The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

CELEBRATING the talent of young Bahamian filmmakers and actors, the FilMAD Camp 2012 presented a stellar “Night of Films, Folktales and Fables” at Galleria Cinemas last month.

The Film, Movement, Art and Drama (FilMAD) summer programme was organised by Moya Thompson in conjunction with her production company C2it Productions. The company aims to promote fine and performing arts in the Bahamian community through television and film productions.

In an interview with Tribune Entertainment, Ms Thompson said over 30 students between the ages of five and seventeen years participated in the FilMAD Camp this year.

At the recent event, the FilMAD 2012 students presented a variety of films including animation, documentaries and more than eight short films. Many of them incorporated Bahamian fables and folktales.

“This allowed students the opportunity to work with literary elements such as cause and effect, theme development and characterisation,” said Ms Thompson.

“Considering that we did not have a lot of promotion for the event due to lack of finances and limited sponsorship, it turned out really good. There were a lot of children and their families. It was a culmination to the entire process, from script to screen. The night’s emcee Bernard Farquharson did an excellent job. Bernard was a student at last year’s camp. His film ‘Behind these Eyes’ premiered in 2011,” she said.

She also thanked the crew at Galleria Cinemas for allowing the camp to host the event for free. Ms Thompson said camp instructors Jovanna Hepburn (drama) and Kaylen Jervis (step) were on hand to give out film and acting awards to the students, as well as film enthusiast Celi Moss.

Sharvone Brice, mother fourteen year old FilMAD participant Anisha Cargil said the event was very heart warming. She said she was extremely proud of all the children.

“All of the movie story lines were well developed and the actors did phenomenal jobs with their performances. I especially liked the fact that all persons were able to introduce themselves, as well as give a synopsis of the plot of their movies. Knowing who the writer was before watching, gave the premier a more personal touch,” said Ms Brice.

As a parent, Ms Brice said she was proud of her daughter’s overall performance during the entire process of the camp, including the premiere.

“Anisha is very shy and I think that this experience has helped her to be more outgoing. When I saw her confidently stand and introduce herself and her movie I was extremely happy. She was involved in most of the other movies as the camera person and seeing her name on the big screen was awesome. I was surprised at the quality of the movies she shot. She obviously shines behind the camera. All in all the event was awesome, I was pleased and can’t wait for next year,” said Ms Brice.

Raquel Minnis whose two children Dudrie Minnis and Danielle Minnis attended both 2011 and 2012 camps, said: “The films were very good but what is important is that the invited children and the children filmmakers thoroughly enjoyed the night.”

Ms Minnis invited her teacher colleagues to the production. She said they also enjoyed the experience and are interested in future camps and events from FilMAD. Another parent, Tyrone Thurston said he was impressed with the overall premiere experience. His daughter Tylesha Thurstone co-wrote the film “The Girl and The Teacher” with fellow student Alana Drake.

Ms Thompson said C2it Productions is currently gearing up to premiere the Bahamas’ first fully scripted Bahamian sitcom entitled “ It Takes A Village” in Spring 2013.