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Grenada: Confronting the Past

Grenada: Confronting the Past (2022)

May 14, 2022 24m Documentary History

In the eighteenth century, the family of BBC World News anchor and correspondent, Laura Trevelyan, were absentee slave owners on the island of Grenada, profiting for years from the sale of sugar harvested from five different sugar cane plantations. When slavery was abolished in 1834, the UK government paid compensation to slave owners, but the enslaved received nothing. In the wake of the racial reckoning in America following the death of George Floyd, Grenada's national commission on reparations for slavery has begun to meet and debate what reparations means. In this film, Laura she travels to Grenada to try and learn more about the legacy of slavery on Grenada and her family's involvement in the slave trade.

Cast

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Laura Trevelyan
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Laura Trevelyan

as Self - Host

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Nicole Phillip-Dowe

as Self

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Dunbar 'DC' Campbell

as Self

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Garfield Hankey

as Self

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Arley Gill

as Self

Crew

Producer
  • Koralie Barrau

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Thematic Analysis

Grenada: Confronting the Past represents a fascinating example of Documentary/History cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Released in 2022, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Grenada: Confronting the Past took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 24 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 52 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2022, when this film is released:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
  • Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Grenada: Confronting the Past shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The Ten Commandments, which focuses more on action than character development, Grenada: Confronting the Past subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Apocalypto and The Warrior explore similar territory, Grenada: Confronting the Past stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: May 14, 2022
  • Runtime: 24m

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