Writer/Director/Producer returns to BIFF after Participating in Festival’s Filmmaker Residency Program in 2007
Nassau, Bahamas – Children of God
, directed by Bahamian, Kareem Mortimer to open 2009 Bahamas International
Film Festival (BIFF).
The Bahamas International Film Festival
(BIFF) announced today that Kareem Mortimer’s acclaimed indie drama
“CHILDREN OF GOD” will be the opening film at this year’s festival,
which takes place December 10-17 in Nassau. The intimate drama is slated
to screen in Nassau on Friday, December 11th.
“We are thrilled to once again have
a Bahamian Film Open this years festival. This is Kareem Mortimer’s
debut feature film, and to see that BIFF has assisted Kareem throughout
his nascent career means a lot. A participant in the BIFF Filmmaker
Residency Program in 2007, is sure to be an award winning filmmaker
at many film festivals around the globe and we wish Kareem all the success.”
Says Vanderpool.
CHILDREN OF GOD originally titled “Daybreak”
was shot last summer entirely in the Bahamas in Nassau and Eleuthera.
The film is written, directed and produced by Kareem Mortimer, who Kareem
Mortimer says that “It is also a subtle and haunting look at race,
sexuality and religion in the Bahamas which makes it a very timely and
important film and also an extremely gorgeous one to look at. We are
very proud of this effort and to open at the Bahamas International Film
Festival (BIFF) is a dream come true” says Mortimer.
The film stars Van Brown, Johnny Ferro,
Mark Ford, Margaret Kemp, Stephen Tyrone Williams and a plethora of
Bahamian Cast.
CHILDREN OF GOD 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 individuals
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.
2009 BIFF begins Thursday, December
10th and runs through Thursday, December 17th.
Additional announcements pertaining to the Festival will be made throughout
the year.
About the Bahamas International
Film Festival
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 & future of cinema. BIFF aims to raise the level
of filmmaking, participation and education throughout The Bahamas and
the world.
www.bintlfilmfest.com
Additional information on “CHILDREN
OF GOD” can be found at www.childrenofgodthemovie.com
