KINGSTON, JAMAICA Roots is proud to be an official sponsor of the second annual Goldeneye Film Festival that began today in Oracabessa Bay, Jamaica. The five-day event is based on an eclectic thematic programming.

The program this year showcases more than 350 reels including feature films, documentaries, and shorts from around the globe. The line-up includes retrospectives about surfing, French noir and Bob Marley. Screenings also explore the history of Hong Kong cinema, 007 flicks, westerns, midnight specials and Jamaican films.

Founded by Palm Pictures’ Chris Blackwell and David Koh, the festival is a successful hybrid gathering that serves as an exclusive film festival, conference, retreat and musical celebration event. Roots was one of the original sponsors of the festival last year.

In keeping with its strong connection to Jamaica and the world of entertainment, Roots is the lead sponsor of this year’s Goldeneye, as it was in 2004. Festival guests received exclusive limited edition Roots Varsity Bags made at the Roots leather goods factory in Toronto. Roots Co-founder Michael Budman, who is a longtime friend of Chris Blackwell, is taking part in the proceedings, introducing the 1955 French ‘film noir’ Du Rififi Chez Les Hommes (directed by Jules Dassin) at an outdoor screening at Noel Coward’s former Firefly estate.

“This is a spectacular event in a truly unique setting with a great mix of highly talented people from the film industry,” says Michael. “I’ve long admired Chris Blackwell’s work and Roots is proud to be associated with the Goldeneye Festival.”  

Chris Blackwell is the founder of Island Records, Island Pictures, Island Outpost and Palm Pictures. He is credited with an extensive roster of artists, including Bob Marley, Stevie Winwood, U2, Cat Stevens, Roxy Music, The Cranberries, Nick Drake, Tom Waits, Marianne Faithfull and others. For his work in the musical field, he was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Goldeneye is the flagship property of Blackwell’s Island Outpost boutique hotel chain and the former home of Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond. Goldeneye is a magical sliver of Jamaica’s North Shore where Fleming wrote all of the James Bond novels.

For further information, contact:
Robert Sarner,
Director of Communication and Public Affairs
416-781-3574 ext 4280
E-mail : rsarner@roots.com

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