Published On:Wednesday, December 09, 2009

TOMORROW night is the anticipated official start of the 6th edition of the Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF). And with big name Hollywood stars like Johnny Depp being honoured and critically acclaimed movies such 'Precious' being shown, this year's festival promises to be a spectacular event.

Taking place from December 10-17, the festival will showcase 68 films from 26 countries, including 38 features of which several are world or international premieres, and nearly all Bahamian premieres.

The four competition categories at BIFF are Spirit of Freedom: Narrative; Spirit of Freedom: Documentary; New Visions; and Short Film. Special sections include a Caribbean Sidebar, World Cinema showcase, Hispanic Cinema Spotlight and special screenings.

"The 6th Bahamas International Film Festival delivers a wide assortment of films from around the world that will no doubt entertain and enliven the island for the week. For anyone who shares a sincere appreciation for independent films of the highest quality, this festival will be a special experience," said Leslie Vanderpool, founder and executive director of BIFF.

Among the films screening at BIFF this year are the drama 'Skin' starring Sophie Okonedo, BIFF's Rising Star; Steven Soderbergh's 'The Girlfriend Experience'; Joshua Goldin's dark comedy 'Wonderful World' starring Matthew Broderick, and acclaimed documentaries 'Sweet Crude' and 'House of Numbers', to name just a few.

Bahamian filmmaker Kareem Mortimer's acclaimed indie drama 'Children of God' will raise the curtain at this year's festival as the official opening night film, while Lee Daniels' critically lauded drama 'Precious' starring Gabourey Sidibe, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, Mo'Nique, Sherri Shepherd and Paula Patton, will bring the week's festivities to an end as the official closing night film.

Festival patron Sir Sean Connery will again be lending his full support throughout the week. On Sunday, December 13, internationally acclaimed actor Johnny Depp will be honoured with the Career Achievement Tribute.

Then on Tuesday, December 15, Bahamian Director of Photography Gavin McKinney will be awarded the First Bahamian Tribute Award.

And on Wednesday, December 16, Academy Award nominee Sophie Okonedo ('Hotel Rwanda,' 'Skin') will be feted with the festival's special Rising Star Tribute. Festival-goers will also want to keep an eye out for rock icon Lenny Kravitz, celebrated filmmaker Lee Daniels and a host of Hollywood talent in town to celebrate cinema in paradise

The full BIFF programme is available in print or online at www.bintlfilmfest.com.

Booking for the 2009 festival is now open. Tickets can be purchased at the BIFF Office, 4th Terrace East, Collins Avenue.