Bahamian director Charlie Smith to attend screenings in Nassau and Harbour Island for Bahamas International Film Festival

OTTAWA, Canada  – An authentically Bahamian film is set to make it debut at the Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) next month before hitting the worldwide circuit.

“When Pigs Swim”, an entertaining documentary produced by GIV Bahamas Inc. and directed by Charlie Smith, tells the story of Exuma’s famous swimming swine. For the last several years, these animals have grown from a cult favourite to indeed a global phenomenon, sparking thousands of videos, photos and stories from people all around the world.

While the popularity of the pigs is undisputed, “When Pigs Swim”, with tongue firmly in cheek, attempts to answer the question: how did they get here?

Told through the eyes of historians, tourists and long-time residents in Exuma, the film dissects the prevailing theories of how swimming pigs arrived at this archipelago of 365 islands, which represents more than half of those found in the entire Bahamas.

“The pigs are the real stars here,” said Smith, who has worked with well-known celebrities such as Sidney Poitier, Beyonce and Michael Jackson.

“It is a fun story that I think people will enjoy. I think a lot of people just want to see more of the swimming pigs, and I know Exumians are excited that the eyes of the world will now be on the beauty of this land.”

The film will be shown at BIFF at 11am on December 5 and 6, according to Smith. It will also have a screening at BIFF’s event in Harbour Island, Eleuthera, on December 11.

Smith noted that the film has also been accepted at other film festivals in North America and beyond, with formal announcements expected soon.

Peter Nicholson, the President of GIV Bahamas Inc., said that the response from the film has been overwhelming.

“The pigs’ popularity is simply astounding,” he added. “It never ceases to amaze me and I love how this is an authentically and uniquely Bahamian story. Only in Exuma. Only in the Bahamas. I hope it helps put Exuma on the map as the pigs become our very own Mickey Mouse.”

A short, 5-minute version of “When Pigs Swim” can be viewed on the film’s new website at www.whenpigsswimexuma.com . You can also visit the film’s Facebook page for more information at https://www.facebook.com/whenpigsswim .