Nassau, Bahamas -
The National Coordinating Committee has announced that the Second Traveling Caribbean Film Showcase will be hosted in The Bahamas during the period February 9th – 13th.
The Showcase, established two years ago, was first launched in The Bahamas in 2007 and is intended to recognize the work and skill of film producers from the Caribbean region and to provide an avenue for those producers to expose their work and creativity to other members of the broader Caribbean community. Owen Bethel, President of Bahamas FilmInvest International, a sponsor and organizer of the first event and a member of the National Coordinating Committee, stated that “many Bahamians who were exposed to the films appreciated for the first time the depth of skill and diversity that exists within our own neighbourhood; that the caliber of the works of these producers could stand parallel to the films created by well-known Hollywood producers. Furthermore, the films generally contained issues or subject matter to which the local population could relate.”
This year the Showcase will focus on themes that are relevant to children and adolescents, not only from the perspective of films that will entertain them but also drawing attention to issues that affect and threaten the youth of the region. Erica James, curator of the National Arts Gallery and a member of the National Coordinating Committee, indicated that “given our own circumstances regarding the issues of youth in our country it should be a revealing experience for Bahamians of all ages to view the films of the Showcase. While highlighting the diversity of cultures within the region, the films will also show our common experiences.”
After reviewing 116 films of producers representing 16 countries in the region, the International Selection Committee accepted 52 films representing 12 countries for presentation during the Second Travelling Caribbean Film Showcase. Productions from Belize, Cuba, Curacao, Colombia, Costa Rica, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela will be featured in this year’s Showcase. The First Travelling Caribbean Film Showcase held in 2007 featured 21 films from 13 countries including The Bahamas.
Venues for the films will include Galleria Cinemas and the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas. The Opening Show will take place at Galleria Cinemas (JFK location) on Monday, 9th February, at 7.00 p.m. and will feature two films “Casa de Munecas” (Doll House) from Nicaragua, and “Invisible” from Trinidad & Tobago. Evening family screenings will take place at the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, West and West Hill streets from Tuesday, 10th February to Friday, 13th February at 7.00 p.m.
Secondary schools, community groups and youth organizations are invited to arrange for private screenings of the selection of films for their students and members at group meetings and in the schools. All necessary screening equipment for such presentations will be provided by the Committee.
For further information, please contact Michael Edwards, Education Officer, or Shevanne Carr, Administrative Assistant to the Director, at the National Art Gallery at telephone number 242-328-5800.
