Bahamian filmmaker, Marion Bethel

Canadians will get a healthy dose of exposure to The Bahamas this July when a Bahamian movie and a movie that used Bahamas locations are shown in Ottawa as part of The Bahamas’ Independence celebrations.

The Bahamas High Commission in Ottawa will present a screening of Marion Bethel’s Womanish Ways on July 7 and the science fiction film Singularity Principle on July 9.

"The Bahamas is now receiving promotional returns on the investment of time and other resources placed into assisting with the making of the films," said Bahamas Film Commissioner Craig Woods.

“Ms. Bethel’s documentary on the women’s suffrage movement in The Bahamas has been screened in several countries and cities,” he said.

“It has tremendous appeal, and has won numerous awards. The good thing for The Bahamas from a promotional perspective is that whenever it is shown, it is associated with The Bahamas. So there is great value in that.”

Among other awards, Womanish Ways has won Best Documentary for 2012 at the Urban Suburban Film Festival. Just before the Ottawa showing, Ms. Bethel will receive the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) prestigious Tri-annual Award for women at the opening ceremony of the 36th regular meeting of Caribbean Heads of Government (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Bahamas Film Commission provided logistical support to the film Singularity Principle. The film features William B. Davis, known for his iconic portrayal of Cigarette Smoking Mind in the X Files series and movie.

William B. Davis (right) prepares to shoot a scene of Singularity Principle in The Bahamas with co-star Michael Denis. (Photo: Derek Smith/BIS)