When did the idea of producing Dreadlocks Story come to you?

The idea of Dreadlocks Story is a convergence of many things: my relentless observation and awareness of what is surrounding me, my longing to become an ethnographic filmmaker, my interests for cross cultural, India and Jamaica culture as well as the goal to stress a conscious of criticizing the system of colonialism rather than any nation specifically. In conversations about oppression our rhetoric should reflect the belief that colonialism is an immoral system that is an atrocity and harmful for all.

I did live and travel extensively within India. And I am strongly tied to India and its spiritualities. On another hand, I don’t remember when I have started having acquaintances with Rastas and their lifestyle but it was a while ago. And, after staying in Jamaica, it was quite obvious to me that Indian influences were deeply rooted into the local culture, especially Rastafari even though the knowledge of it was lacked. Combining these elements together, it became clear to me that I had to do a documentary on the links between Rastafari and Hinduism to restore some thoughts and understanding of our world history.

I was inspired by the ignorance on Indian enslavement to the Caribbean basin, because Indians had never been nothing else than oppressed by the colonists. Plus, I feel that as an educated person with the means to express myself as I want through many mediums I must enlighten on what shocks me in this world, such as the many misconceptions and judgments people have of history and culture, such as the links between Hindu and Rasta culture. Few, however, have taken the time to understand their past and explore the powerful symbol of perseverance that these cultures represent.