Kla$h

Director: Bill Parker
Screenwriters: Peter Allen, Bill Parker

Institute History

  • 1995 Sundance Film Festival

Description

Klash is an explosive, sun-drenched, rum-soaked thriller set on the island of Jamaica. Stoney is a photojournalist in Kingston to cover the “Klash,” a high-energy musical concert which features a showdown between the best reggae and dance hall bands. He meets the sultry Blossom (played with great devilishness by Jasmine Guy), a streetwise hustler trying to break free from the clutches of the abusive Mr. Lee, a local gang lord, who is plotting to steal the box office profits from the Klash. Meanwhile, Blossom plans to double-cross Lee and escape with the money.

Director and cinematographer Bill Parker expertly captures the sights and sounds of Jamaica and its people in a restless vérité style as the gripping plot threads between the preparations and performances at an actual Klash. Giancarlo Esposito is the perfect burned-out professional, trying to stay on the wagon while falling victim to his own weaknesses. With its great sound track, solid performances, and suspenseful heist premise, Klash draws you in and keeps you hooked.

— Christian Gaines

Screening Details

Credits

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