaviv.co.il ) where it will be followed by a reggae-themed party for Tel Aviv/Yafo's 100-year anniversary.