Rice N Peas do not shy away from controversy, with topics including the diamond trade and civil war in Sierra Leone and violence and gang culture in the UK.
Roaring Lion (2002) charts the rise of the Rastafarian Movement in Jamaica, and challenges the easily made assumption that the pervasiveness of the iconic Rastafarian ‘brand’ represents an acceptance of this unique culture. The film suggests that the Jamaican government’s willingness to cash in on the tourist potential of Rastafarianism disguises real conflicts between Caribbean cultures. For all the tacky t-shirts and postcards, Rastafarianism is still not recognised as an official religion in Jamaica.
Hasta Siempre, produced in 2005, relates the economic necessity of tourism in Cuba to issues of social degeneration threatening the revolution. Prostitution, drugs and racism are all, the film argues, on the increase; both in contrast to, and as a result of the glossy holiday ideal of the island.
Both films show the characteristic spirit of questioning and exploration beyond assumptions and platitudes that have won Rice N Peas the Best Street Documentary from Screen Nation, and Best Documentary at the Portobello Film Festival in 2005, among other accolades.
Director and Producer at Rice N Peas, Ishmahil Blagrove Jr. describes the aim and method of Rice N Peas as: “to tell stories as they are - without bias and using the voices of the main protagonists. For example,” he adds, “we would not use famine victims as a backdrop to their story, we allow them to tell and articulate their own stories.”
This, Ishmahil believes, is something absent in the mainstream media: “The corporate media are very specific in what they report and how they report it. For example, the issue of gun crime is very often framed as a problem that exists solely in one particular community, fuelled by rap music, drugs and poor moral values. At Rice N Peas we attempt to look behind the façade and identify the contributing factors which the corporate media very rarely address.”
Rice N Peas’ contribution to the discussion of gun crime was BANG BANG! In Da Manor (2004), which Ishmahil produced. The film was described as ‘the most graphic and disturbing documentary ever made in Britain’, for its candid depiction of the violence and murder plaguing Britain’s black communities. Arms dealers, drug users, victims and gunmen were interviewed during six months of filming to produce this highly praised documentary.
The success of Rice N Peas is evidence of the public desire for a more truthful perspective on current events, one that goes deeper than the fast moving world of 24-hour news. Despite our current media saturation, Rice N Peas would argue, we have less perspective than ever on the reality behind the headlines.
“We attempt to find stories which have received little attention and may be of interest to a broader public,” Ishmahil comments. “We also seek to approach these stories from a different angle to that of the mainstream.” By identifying what he calls a “gap in the market” for thoroughly researched and investigated stories, the team at Rice N Peas have been able to make a success of their desire for integrity in journalism.
For individuals with a passion for exploring political and social questions, making documentaries is an attractive way of getting your voice heard. This appeal results in entry into television or film production and direction, being extremely competitive, with work experience being the essential first step. Most people start their careers in film or TV as a runner, which is vital experience whether you want to make hard hitting social documentaries, big budget blockbusters, or a TV game show.
For the people at Rice N Peas, though, displaying integrity in whatever you do is vital. Ishmahil describes the “inaccurate, distorted and slated reporting of the mainstream media” delivered by journalists “willing to sacrifice accuracy and their integrity on the altar of ambition.”
For all those who feel similarly frustrated by the narrow perspectives of the film and news available, its reassuring to see independent companies like Rice N Peas succeeding in their aims.
INFO: www.ricenpeas.com 
