Bound by blood: new film highlights Jamaica’s outlawed obeah belief system
A new film titled 'Stew Peas,' directed by award-winning Jamaican filmmaker Sosiessia Nixon, explores the outlawed African magic practice known as obeah, which has persisted in Jamaica despite being banned by colonizers in the 1700s. The film follows Jamaican detective Tessa, who becomes obsessed with an old murder case intertwined with this cultural tradition.
WPN Brief
- What Happened
A new film titled 'Stew Peas,' directed by award-winning Jamaican filmmaker Sosiessia Nixon, explores the outlawed African magic practice known as obeah, which has persisted in Jamaica despite being banned by colonizers in the 1700s. The film follows Jamaican detective Tessa, who becomes obsessed with an old murder case intertwined with this cultural tradition.
- Why It Matters
This development is significant as it brings attention to the cultural heritage of Jamaica and the ongoing relevance of obeah in contemporary society, highlighting the intersection of history, spirituality, and identity in the face of colonial legacy.