Paradise Island,
Bahamas -- The Bahamas International Film Festival got underway last
night with a world premiere screening of "Children of God" a film by
Bahamian Kareem Mortimer.
The screening took place at the Atlantis
Theater to a full audience. Residents of Nassau can see the film over the next week - check the BIFF schedule.
Founder and Executive Directory of
BIFF, Leslie Vanderpool opened the Festival and welcomed the visiting
film makers saying Film Festival are all about 'dreams'. Giving
remarks at the opening screening was the Deputy Prime Minister of The
Bahamas, the Hon. Brent Symonette; Director General of Ministry of
Tourism, Vernice Walkine; and representative from Atlantis. The audience was treated to a pre-recorded message by Bahamian actor Sir Sidney Poitier.
After the screening the film maker, and his entire team and cast took to the stage to field questions from the audience.
The night progressed to the Atlantis for the opening night gala at the Royal Towers Great Hall of Water where ICandy Swimwear was featured on beautiful models standing in the water, and guests were entertained by Bahamian singer, Ithalia Johnson.
The cast of 'Children of God' stand for a photo with Bahamian film maker Kareem Mortimer (center) Photo: AshHenderson.com
Founder and Executive Director of BIFF, Leslie Vanderpool; Bahamas Film Commissioner Craig Woods; and Director General, Bahamas Tourism, Vernice Walkine. Photo: AshHenderson.com
CHILDRENOFGOD is the religious concept that human beings are regarded by
God as his
children, and is used by Christians to refer to human divinity. It is the story
of
two individua
ls who learn that in order to live a truly happy life you
have to risk speaking and acting on your true feelings. Set against the
backdrop
of a nation grappling with violent homophobia, this film tells the story
of
Jon, a white Bahamian artist who faces losing his scholarship at a
local University and Lena a conservative religious woman who is
struggling with a crumbling marriage. Both escape city life in Nassau
to the island
of Eleuthera, where their worlds
collide in a fashion that will surprise audiences. The film was shot
last summer entirely in the Bahamas in Nassau and Eleuthera.
The film stars Van Brown, Johnny Ferro, Mark Ford, Margaret Kemp, Stephen Tyrone Williams and a plethora
of Bahamian cast.
"Film festivals are about dreams," said Leslie Vanderpool, Founder and Executive Director of BIFF on opening night. Photo: AshHenderson.com
Director General for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism welcomes the film makers to The Bahamas. Photo: AshHenderson.com
Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas and patron of BIFF gives remarks on opening night. Photo: AshHenderson.com
Bahamian film maker Kareem Mortimer speaks to the audience at the Atlantis Theater at the world premiere of his film, "Children of God". Photo: AshHenderson.com
The audience was treated to a pre-recorded message from Bahamian actor, Sir Sidney Poitier. Photo: AshHenderson.com
ICandy Swimwear of The Bahamas was featured at the opening night gala at Atlantis' Royal Towers Great Hall of Water. Photo: AshHenderson.com
The Royal Towers Great Hall of Water at Atlantis was a beautiful setting for patrons of BIFF. Photo: AshHenderson.com
The
Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) is a nonprofit
organization committed to providing the local community and
international festival-goers with a diverse presentation
of
films from the Bahamas and around the world. In addition to showcasing
films that might not otherwise be released theatrically, BIFF provides
unique cultural experiences, educational programs, and forums for
exploring the past, present and future
of cinema. BIFF aims to raise the level
of filmmaking, participation and education throughout the Bahamas and the world.
Robbin Whachell interviewing the star of Children of God, Johnny Ferro. Stay tuned for upcoming video coverage by The Bahamas Weekly. Photo: AshHenderson.com
