Bahamas International Film Festival

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 

The Islands of The Bahamas Will Host The 5th Annual  Bahamas International Film Festival in Nassau
 

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — December 1, 2008 — The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (BMOTA) will host the 5th Annual Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) taking place on December 4-11, 2008. The film festival will showcase 80 films from 22 different countries and 79 directors. 

As the 5th annual film festival is underway, The Bahamas looks forward to another exciting year.  The Bahamas wrapped its fourth annual film festival celebration that also included events and panels on December 6 – 13, 2007.  The festival entertained visitors with diverse presentation of international films, cultural experiences and social events.

“We, at The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, are very excited to host all the talented artists who will be debuting their films at this year’s film festival,” said Film Commissioner, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, Craig Woods.  “We look forward to another excellent year.” 

The variety of film genres include, New Vision Dramas, World Cinema, Special Screenings, Caribbean Spotlight, Family Films, Short Films, Spirit of Freedom Narratives, Spirit of Freedom Documentaries and Midnight Madness.  The festival’s Opening Night is scheduled for Friday, December 4th, and will feature “Rain,” an indie drama written and directed by Bahamian, Maria Govan, at the National Performing Arts Center in Nassau.  The festival is set to close on Thursday, December 11th with “Miracle at St. Anna,” a film shot on Rose Island and directed by Spike Lee. 

On the third day, the film festival will feature an award ceremony and a Career Achievement Tribute Ceremony honoring American actor, Laurence Fishburne at the Atlantis Theater starting at 5 p.m.  Actor Sean Connery will present the BIFF’s Career Achievement Award to Fishburne. Past recipients include Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage and Daryl Hannah.  Similarly, on Monday, December 8th, actress Anna Farris will be presented with the Festival’s special Rising Star tribute.

Throughout the duration of the film festival, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in receptions, panel discussions and Youth Film Workshops.  As sponsors of the Youth Film Workshops, The Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board and the British Colonial Hilton plan on serving as an innovative children’s mobile film studio. 

For more information on The Bahamas International Film Festival, please visit www.bintlfilmfest.com.

About The Islands Of The Bahamas

The Islands Of The Bahamas form a 100,000-sq-mile archipelago that extends over 500 miles of the clearest water in the world, just 500 miles off the cost of Florida. Our 700 islands, including uninhabited cays and large rocks, total an estimated land area of 5,382 sq miles, and register a highest land elevation of 206 ft. Most notable, however, is that each island has its own diversity that continues beyond geography, carrying through to the heart of the Bahamas, the Bahamian people. You’ll find it in our heritage. In our culture. And in our humble pride. These are The Islands Of The Bahamas. Population: somewhere north of 300,000. For more information on The Islands Of The Bahamas call 1-800- bahamas or visit bahamas.com.

Media Contacts:

Mariana Garcia / Kim L. Hunter
323.469.8680 ext. 249/ ext. 225
marianagarcia@lagrant.com
kimhunter@lagrant.com
                               
Anita I. Johnson-Patty
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
954.236.9292 ext. 202
ajohnson@bahamas.com