If Mandela Fubler is the promise of things to come on the local film making scene, we're finally going to make headway with local programming.

Armed with a relatively inexpensive video camera, about seven photographs, an atlas, some album covers and a few local people, he made a film worth watching. His documentary ‘Rock Music In Bermuda' takes an honest look at the music's popularity on the Island.

It is told through the voices of locals. Those interested in the music and those who are not. It's not a debate about whether the music is good or bad, whether it should be played or not, it's simply a little slice of a not-often-thought about topic on the Island.

Mr. Fubler intersperses text, with on camera interviews, shots of Bermuda photographs and some footage of the radio studios at Power 95 and Mix 106. He fades beautifully from one scene to the next and most of his on camera interviews are shot well, especially considering the equipment he used.

It would have been a great deal stronger if all the interviews had been shot. Dialogue text is used too much. Once or twice would have been alright but anything over that, especially for a film this short - is too much.

Fast paced thumping rock music played over scenic still shots of sailing in the sound, a local church , the ferry at the dock or a pedal cyclist going down the street; give an interesting contrast. At first I felt quite strongly that the shots needed to move fast, just as fast as the music, to be in time with the music, but looking deeper, I think 17-year-old Mr. Fubler had a more mature approach than me. The quiet leisurely Bermuda scenes set against the fast pumping music, add a subtext to the piece. (Really good work there Mandela.)

Mr. Fubler's directing talent is evidenced too in how the interviews are edited. How they are pieced together, flowing from one person to the next in different settings, angles and view points. You cannot be bored watching this piece, not if you're Bermudian, not if you live here. It is certain to pull you in and cause you to think about the topic, if only for a second or two.

Cathy Stovell