March 15, 2010

Stonetree Records and Yaha Films are very proud to announce the DVD release of the documentary film Three Kings of Belize. This award winning movie from Belizean/Canadian Director Katia Paradis has been screened at 25 festivals worldwide and is finally now available for sale in Belize.

Three Kings of Belize tells the story of the everyday lives of musicians Paul Nabor, Florencio Mess, and Wilfred Peters; three men from different cultures who are connected by their individual struggles as well as their passion for the uniquely Belizean music each creates.

Ms. Paradis spent nearly four years following her subjects, her efforts resulting in the very beautiful and intimate portraits that come to life on screen. In her film, Ms. Paradis has managed to convey a uniquely Belizean story with a universal message. Critics in other countries have said the documentary is a real testament of love through music.

For Ms. Paradis, the release of Three Kings of Belize on DVD is one of the most satisfying steps on an incredible journey. "Just to know that I have created a film that Belizeans will want to own is an amazing feeling. Recognizing that Mr. Peters, Florencio Mess, and Paul Nabor will not be with us forever but will in some way always live on through this film makes me feel extremely proud to have undertaken this project.

Ms. Paradis recalls, "When I first came to Belize in 1998, I immediately got involved with music, being married to Belizean music producer Ivan Duran of Stonetree Records. Music is a big part of our lives and I felt it was important to tell the personal story of these three musicians. I admire them for who they are and the values they carry. I think all any documentary filmmaker ever hopes for is to create something that matters and I feel I have achieved that with this, my first film."

Three Kings of Belize has been well received at a number of international film festivals around the world, winning the Audience Award at the 2009 Belize International Film Festival and Best First Film at a Pan African International Festival in Canada. According to Ms. Paradis, "Three Kings of Belize resonates with audiences regardless of culture, language or geography. I think that's because stories of humanity, when told with sincerity, will always hold relevance no matter where you go in this world."

Founded 15 years ago, Stonetree Records has a relationship with each of these "Three Kings" that goes back to the mid 1990's. The release of multiple recordings from Mr. Peters helped to revive the career of Belize's premier Brukdong artist, while Florencio Mess' Maya Kekchi Strings is one of the few recordings of that traditional genre of music. Perhaps most notable is the 1999 compilation Paranda that propelled Punta Gorda's Paul Nabor from virtual obscurity to Belizean musical icon. Before retiring, Mr. Nabor spent much of the past decade performing around the world, touring with the late great Andy Palacio.

Three Kings of Belize is one of those staples of our unique Belizean culture that everyone should want to have for their personal library. The DVD is available at quality gift shops and music stores as well as various retail outlets countrywide. Distributed exclusively by Stonetree Records: 8232241, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it