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Last Updated: Dec 29, 2011 - 2:18:31 AM

The Little Film Festival That Could...
By The Bahamas Weekly News Team
Dec 31, 2010 - 10:23:47 AM

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SLIDE SHOW photos by Eric Rose for BIFF 2010

Nassau, Bahamas - The Bahamas Weekly News Team were pleased to once again attend and support the Bahamas International Film Festival now ending its seventh year.

The Festival has become a shining example of teamwork between organizers, sponsors, and participants and is now noted to be one of the best in the Caribbean.

Although the length of the festival was reduced this year due to economic reasons, sponsors such as Atlantis gave strong support to assist as a key venue for this years event, which in turn is a convenience for visiting film makers who were also accommodated at resort.

The festival boasted 5 days of activity and film packed schedules from screenings to panels with film industry professionals, special gala nights and after parties. There was something for everyone.

On awards night it was evident by the accolades from the film makers on stage that this 'cinema in paradise' festival has a lot to offer and is unique in providing an intimate and cultural experience in The Bahamas.

Filmmakers were welcomed their first evening at a reception at the Green Parrot in Nassau where they were able to see Bahamian fashions by Brynda Knowles, and hear the popular local band, Visage.

Friday's opening night film was well attended and enjoyed by all with the screening of Tamara Drewe, a hilarious quirky and visually beautiful comedy from the UK. Patrons enjoyed Fiesta Hispania in the Great Hall of Water at Royal Towers, Atlantis afterward to a Latino and flamenco vibe with dancers, singers and musicians coupled with incredible food with Hispanic flavors.

Photo: Eric Rose, BIFF

This year, possibly a first for the festival, was the screening of a music video which was shot on location in Grand Bahama. " Amigo" featuring Bahamian singing stars, Sweet Emily and Ronnie Butler was screened on Saturday. Supporting Bahamian film making, the festival screened the following films out of The Bahamas: At the End of the World, Beneath the Blue, Breaking News, Contact Zone, Crazy Love, Grandpa's Quest, Gus Outdoors, Open Your Eyes, Redial Sunshine, Smoke Signals, The Kindly Ones, Lionfish Invasion, The Sperrit, and Tribute. This may well be the most Bahamian films screened in one year at the festival to date.

The Career Tribute took place on Saturday at the Atlantis Theatre with the multi-talented stage and film actor, Alan Arkin. The Academy Award winner was accompanied by his co-star from Little Miss Sunshine, Abigail Breslin, who when presenting his career achievement award said, "We go way back". Now a young lady of 14 years, Breslin went on to say how patient and kind Arkin was when they worked together on Little Miss Sunshine, where Arkin played her grandfather, when she was 9 years old. "I was completed convinced he was my grandfather, and forgot we were pretending".

Arkin was interviewed by film critic Jeffrey Lyons after a montage of Arkin's work was shown. Arkin gave advice to the audience during a question and answer period sharing that improvisation was great training for actors, and he shared his experience of being a part of Second City which recently celebrated 40 years. "Were had no where else to go," he said. "We were all losers."

The well attended closing film was the highly acclaimed period drama Weinstein Company's The King's Speech, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance. Awards were presented and the closing night party was at the Green Parrot where Sammy T and His Tight Trouser provided rocking dance music.

There's no doubt that founder and executive director of BIFF, Leslie Vanderpool has already begun preparations for next year's festival! Year after year her team's hard work pays off, and the country of The Bahamas gets to bask in the accomplishments of this wonderful festival. It has undoubtedly enhanced film making in the country, and shines light on The Bahamas for the rest of the world to see.

For more information on the Bahamas International Film Festival go to: www.bintlfilmfest.com