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Last Updated: Dec 29, 2009 - 1:03:35 PM

Local Bahamian Filmmakers Win Cash Prizes at BIFF
By Dennis Dembia
Dec 16, 2009 - 3:21:49 PM

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Michael Drayton will receive $3,000 for his film “Granny Vs The Undead.” Photo: AshHenderson.com

Three Filmmakers Win $10,000 From Festival Filmmaker Residency Program

Nassau, Bahamas – Winners of the Bahamas International Film Festival’s Filmmaker Residency Program were announced at the Balmoral Club in Nassau following the Festival’s tribute to Johnny Depp and the BIFF film awards presentation on December 13th. The announcements were made by Festival Founder and Executive Director Leslie Vanderpool and esteemed Filmmaker Residency advisors Kelly Moore, Steven Beer, Nathaniel Kohn, George Heller and Marisa Polvino.

BIFF’s Filmmaker Residency Program will award a total of $10,000 to local Bahamian filmmakers Vashti Anderson, Miguel Drayton and Ithalia Johnson. Vashti Anderson’s screenplay and film project is titled “Cold Calypso” and she will receive $5,000 for its development and production. Michael Drayton will receive $3,000 for his film “Granny Vs The Undead,” while Ithalia Johnson was awarded $2,000 for her screenplay “Play Me a Life.”

BIFF’s Filmmaker Residency Program was established to award a significant cash prize to a deserving independent Bahamian and Caribbean filmmaker vying for funding on his or her project. The prize money will go directly towards the development and production of their films.

Ithalia Johnson was awarded $2,000 for her screenplay “Play Me a Life.” Photo: AshHenderson.com

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.

The full BIFF program is now available in print and online at www.bintlfilmfest.com. Tickets can be booked online, over the telephone, or in person at BIFF box offices. Every year the Festival offers advance ticket deals from the date of Box opening to the first day of the Festival.

Vashti Anderson’s screenplay and film project is titled “Cold Calypso” and she will receive $5,000 for its development and production. Photo: AshHenderson.com