The Story of Lovers Rock, a feature length documentary we’ve covered previously on this site, will soon open the African Diaspora International Film Festival in New York City.

The film, from director Menelik Shabazz, tells the story of an era and a music that defined a generation in the late 70s and 80s. Lovers Rock is romantic reggae that was uniquely British. It developed from a small UK scene to become a global brand through the likes of UB40 and Maxi Priest.

Currently enjoying a successful theatrical run in the UK, the film will open ADIFF 2011 on Friday, November 25 at the Thalia Theater at Symphony Space, in a program that also includes Shabazz’ 1981 narrative film Burning an Illusion.

Below, see the trailer for The Story of Lovers Rock:

ADIFF runs November 25th through December 13th. For screening details and tickets, click here.