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Scion and some of the nation’s prominent cutting-edge filmmakers have teamed up to present the cinematic event of the fall, the Route 08: Scion Independent Film Series. In November, the showcase displays the third movie of its lineup, documentary “The Upsetter,” in cities across the U.S.

“The Upsetter” is the first feature-length film about the life and genius of Jamaican musician and visionary Lee Scratch Perry. The film probes Perry's mysterious youth, as well as the extraordinary events at the peak of his years producing music in Kingston. Scratch mentored a young Bob Marley, created the sound of reggae as we know it, pioneered a new genre of music he called dub, and invented what was to become “the remix,” all while working out of the famous Black Art Studio. Filmed in Jamaica, London, Tokyo, Switzerland, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles by directors Ethan Higbee and Adam Bhala Lough, “The Upsetter” documents Perry's influence on all reaches of the globe.

Also known as nahte, Higbee is the other half of music group International Friends, in addition to being a filmmaker, music producer, and painter. In 2003, he produced his first feature film, “Haro Hara: Pilgrimage to Kataragama, Sri Lanka,” and he is currently directing his second feature film, “The Anti-Fascist,” an in-depth look at radio pioneer Dave Emory.

In 2003, Lough's first feature film as a writer/director, “Bomb the System,” premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best First Feature. His follow up, “Weapons,” premiered at Sundance in 2007, where it was nominated for a Grand Jury Prize. Adam lives and works in Brooklyn.

The November running of “The Upsetter” will be followed by a new offering in December. Each screening is preceded by a cocktail reception and DJ performance from one of the area’s top beatsmiths. Q&A sessions with special guests are also a part of each evening’s agenda.

Viewings of the Route 08: Scion Independent Film Series are free and open to the public. However, attendees must RSVP at www.scion.com/route. All attendees must be 21 or older. For more information, please visit www.scion.com/route.

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