The Tribune

FOR the first time in its 11 years, the Bahamas International Film Festival will have filmmakers from Latin and Central America at its annual festival next month.

The event, scheduled for December 4-9 in New Providence and December 10-14 in Harbour Island, will showcase over 100 filmmakers, including locals and foreigners.

At a media conference yesterday to promote interest and appeal for public support BIFF’S founder and Executive Director Leslie Vanderpool said that the festival provides a “solid platform to add value” to the Bahamas tourism product.

“It’s 11 years old and I think we have to continue building it stronger – and it will be,” Ms Vanderpool said. “It needs to be supported more and looked at, not only as a showcase for films, but we’re impacting careers and talents. That means it is really important to our society.

“It is one of the most respected festivals in the Caribbean, and we could not have done it without the Bahamas being as beautiful as it is, its people and the companies that are operating within the Bahamas.”

Also in attendance were festival affiliates the Royal Bank of Canada and Jet Blue and the organisation’s founding partner, Atlantis. Additionally, BIFF announced its new official airline sponsor, Copa Airlines, which will be bringing in filmmakers from Latin and Central America.

“Copa is excited to become a designated supporter of such a sought-after event and we are thrilled to join the BIFF team in the promotion of cultural experiences and film-making in the Bahamas,” said Ricardo Pedroza, General Manager USA, Copa Airlines.

BIFF, a non-profit organisation, began in 2004 with the mission to “create a cine-literate arts community, bridging cultures, gaining knowledge and attracting a targeted tourism sector through the film industry”. The organisation is known for attracting leading celebrities such as Nicholas Cage, Laurence Fishbourne and Anna Faris.

BIFF will host a happy hour at the Bacardi Store on East Street North and Bay Street on Saturday, December 6, from 4-6 pm, and other public events and is offering free admission to students and senior citizens. For information visit www.bintlfilmfest.com.