Inaugural film festival deemed a success

FROM all accounts the inaugural Barbados Independent Film Festival (BIFF) was a resounding success.

 

As the curtain came down on the five-day event, co-founders of the festival Jennifer Williams and Sir Trevor Carmichael, while giving a report card, lauded the effort by all involved. Williams assured that next year the festival will be bigger and better with the intention of it being an annual event. She also pointed out the emphasis placed on humankind’s impact on the planet and the oceans in particular, which were highlighted throughout the festival.

 

On Sunday evening the BIFF drew to a close with an awards ceremony, which was held at the rear of the Southern Palms Hotel, on Dover Beach. It also featured ‘Shorts on the Beach’, short films which were held under the theme “Celebrating our Oceans”, and a screening of the film Bazodee, which was written by Barbadian, Claire Ince and features Trinidadian soca superstar, Machel Montano. The relaxed atmosphere allowed persons to enjoy a spectacular Barbadian sunset in their lounge chairs or on beach towels, while watching the featured film on a large portable screen provided by the US Embassy.

 

The co-founders thanked all the sponsors and volunteers who made the event possible. Williams also thanked the international filmmakers who came on the island, some of whom received awards for their work during the closing ceremony. Several accolades were bestowed on the producers by the filmmakers as they commended the high oduction and vowed to return to the festival whenever possible.

 

Williams also thanked the filmmakers many of whom facilitated question and answer segments after the screening of their films and also hosted workshops. She said not only did they share their wealth of knowledge and experiences, but it also provided an opportunity for collaboration with local film-makers. (JH)