With plans to “bring Hollywood to The Bahamas,” The Bahamas International Food Festival announced a slate of events at a press conference held at Bacardi on Thursday, November 13th. The festival, which is scheduled for December 4-9th in New Providence and December 10-14th in Harbor Island, Eleuthera, will showcase nearly one hundred films from both international and local film makers.
“I feel the festival is extremely important to the country because it provides a really solid platform to add value to our product Tourism-wise and cinema-wise. It allows the country to tell stories about its heroes and legends and showcase it to the world,” said Founder and Executive Director of BIFF, Leslie Vanderpool.
Ms. Vanderpool, who was extremely grateful for the festival’s sponsors, mentioned that the event would not have been possible without the assistance of its affiliates, especially those that were in attendance at the press conference— Jet Blue, The Royal Bank of Canada, and The Atlantis resort. She also announced an additional sponsor, Copa Airlines, which is the leading Latin American airline responsible for bringing film makers to the island from Latin and Central America.
“It was really important to involve the region in order to expand the film industry in Latin America and The Bahamas and create co productions,” Ms. Vanderpool said.
“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 invites the public to visit its website www.bintlfilmfest.com to view a number of events including happy hours, parties, and information regarding opening and closing night films and receptions. On Saturday December 6th the non-profit organization will also host a Master Class in Acting taught by Rob Adler at the Melia Hotel Conference Room, along with a performance by Obie-Award winning actor, writer, and director Roger Guenveur Smith on Thursday, December 9th. The public is welcomed to view the films for $3 on Friday, December 5th at Galleria Cinemas JFK and $5 on Saturday, December 6th. All students and senior citizens with identification are able to attend all events free of charge.
