Red Stripe ‘a symbolic nod to spirit of unity’ in ‘Bob Marley: One Love’
THROUGHOUT THE positive vibrations of Bob Marley’s life and legacy, authenticity reigns supreme. The highly anticipated Bob Marley: One Love movie, with its commitment to presenting the legendary artiste’s story in its truest form, stands as a testament to this truth. Among the myriad elements contributing to this authenticity, the inclusion of Red Stripe beer emerges as a crucial component.
Paramount Pictures Physical Production Executive Mathew Ferrante was keen to point out its importance as a Jamaican brand that is deeply rooted in Marley’s cultural and personal narrative.
“There’s no way to tell the Jamaican story without having Red Stripe being a part of it. We worked hard to integrate the Red Stripe brand,” Ferrante enthusiastically underscored.
And it was a really moment for those at last Tuesday’s premiere when the iconic beer made its notso-subtle appearance in the movie. The sight of Red Stripe bottles served as a powerful reminder of Marley’s Jamaican roots and the profound impact of his music on a global scale.
“Red Stripe is synonymous with Jamaican culture that holds a special place in the hearts of many, both locally and internationally. Its presence in the film not only added a touch of realism, but also served as a symbolic nod to the spirit of unity, celebration, and resilience embodied by Marley himself. As a Jamaican brand that would’ve naturally been in the world in the 1970s and telling Bob’s story, authenticity was the most important thing,” Ferrante said.
He added that “this was the right time to tell Bob’s story and this was the right time to shoot it in Jamaica, where so much of Bob’s story takes place, was of utmost importance”.
Ferrante shared that the filming was done at actual locations such as Bull Bay Beach and Strawberry Hill “and to be able to shoot in an actual location and authentically tell Bob’s story was the biggest accomplishment”.
Red Stripe’s inclusion in the film extends beyond mere product placement. It represents a genuine commitment to honouring Marley’s legacy and supporting the artistic vision of the film-makers. This not only paid homage to its Jamaican heritage, but also reaffirms promoting authentic stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
“Bob Marley’s story is deeply intertwined with Jamaican culture, and Red Stripe is honoured to be a part of Bob Marley: One Love,” Red Stripe Brand Manager, Nathan Nelms, said. “The film underscores the commitment to celebrating Jamaican history and show seh ‘a suh wi dweet’ as Jamaicans while paying tribute to one of its most iconic figures, showcasing the rich diversity of Jamaican culture through genuine stories.”