Ministry of Tourism Updates
"Rain" DVD floods U.S. retailers
By Clarence Rolle
Aug 9, 2010 - 1:01:01 PM

Director General of Tourism Vernice Walkine receives her autographed copy of the movie, Rain. Pictured (from left) are the movie's star, Renel Brown; Ms. Walkine, Ms. Govan and Bahamas Film Commissioner Craig Woods.

The Bahamas continues to get greater international exposure from the Bahamian-produced film, Rain, which has secured distribution with major United States retailers, including Walmart and Target.

Maria Govan, the movie’s director, recently presented Tourism Director General Vernice Walkine with a copy of the DVD. Ms. Govan also updated Ms. Walkine on the DVD sales, which are on a robust trend.

“We’re in 740 Walmarts, almost 300 Targets,” said Ms. Govan. “It’s at Blockbuster.It’s on Netflix. It’s in a lot of boutique little stores. It’s really everywhere.”

The commercial momentum of Rain follows the industry strength it has gained over several months as it has gone through the film festival circuit. Its festival wins include the Audience Award for Best Feature at the Bahamas International Film Festival, the New Voices/Vision Special Jury Mention at the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Best Director for First Feature at the Pan African Film & Arts Festival.

Ms. Govan thanked Ms. Walkine for the Ministry of Tourism’s assistance in the making of Rain. Without a crucial role played by the Ministry, she said, the movie would not have been completed.

“The Public may not know but tourism was really a part of this film hugely,” Ms. Govan said. “We were given the (filming) incentive (of) 17 percent (of the film’s budget) at a time we desperately needed it. We could not have finished without the Ministry of Tourism.”

Ms. Walkine said the Ministry of Tourism & Aviation looks to facilitate filming in The Islands Of The Bahamas whenever possible. She was not surprised at the success of Rain due to its intriguing story and strong acting performances.

“We treat very seriously the making of films in The Bahamas, particularly films that have the ability to extend our brand and present beautiful images of the country and all that,” Ms. Walkine said. “But notwithstanding a story might be less than promotional in nature, the setting supports our goal, our objective.”

Ms. Govan continues to work on new film projects while Rain enjoys success in DVD distribution.

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