The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism hosted a Bahamas Bahamas Night at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) on November 11th and two Bahamian films were screened: Gentle Giant: The Andre Rodgers Story, and When Pigs Swim. 

The special evening offered a taste of Bahamian hospitality, entertainment, and took place at Cinema Paradiso in Fort Lauderdale.

A good crowd came out including Bahamians living in Florida thanks to the partnership with Bahamas Tourism. When the director of "When Pigs Swim" Charlie Smith came out with Penelope the potbelly pig,  to represent her swimming cousins in Exuma, the crowd went wild and couldn't get enough photos.

Smith, Penelope and his film were recently featured Charleston's Live 5 News, and said the Exuma swimming pigs are generating quite a buzz at film fests. "Everyone who finds out that I am the director of 'When Pigs Swim' always gets a big smile on their face and says they can't believe that these pigs really swim," said Smith. "They are genuinely interested in the pigs and about how they got there, and if they are the only swimming pigs in the world. Those that see the film also ooh and aah over the beauty of the water and beaches in The Bahamas."

Filmmaker Gina Rodgers-Sealy was also on hand to speak to the crowd, and “Gentle Giant: The Andre Rodgers Story,” her biographical documentary about the first Bahamian to play major league baseball, is hitting home runs on the film festival circuit, and was extremely well received at FLIFF. “Gentle Giant” has been named as an official selection at 11 film festivals and has won the San Francisco Film Award for Best Documentary. The film is also the winner of two 2015 Haven Awards from the Bahamas International Film Festival for Best Director and Best Film.

Following the screenings, a Bahamian Junkanoo troupe swept everyone into the Courtyard for Sands Beer  and Conch Fritters. A great time was had by all.

Bottom photo left to right: Clarence Rolle, Bahamas Film Commission; Charlie Smith with Penelope the pig, "When Pigs Swim"; and Gina Rodgers-Sealey, Filmmaker, "Gentle Giant"

Far left: Bahamian filmmakers Gina Rodgers-Sealey and Charlie Smith