Honouring Jimmy Cliff: A Cultural Tribute Through Film
Culture as legacy.
Film as remembrance.
A moment of remembrance, cultural education, and collaborative efforts
On Saturday, December 20, 2025, a special screening of The Harder They Come (1972) brought community members together at Melkweg Cinema to honor the life and legacy of reggae icon Jimmy Cliff. Hosted by Jamaican visual artist Karla King, founder of the Ackee Seed Foundation, the evening created space for cultural reflection, remembrance, and solidarity, while supporting hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica.
The Outcome
The screening brought together artists, cultural practitioners, and community members, with proceeds directed toward hurricane relief through the Ackee Seed Foundation.
We extend our gratitude to:
Caribbean Creatives for shaping the collaboration
Melkweg Cinema for hosting the screening
All attendees who came together to honour Jamaican culture and support relief efforts
The Story Behind the Screening
The Harder They Come, directed by Perry Henzell, is widely recognised as a defining moment in global awareness of reggae music and Jamaican culture. Beyond its cinematic impact, the film marked one of the first times Jamaica’s social realities, music, and creative voice reached an international audience at scale.
The evening also featured the short film Tales of Hurricane Melissa (2025), grounding the program in the present-day realities facing communities in Jamaica.
During the introduction, Karla King reflected on Jimmy Cliff’s legacy, not only as a musician and actor, but as a cultural figure who helped place Jamaica on the global map. The intention was to highlight lesser-known aspects of his impact while approaching the moment with care and respect following his passing.
Going Forward
This event reaffirmed the role of culture as both memory and mobilization. It demonstrated how film and storytelling can create meaningful entry points for education, reflection, and solidarity, particularly within the diaspora.
Ackee Seed Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that honor cultural legacy while responding to present-day realities in Jamaica.
