September 19, 2005
Cinema in Paradise
After spending Saturday night at the second annual Bahamas International Film Festival fundraiser, at Peter Nygard's mind-blowing 150,000-square-foot estate, I've come to three conclusions: One, it would take MTV Cribs one week to show Nygard's pad. Two, middle-aged men have no business dancing to techno music and three Frank E. Flowers is the rising son of Caribbean film.
Of my three conclusions, the third one seemed to be in everyone's mind. Frank E. Flowers showcased his latest (and first feature length) film, 'Haven' on Saturday. It blew my mind. I had seen Frank E.'s short film, 'Swallow', and I was also impressed. To see Flowers go from a film major at USC to signing a contract for his next film, 'The Trespasser' - with 20th Century Fox, brings hope and light to Caribbean filmmakers.
Another plus for anyone in the islands trying to make films: Leslie Vanderpool, the founder of the film festival, announced that Spike Lee will head a Filmmakers Residency Programme that starts on December 9. More on that as it develops.
Although the fundraiser was plagued by heavy rain and a crowded bar (35 minutes for a rum and Coke? What is this? A soup kitchen?), I had a blast. Just to be able to see Frank E. Flowers' newest film, then talk to him afterwards made my night. Plus, seeing the beautiful Zoe Saldana didn't hurt either.
So despite being crammed under the overhang at the Lyford Cay City Market for half an hour, then waiting even longer for a drink (it's just Coca-Cola and rum guys...), it was all worth it, being able to spend a few hours at Nygard Cay and watching a great film by the next great filmmaker.
So you want more information? Check out the Bahamas International Film Festival.
Posted by admin at September 19, 2005 10:45 AM | TrackBack