Clive Uckfields’s photographic work has appeared in Country life magazine and the cafe of an international Air museum. His short story ‘ Empire of the White Rastas’ was published in Aaduna online Literary magazine ( Google Empire…) New York in July 2020. An African writer living in the UK has adapted this into a full length film script and it has attracted much attention on LinkedIn. The film is described as the Da-Vinci code meets Rastafarian mysticism. This story is the first part of his ‘ Rasta Empire Trilogy’ which he hopes to publish soon.
When did your passion for the arts begin?
I was taken as a young child to the Kroller Muller gallery in Holland where I was shown Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘ the Potato eaters’ The compassion & respect he painted these humble folks with has stayed with me all these years. It taught me how powerful the visual medium can be.
Tell us about Emperor Haile Selassie.
Much of my ‘ Rasta Empire Trilogy’ is based on true experiences I have had. But I have turned these unto a unique fiction Trilogy & Film Script. His Imperial Majesty visited the whole world during his lifetime and was loved & respected as a Black Icon who stood up to Fascism. He is a fascinating character who is still very much alive in 2021 despite the Ethiopian communists trying to eradicate his memory.
Your new story, “The Rasta Empire Trilogy” is described as the Da-Vinci code meets Rastafarian mysticism. Tell us more. (When and where can we find it?) My mystic trilogy will be published as an e-book before Christmas. It will include ‘Empire of the White Rastas’ published in Aaduna literary magazine New York, ‘ Rasta Jesus’ to be published in Aaduna this Autumn and ‘ Ethiopia’ The film script ‘ Empire of the White Rastas’ is based on these ideas. If you Google ‘ Empire of the White Rastas’ you can read the original story, script is on request.
Can you share a glimpse into the 2nd story about women’s empowerment?
In ‘ Rasta Jesus’ the Emperor reveals who he really is to the World and his relationship to Jesus & when he will return to Central Park New York. He also heralds the Omega age when Mother’s will assume the key roles in society and women will enjoy Polandry with its benefits and many will adopt a Rastafarian lifestyle allowing society to achieve true happiness.
Do you have a favorite character?
Liya is the beautiful Ethiopian hero of the story. A spy in the Ethiopian secret service she finds love with the Englishman David but ultimately sacrifices her own life to ensure the Emperor’s return. She is a strong but complex character who has been a victim of racism so is easy to emphasize with.
Your new feature film, ‘ Empire of the White Rastas’ is part one of your trilogy. Share the storyline.
An African Rastafarian writer Masimba Musodza has adapted my first story into a full-length feature film script. It’s a Mystery Thriller with a prophetic twist, a sort of Da-Vinci code meets Rastafarian mysticism. This could be developed further incorporating the next two stories or adapted for TV. An African Director has offered to produce this but I need to raise funds or pass over this project to company or script writer who can develop this unique controversial plot.
Which communities will appeal to your film?
This film includes a positive biography of HIM Emperor Haile Selassie which will appeal to Ethiopians, history buffs, the 800,000 Rastafarians across the World, Reggae lovers and those who enjoy a mystery thriller with plenty of action, romance and prophetic twists to keep them intrigued. Also those seeking a spiritual message of hope in these dark COVID times as I would leave audiences to decide for themselves where the fiction ends and the truth begins.
Can you share a favorite scene?
David’s shock when he begins to receive messages from this historical figure in 2019 London sets the scene for the Prophesy. His inability to deal with this responsibility, leading to his drinking & eventual search for the truth.
Why did you choose Bob Marley’s song for the film?
I was sitting late at night in a restaurant on the sea front in Gibraltar. It was empty and I was missing my parents and best friend who had just died. The manager played Bob Marley songs and over the next few nights I was there but this one touched me spirituality and I began to share my story with the World.
What did you enjoy the most during this process?
I have enjoyed reacting with such a diverse range of people across the globe since starting this project. Aaduna online Literary mag New York who have published my stories are a World wide community of writers and artists who have welcomed me into their multicultural family. My story in part is a celebration of ‘ people of color’ and women’s empowerment in the present age.
What is next for you in the upcoming months?
During the coming months, I will publish the full Trilogy on Amazon as a e- book. I hope through LinkedIn to gain support to create this film which has attracted huge interest on social media. With a number of directors calling the idea unique and intriguing. An African director has offered to make the film but I am open to offers and for the script to be adapted or taken on by a film company.
Please share your social media handles.
Google ‘Empire of the White Rastas’ published in Aaduna online Literary mag New York July 2020. https://aaduna.org/springsummer2020/fiction/clive-uckfield/empire-of-the-white-rastas/
If interested in supporting this project or just want to hear more. Contact Clive Uckfield on LinkedIn.