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About the Film

Do you remember the power and spirit that Reggae music brought to us back in the 1970's? That torch still burns brightly for a group of elder Rasta hills-men from Nonsuch, Portland, Jamaica. They survive

by living close to nature, working the land organically and harvesting wild fruits and bush medicines from the jungle. For over 30 years in obscurity they have also been creating a unique yet familiar style of Roots Reggae music. From the foothills of Jamaica's Blue Mountains, Johnnie Walker and the Disappointers

are now stepping out with their powerful and positive music. In a stunning new DVD that examines their natural lifestyle, philosophy and the creation of their music, this genre-busting documentary offers a very realistic glimpse into what it is to be a Rasta elder in the 21st century. 

Reggae in the Ruff: Johnnie Walker & the Disappointers is a new documentary directed and photographed by independent filmmaker Don McConnell. It uniquely captures the remarkable beauty of Jamaica, its fascinating culture and its hypnotic music. This film blurs the lines between anthropology and music documentary, while staying real and true to the actual story of an intimate group of dreamers who have found true happiness in a “simple” life. Stunning imagery with a soundtrack filled with 'live' Roots jams combined with the realism of witnessing a true story unfold makes this film unlike any other that has come before it.

Raw and rugged yet exquisitely shot and edited in HD with a highly stylized look that at times reminds 

us of the old classic reggae films. Reggae in the Ruff is destined to become an instant Reggae classic.

“These dreads are not concerned with fame, seeing reggae as a means to spread serious messages. The film shows the group living close to nature, their roots music an honest reflection of their relationship to the soil, while stunning images heighten the startling beauty of the Jamaican hills, the overriding element that inspires their philosophy”.      David Katz - Mojo Magazine

“This isn't your average Reggae documentary. This one travels deep into Rasta consciousness & captures the essence of Reggae in his film. Through a series of live musical performances and reasoning with Rasta musicians we get to learn more about the essence of reggae music and begin to understand what reggae means to those who create it’.      Peter Gittins - ReggaeFilms.co.uk