The Harder They Come (1972)

Less than a month after Hurricane Melissa struck on October 28, Jamaica faced another loss: reggae legend Jimmy Cliff passed away on November 24, at the age of 81. In tribute to Cliff (1944–2025), Caribbean Creativity hosts a special screening of The Harder They Come (1972) on Saturday, December 20, at Melkweg Cinema. The event is held in support of Hurricane Melissa relief efforts, with all proceeds directed to aid communities in Jamaica affected by the humanitarian crisis following the storm. With the short films Tales of Hurricane Melissa (2025) and Film Location Jamaica (2025) and an introduction by Netherlands-based Jamaican visual artist Karla King.

Jimmy Cliff’s passing marks the loss of one of Jamaica’s most influential musical ambassadors, a visionary who helped carry reggae from local sound system, to the global stage. With his soulful voice, socially conscious songwriting, and iconic performance in The Harder They Come, he gave poetic force to Jamaican resilience, struggle, and pride. Songs like 'Many Rivers to Cross,' 'You Can Get It If You Really Want,' and 'Wonderful World, Beautiful People' became anthems of hope and determination for people far beyond the Caribbean. Cliff was not only a pioneer of reggae and rocksteady, but a bridge-builder whose work shaped how the world understands Jamaican culture. His legacy endures in the artists he inspired, the global embrace of reggae, and the timeless humanity in his music.

The Harder They Come (1972) is a landmark Jamaican film (and the first Jamaican film ever made!) that tells the story of Ivanhoe 'Ivan' Martin, a young man from the countryside who comes to Kingston seeking fame as a singer but is drawn into crime and violence by the harsh realities of urban life. Beyond its gripping narrative, the film is a cultural milestone: it introduced international audiences to the sounds of reggae and the lived experience of Jamaica’s poor, becoming a global symbol of resistance, ambition, and resilience. Jimmy Cliff, who both starred in the film and contributed its unforgettable soundtrack, brought authenticity, charisma, and emotional depth to the story, transforming it into a vehicle for reggae’s worldwide breakthrough. The film and Cliff’s performance together cemented reggae not just as music, but as a cultural voice for Jamaica, inspiring generations of artists and firmly placing the island’s stories on the global stage.

Melkweg often hosts different types of programmes at the same time, such as concerts, club nights and films. Please note that there may occasionally be some noise pollution from other programmes during the screening.