Bahamas
International Film Festival
HURRICANES
FRANCES AND JEANNE HAVE SPARED NASSAU.
Come
to Nassau and Paradise Island from December 9 - 12 and join filmmakers
and celebrites from around the world at the inaugural edition of The
Bahamas International Film Festival. The festival will entertain visitors
with a diverse presentation of international films, unusual cultural
experiences and fantanstic social events. Come and be a part of the
fun!
In
celebration of Cinema in Paradise, the first annual Bahamas International
Film Festival will present approximately fifty films, encompassing international
features, shorts, documentaries, and animation. The theme of this year's
Official Competition is the “Spirit of Freedom" with a focus
on works that provide insight into the mosaic of cultures that make
up our world. Competition films will be eligible for a Grand Jury Prize.
The Festival will also showcase a series of innovative works by emerging
artists, with a special Modern Maverick Award to be presented by pioneer
filmmaker Roger Corman. Other film sections will include Retrospectives,
Short Film Program, and a Caribbean Sidebar. The Festival will also
honor accomplished artists with Gala Presentations and Special Tributes.
Education and connection between the film
industry and the Bahamian community is an important aspect of the Festival's
mission. “The Bahamas International Film Festival would like to
convey the message that the island of the Bahamas welcomes the international
film community and looks forward to linking industry and education,"
says executive director Leslie Vanderpool. “When we organized
the set visit to Brett Ratner's AFTER THE SUNSET, for students and local
filmmakers, it gave me great pleasure to experience their excitement
and bring awareness to the youth and talent of our nation."
In continuing this mission, the Festival
will present a series of interactive, educational seminars. Established
industry professionals will conduct these sessions for filmmakers and
the public at the world-renowned Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, & Conservation
Centre. Topics will include filmmaking, acting, directing, screenwriting
and film financing. “We look forward to offering more one-on-one
experiences and opportunities between directors, producers, actors,
festival guests and the local community at our inaugural film festival,"
comments Ms. Vanderpool.
The inaugural Festival, whose Founding
Partners include the Island of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and the
Atlantis Paradise Island Resort will craft a genuine cultural experience
for its guests by showcasing the nation's many tropical charms. In addition
to Cinema in Paradise, Festival highlights will include beach screenings
and hospitality suites at the prestigious Atlantis Paradise Island Resort
as well as educational forums, a unique filmmaker retreat, and a diverse
menu of local recreational activities.
