At the Tribeca Festival in New York, Angela Bassett reminisced on her role as the titled character in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.” The film, set in Jamaica, did wonders for tourism and box office numbers. She was joined by the film’s director, Kevin Rodney Sullivan, and moderator Torell Sharone Taylor.
the movie was a sexy, box office hit that raised its fair share of eyebrows. According to The Los Angeles Times, “the island saw a 22 percent jump in visitors from the northeastern part of the U.S. alone.”
Based on the novel by Terry McMillan, the movie continues to invoke conversation.
Jamaica Is The Chief Setting For The Film
The movie originally was set to be filmed in Mexico for infrastructure reasons; however, those plans were cancelled. As one of the most popular Caribbean destinations, Jamaica has an imitable personality that has drawn tourists for generations.
The film doesn’t waste an opportunity to show the island at its best. Shots of the pristine beaches and swaying palm trees are accompanied by an island soundtrack. Even now, the film sends a clear message to viewers, especially Black women. Abandon your work stress, fly to Jamaica, and maybe you’ll find a lover of your own.
The on-island scenes were shot at Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Montego Bay, and Time N’Place in Falmouth.
Casting Stella Was Easy, But Winston Was Another Story
By the 1990s, Bassett cemented herself as a gifted actress.
Her work in “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and “Boyz N The Hood” impressed Sullivan. Bassett’s poise, beauty and sophistication made her ideal for the part of Stella.
The process of finding an actor to play Winston was more involved. The actor had to be a handsome young man who could believably sweep an older woman off her feet.
“Taye [Diggs] had the attributes that were needed across the board,” Bassett said. “And one of the foremost needed, was he had to fulfill a Black woman’s fantasy.”
The ageist tropes are as pervasive as the steamy scenes.
“I’m more cognizant of that than usual,” she said. “But, I try not to pay attention to it. As long as I keep a sense of wonder, excitement and love for the craft and for the people I work with, anything is possible.”
Jamaica Is Still A Destination For Lovers
The Jamaica Tourist Board capitalized on the success of the movie. It even hosted a special screening for American travel agents.
“We’re seeing groups of ladies coming together that look like the type Terry McMillan was writing about,” a representative from the Jamaica Grande Resort said. “More single ladies. I’ve heard tourists say things like, ‘there’s a Stella thing going on here.’”
A lot has changed in almost 30 years, but Jamaica hasn’t lost its seductive qualities. Whether you book a resort, or a private villa with your beloved, there’s no better destination for romance and adventure.
