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News : Grand Bahama Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM


Grand Bahama Looks to Reap Economic Rewards from the Film Industry
By Deidre Rahming, GBPA
Nov 1, 2012 - 11:54:58 AM

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Visiting filmmakers and organizers / sponsors of FLIFF On Location: Grand Bahama Island, a mini film festival that took place for the second year had the opportunity to look around the island after Hurricane Sandy left. This shot was taken at Fortune Beach, one of the many pristine locations for filmmaking. Photo courtesy of TheBahamasWeekly.com

Freeport, Bahamas
– Grand Bahama lived up to its reputation of doing things in a ‘grand way’ as attendees at this year’s Florida International Film Festival (FLIFF) On Location: Grand Bahama were treated to an experience that seemed to mirror a Hollywood action script.  Amidst tropical storm winds, intermittent showers and utility outages caused by Hurricane Sandy, the four-day film event continued as planned and was deemed a success.

Now in its second leg of a three-year contract on Grand Bahama, FLIFF organizers are optimistic about the festival’s continuation and local impact.  Praising corporate sponsors like The Grand Bahama Port Authority, Limited (GBPA) for its continued support was FLIFF President & CEO, Gregory von Hausch who underscored the arts importance to humanity and the development of local talent.

As evidenced by the wide array of weekend screenings, budding Bahamian filmmakers and movie-lovers were exposed to the creative works of various producers from Cuba, the United States, Asia, Africa and Europe.  “The diversity of FLIFF’s screenings is one of the reasons we are happy to support the film festival,” GBPA Vice President, Ginger Moxey expressed.  “Where else can residents enjoy exposure to assorted professional productions in a limited period of time in such an enjoyable setting?  Therefore, we remain committed to fostering the arts and intellect of our citizenry through events of this nature.”

Renowned actor and Career Achievement Award recipient, Giancarlo Esposito expressed similar sentiments as he graciously thanked FLIFF for the recognition and praised the Bahamian people for their extreme hospitality.  “We are able to take a journey of the world and experience different cultures, languages, lifestyles and imagery through film,” he said.  In a willingness to share his passion for his craft, Esposito volunteered to return to The Bahamas to conduct workshops and training for locals in the industry.

By means of a specially arranged familiarization tour, visiting filmmakers were encouraged to imagine the possibilities of investing in Grand Bahama for their future projects.  As GBPA and Bahamas Film Commission/Ministry of Tourism representatives engaged the group in a guided tour of key city sites, visiting writers, producers, directors and film crew scouted possible shooting locations and personally sampled our island’s beautiful beaches and waters.  Many expressed their delight at Grand Bahama’s unique complement of unspoilt beaches, rustic charm, flora and fauna, modern infrastructure and rare concessions, all advantages for future filming projects.

As organizers and sponsors look ahead to FLIFF’s return to Grand Bahama next year, local officials also noted the economic benefits of hosting such an event and the potential promotional value that can result from attracting filmmakers, television and commercial productions to our shores.


 

FLIFF On Location: Grand Bahama Island  is a collaboration between the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board. The event has been made possible through the generous support of the following sponsors: Pelican Bay Hotel; TheBahamasWeekly.com; Mackey Media Ltd; Bahamas Celebration Cruises; Bahamasair; Balearia Bahamas Express; Grand Bahama Port Authority and Group of Companies; Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board; FLIFF; Ministry of Tourism and SkyBahamas Airlines.

The film festival features: Career Achievement Award presentation to Giancarlo Esposito; Films made in The Bahamas; Underwater cinematography workshop, including a shark dive, by award-winning cinematographer Paul Mockler; Independent Films from around the world; Complimentary outdoor screenings; and Student film competitions. 

For more information go to
the  Event Page on Facebook


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