Of Cod and Rum: The Newfoundland Connection (2019)

Of Cod and Rum: The Newfoundland Connection is a documentary feature that tells the story of two former British colonies, Newfoundland and Jamaica, that are brought together through trade. Newfoundland, affectionately known as THE ROCK, provides the island in the sun with the salted cod Jamaicans love. Jamaica, nicknamed JAMROCK, warms up wintry Newfoundland with rum. Through spoken-word artist, Al St. Louis, the film takes viewers on a journey of discovery. During a visit to Newfoundland, Al discovers its long-time connection to Jamaica, a place he has dreamed of visiting for many years. In Newfoundland, Al meets with historians, fishermen, businessmen, distillers and ordinary people to learn more about the historical and cultural links between these two seemingly very different islands. After being "screeched in" to become an honorary Newfoundlander, he visits Jamaica to fill in the other pieces of the puzzle. Al's journey to both islands reveals what the Canadian and Caribbean islands share in their history and culture beyond the salted cod and rum.