18 August 2018
Imagine discovering a place where it’s possible to take on distinct issues from many perspectives. A meeting for dialogue where conversations have positive connotations, which are key to understanding. Where awareness and reflection can be found and most importantly, a place where we can build a better world step by step.
This place is one of the cardinal points at Rototom Sunsplash; the Social Forum. A space where a range of different social and cultural issues can be tackled every day at the festival. The Social Forum starts up this 25th edition with Recreational cannabis . What consumption, what consequences, one of the many topics that can be found in this area of the festival. The issue of recrational cannabis will be tackled from a wide range of perspectives. Most importantly, from the viewponts of experts. In this the floor will be taken up by Fabio Jacob (Botanical coordinator and member of the Asociación Libre Antiprohibicionista), Núria Calzada (State coordinator of Energy Control) y Joan Bertomeu (Lawyer and criminologist for Brotsanbert) and will be moderated by Héctor Brotons (Activist and Director of Brotsanbert law firm).
When we speak of ways of presenting problems and invite solutions to problems, the Social Forum not only puts value in the the discussion groups, but also in showing films and documentaries. This is the case for the well-known documentary An inconvenient truth by Jon Shenk and Bonni Cohen about the climate crisis and its possible solutions. The Reggae University also has showings of various documentaries and films. The harder they come is one of these films, which is based on the story of the Jamaican criminal Rhygin, with the artist Jimmy Cliff in the cast, who also took to the Main Stage this 25th anniversary. These kinds of showings are one of the best ways that Rototom people can spend their evening at the festival.
For its part, the Reggae University is not far behind in terms of its understanding and knowledge. This was demonstrated in the showing of Who jump the gun? Violence in contemporary Jamaica. It was a moment to look into the messages of voilence that are sometimes perpetuated in music and also into how we recieve them, but also about the essence of Jamaican music.
Invitation to reflect and make the world better, #WalkingTogether.