Last year, I traveled to Nassau to attend the 9th Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF). The trip was indeed a memorable one. Here’s a fun-filled account of my travel to Nassau. I purchased cheap tickets and took Air Canada flights from Toronto. I took around 4 hours to reach Nassau. This was an exclusive trip for me as I was there to attend the film festival only.
The Bahamas International Film Festival was inaugurated on December 6, 2012 and concluded on December 14. ‘Quartet’, directed by Dustin Hoffman the famous Hollywood icon, is a British comedy-drama, opened the 9th Bahamas International Film Festival, while the Australian comedy ‘The Sapphires’ folded the festival. for first time The BIFF has expanded itself to Governor’s Harbour “Island Hopping” and Harbour Island December 10-14.
The 2012 Bahamas International Film Festival presented 88 films from 35 countries. These included 49 feature films and 39 short films of which several were international premiers and the rest all were Bahamian premieres. Being a movie buff, it was incredible for me to see most of the films. And, I thoroughly enjoyed them. The highlight of the film festival included the tribute to BIFF Shining Star, which was awarded to Sydney Poitier, Sir Sidney’s daughter.
There were four categories under which the competition at the BIFF was conducted. These included Narrative & Documentary; Short Film; Spirit of Freedom and New Visions. The special sections included Caribbean Spotlight and Self Discovery along with World Cinema showcase. The BIFF also declared the comeback of the Filmmaker’s Residency Program. This program provides unique opportunity to screenwriters and nurturing them by offering a great chance to stay for a week with established masters who are earning their living from New York and Los Angeles based film industries.
I was also thrilled when I got the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the filmmakers present there and know more about the movies they had made. This also enhanced my knowledge and I got to know all that goes into the making of a movie.
Many film experts attended the BIFF. They delivered master classes in the art of film directing and acting. There were some top names in the panel discussions on ‘the art of collaboration’ and ‘digital filmmaking’.
Films were showcased from 11am to 11pm, prices wisely at just $3 for one movie. The movie screenings were conducted at the Lucayan Room, in Sheraton Hotel and at the JFK Galleria. I completely enjoyed every moment of my participation at the 2012 Bahamas International Film Festival.
