Nassau, Bahamas – November 24, 2009 – Festival Founder and Executive Director Leslie Vanderpool today announced the final program details for the 6th
edition of the Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF), which takes
place
December 10-17, 2009. This year, the Festival will showcase
68
films from 26 countries, including 38 features of which several are
world or international premieres and nearly all Bahamian premieres. The four competition categories at BIFF are
Spirit of Freedom:
Narrative;
Spirit of Freedom: Documentary;
New Visions; and
Short Film. Special sections include a Caribbean Sidebar, World Cinema showcase, Hispanic Cinema Spotlight and special screenings.
Commented Vanderpool, “The 6th
Bahamas International Film Festival delivers a wide assortment of films
from around the world that will no doubt entertain and enliven the
island for the week. For anyone who shares a sincere appreciation for
independent films of the highest quality, this festival will be a
special experience. There is something every member of the Bahamian
community can enjoy and we encourage everyone to see as many of these
films as they can. We’re excited to have an extraordinary group of
filmmakers here supporting their films and taking part in Festival
events.”
Among
the films screening at BIFF this year are the drama SKIN starring
Sophie Okonedo, BIFF’s Rising Star, from Director Anthony Fabian;
Steven Soderbergh’s THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE starring Sasha Grey and
Chris Santos; Joshua Goldin’s dark comedy WONDERFUL WORLD starring
Matthew Broderick, the comedy BAGDHAD TEXAS from David H. Hickey,
Mexican action/drama SIN NOMBRE and acclaimed documentaries SWEET CRUDE
and HOUSE OF NUMBERS, to name a few.
Bahamian
filmmaker Kareem Mortimer’s acclaimed indie drama CHILDREN OF GOD will
raise the curtain at this year’s festival as the official Opening Night
Film while Lee Daniels’ critically lauded drama PRECIOUS starring Gabourey
Sidibe, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, Monique, Sherri Shepherd and Paula
Patton will bring the week’s festivities to an end as the official
Closing Night film.
The
stars will be shining brighter than ever at this year’s BIFF. Festival
Patron Sir Sean Connery will again be lending his full support
throughout the week. On
Tuesday, December 15th, Bahamian Director of Photographer Gavin
Mckinney will be awarded the 1st Bahamian Tribute Award. Wednesday,
December 16th, Academy Award® nominee Sophie Okonedo (“Hotel Rwanda,” “Skin,”) will
be feted with the Festival’s special Rising Star tribute. Festival
goers will also want to keep an eye out for rock icon Lenny Kravitz,
celebrated filmmaker Lee Daniels and a host of Hollywood talent in town
to celebrate cinema in paradise!
The full BIFF program is available in print or online at www.bintlfilmfest.com. Booking for the 2009 Festival is now open. Tickets can be purchased at the BIFF Office, 4th Terrace East Collins Ave.
About the Bahamas International Film Festival:
The
Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) is a nonprofit organization
committed to providing the local community and International festival
goers with a diverse presentation of films from The Bahamas and around
the world. In addition to showcasing quality films that might not
otherwise be released theatrically worldwide, BIFF provides unique
cultural experiences, educational programs, and forums for exploring
the past, present & future of cinema. BIFF and its founder and
executive director Leslie Vanderpool aims to raise the level of
filmmaking, participation and education throughout The Bahamas and the
world.