Remake Planned

Remake Planned for Reggae classic ‘The Harder They Come’
By Gig Patta, Latino Review on April 12, 2011

Variety is reporting the 1972 Jamaican classic “The Harder They Come” will be remade the production companies of United Kingdom-base Xingu Films, Canada-based Conquering Lion and with producer Justine Henzell (“Ghett’a Life,” “No Place Like Home”).

The original film was written and directed by Henzells father Perry Henzell.

Conquering Lion’s producer Damon D’Oliveira described the remake as “a re-imagining that will move to contemporary reggae and reggae-influenced grooves.

“Next year is the 50th anniversary of Jamaica and the 40th anniversary of the original film, so the timing is perfect,” said D’Oliveira to Variety. “’The Harder They Come’ was the first film to bring the real Jamaica to the world, and that spirit informs this new version.”

The original film starred Jimmy Cliff, Janet Bartley and Carl Bradshaw. Its plot involved a Reggae singer pushing his singing career in the city, but finds it harder than he thought.

“For the first time, I am confident we have a team will simultaneously honor the original while creating a new narrative worthy of the legacy,” added Henzell.

The new remake film will be set in Jamaica and London. The screenplay will be written by Chris Salewicz (“Third World Cop”).

The draft script will be ready for Cannes and the principal photography will begin in 2012, according to the producers.

Man without relatives is man without troubles. Charlie Chan