Nassau, Bahamas - When the Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) begins its 8th annual film festival December 1 - 4, it will be doing so with the assistance of RBC Royal Bank. RBC and BIFF came together this year to promote a new programme called ‘FIRST LOOK’ specifically for Bahamian emerging filmmakers.

BIFF and RBC officially launched ‘First Look’ with Bahamas Video Cooperative members to assist first time filmmakers in creating original films, which will be considered for the 2011 BIFF. Both short and feature film entries will be eligible to win a US$5,000.00 cash prize award.

“RBC believes in the power of the Arts to enrich lives and enhance communities,” says Jan Knowles, Manager, Public Relations and Communications, RBC. “Investing in the Arts is a longstanding priority for RBC in The Bahamas and globally. Through this programme we seek to continue a global RBC tradition of empowering emerging local artists. By helping young, up and coming Bahamian film-makers achieve their goals, RBC commits to the development of our nation’s culture as well as the advancement of an industry that has the potential to generate great returns for our country.”

Expressing her excitement about the partnership, BIFF’s Founder and Executive Director, Leslie Vanderpool noted, “We are very pleased with RBC Royal Bank’s decision to support and promote film and the visual arts in The Bahamas. BIFF plays a pivotal role in the development of the film industry within The Bahamas and around the world. RBC’s support will, by extension, contribute to our growth and development in The Bahamas.”

For more information, please visit www.rbc.com/Caribbean or www.bintlfilmfest.com