FILMMAKERS PROTEST MINISTRY'S UK INITIATIVE

FILMMAKERS angered by a Ministry of Tourism initiative to fund UK-produced films about the Bahamas protested outside the Ministry's office yesterday.

About a dozen filmmakers and photographers joined Bahamas Film Festival founder and director Celi Moss for the demonstration in George Street, Nassau, calling on the Government to recognise and encourage local talent before extending opportunities to foreigners.

The 14 Islands Film Challenge invites 14 British filmmakers to showcase 14 Bahamian islands in movies intended to promote the unique character of each island and illustrate the diversity of the Bahamas with the chance of winning a £14,000 prize and having their film shown at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) red carpet event next month.

Bahamians were invited to be envoys to the visiting filmmakers but were not permitted to enter the competition.

The Ministry of Tourism maintains the challenge is one of their big events to create a buzz about the Bahamas abroad and at the same time create credible non-biased films by foreigners to promote the Bahamas throughout the United Kingdom and the world.

Published On:Thursday, February 04, 2010