Kootoo, "King Devil" of rural Paramin is getting ready for Trinidad's famous Carnival. Every year he and his brothers play'jab'. They become'possessed', harassing bystanders, ripping up banana trees, blowing fire. But does Kootoo still have it in him to retain his title, or with the younger Jabs be the better of him?

With a CD-worthy soundtrack of traditional Trinidadian folk-songs and calypsos, this exquisitely filmed documentary provides an intimate and humourous portrait of a unique Trinidadian community.

This 46 minute documentary is set during the build-up to Carnival in the mountain village of Paramin. It tells the story of the Fatima Trace Blue Devils, a band of brothers headed by Kootoo, the king devil, as they prepare for the big Carnival Monday competition. We follow their transformation from ordinary, working members of the community into the outrageous, terrifying., mock-diabolic creatures that are the blue devils or "jabs". Known for his athletic prowess and his dancing skills, the charismatic Kootoo must still work hard to win the prize for the best devil band. Told by the villagers themselves in their own dialect, this entertaining story highlights the joyous heart of Paramin.

Director: Alex de Verteuil
Trinidad & Tobago, 2008. 46 min.

Producer & Director: Alex de Verteuil
Format: DVD

Purchase this DVD: www.trinidadmusicstore.com. A Different Booklist, 746 Bathurst St., Toronto