Paradise Island, The Bahamas - No question about it, the Chopard and Versace red carpet gala event on Friday, December 5th, at The Cloisters, One and Only Ocean Club was a true taste of Hollywood in The Bahamas!  The Bahamas Weekly News Team was on hand as the who's who of Bahamian society, and avid Festival supporters turned out to mingle with independent film makers from around the globe.

Guests arrived by limousine and courtesy shuttles, and were greeted with flutes of champagne as cameras flashed and rolled. After having their photos taken (everyone is treated like a star at a Chopard/Versace event!) people floated up the red carpet into Cloisters which looks like a Greek temple in the sky.  There was an endless flow of sumptuous nibbles and cocktails as the gracious hosts, the Chee-a-tow family of Chopard and Versace Bahamas, and the Bahamas International Film Festival team headed by Leslie Vanderpool, assured that everyone was well taken care of.

The highlight of the evening was the world-class Versace fashion show set against the backdrop of the bay as models glided effortlessly down the catwalk showcasing the 2009 Versace line adorned with Chopard jewelry. The look was clean, fitted, sophisticated, yet versatile. The flowing gowns were to die for!  Paul Beck (ex-husband of Donatella Versace) of Versace Milan was even in town for the event. The show went off without a hitch.

The grand finale was an explosive fireworks display that illuminated the sky.

Film, food, fashion, fun and fireworks at the 5th Annual Bahamas International Film Festival...

In this video you will hear from The Bahamas Weekly's Robbin Whachell; and also featured is Wayne Chee-a-tow of Chopard/Versace Bahamas; founder of BIFF, Leslie Vanderpool; recording artist, Terneille "TaDa" Burrows; Bahamian filmmaker Kareem Mortimer, and Onike Archer, BIFF marketing.

Another successful year for a film festival that just keeps on getting better and better!