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Entertainment : Bahamas International Film Festival Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM


PM Remarks at Opening of BIFF
Dec 11, 2012 - 1:51:41 AM

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REMARKS


BY

THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE BAHAMAS

THE RT. HON. PERRY CHRISTIE, MP

AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE

BAHAMAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (BIFF)

Thursday, 6th December 2012

Honoured guests, filmmakers, ladies and gentlemen,

I am honoured to be here to bring remarks at the opening ceremony of the 9th annual Bahamas International Film Festival, and knowing that you are all eager to view the opening night film, Quartet, I will be brief.

Since its beginning in 2004, under the leadership of Ms. Leslie Vanderpool, BIFF has grown to truly be an international film festival that is distinctly Bahamian in flavor and is something that The Bahamas can be proud to boast on its annual calendar.

The festival offers a chance for Bahamian film-buff residents to indulge in a weekend of stellar films and film stars.

BIFF has also become a star tourist attraction and is fast becoming one of the key ways our islands are promoted to filmmakers and producers.

Over the years, The Bahamas has gained popularity as a filmmaking destination, due to its beauty and proximity to the USA.  The success of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has made our waters and beaches stars in their own right.

BIFF has also become the premier event for Bahamian filmmakers to showcase their work, not only to the Bahamian public, but to the international public.  BIFF has been instrumental in giving Bahamians a stage to share all aspects of filmmaking and BIFF has been relentless in its efforts to ensure that there are always Bahamian films in the theatre, along with the best films from around the world.

This year, there are 8 films that have been made by Bahamian filmmakers.  These 8 films all share compelling stories, feature Bahamians, highlight some aspect of our culture or capture the beauty of our islands.

While I encourage you to see as many films as you can, there are 4 that I am keen to have you watch.

These films document the lives and the work of iconic Bahamians; Bahamians who have helped to shape our history.

As we continue with celebrations leading up to the 40th Anniversary of our independence, it is important that we celebrate, not only this achievement, but the people who have made it possible and have crafted The Bahamas these past 40 years.

The fact that these films have been made alone pleases me.  It is ever so important that we record our history, and even more so that we record it in ways that are easily shared. Film is, of course, one way to do this.

Too many Bahamians do not know of the cultural impact that Jackson Burnside has made in the short time he was given to us.  They do not know the names Mary Ingraham, Georgiana Symonette, Mabel Walker, Eugenia Lockhart and Dr. Doris Johnson.  Even fewer may know of the absolute brilliance of Kendal Hanna.

So the four films I am keen for you to watch are, A Man With A Voice by Maria Govan, which chronicles the life of Bahamian legend, the late Norman Soloman.  As a journalist, politician, activist and businessman Norman Soloman made a distinct mark on The Bahamas.

 

Womanish Ways, Freedom and Democracy, by Marion Bethel and Maria Govan, focuses on the five women who led the Women’s Suffragette Movement.  This year we celebrate 50 years since Bahamian women gained the right to vote and therefore this film is timely in its celebration of these women and this movement.  Indeed, in its own way, the film celebrates all Bahamian women.    

Jackson: Native Son by Karen Arthur and Thomas Neuwirth chronicles the life and work of Bahamian cultural icon, the late Jackson Burnside.  Jackson was a painter, architect, philosopher and Junkanoo, for the well initiated or “Junkanoo-er” for those of you who are not.  I want you all to know that I am in the former category.  Jackson’s contributions to this country are extensive and cannot be measured.

The final film I want you to see is 25 Years of Junior Junkanoo.  First, because it celebrates the journey of Junior Junkanoo, and I want you see it for selfish reasons; you see I am one of the stars in the film!

This film also represents BIFF’s commitment to involve and educate our school children in the business of making films.  15 students from 4 schools, C. C. Sweeting; Woodcock Primary, A.F. Adderley Jr. High and C. R. Walker, learned how to make a film in a day – in a day!  Projects like these continue to be extremely important in enriching the arts education of our students.

This year BIFF has also extended its reach to the island of Eleuthera.  Indicative, not only of BIFF’s growth, it is another cultural experience for residents and visitors to the island.

Once again I would like to congratulate Leslie Vanderpool and the BIFF Board and staff for producing and hosting yet another successful film festival.  In particular, I want to thank them, and the filmmakers for sharing, in 8 films, our Bahamian history and I hope that these films are continually screened during our 40th Independence Celebrations.

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