After several translations and numerous articles in the late 70's on Reggae and African music, journalist and writer Hélène Lee published in 1999 her second book in France. Translated into several languages, 'The First Rasta' is a thorough investigation of Leonard Percival Howell's life (1893-1981), the initiator and catalyst of the Rastafari Movement, considered by many as its founder.

Ten years later, Hélène Lee went back to Jamaica with cameraman C. Farnarier on the trail of a forgotten and overlooked, yet central character in the history of this movement. With a mix of archival footage and interviews of the members of his first community, Hélène Lee directed a fascinating documentary, moving a times, describing the life and personality of a man who, beyond the founding of the first Rastafari community of Pinnacle, has really laid the foundation of one of the first globalized vision of a world of justice ...

'The First Rasta' movie will be out on the 27th of April on French screens only. The DVD is planned for the fall and should include, in addition to an English version (audio and subtitles), an extensive bonus of original Rasta music and an interview with Hélène Lee.