NAGB Events: July 2008

The Nat'l. Art Gallery of The Bahamas
_______________________________________

Courtesy of SMITH + BENJAMIN's
Bahamian Art / Culture / Community Mailing Service
"uplifting the creative spirit of our community"

Casting Call for New Film "The Incident"

Courtesy of SMITH + BENJAMIN's
Bahamian Art / Culture / Community Mailing Service
"uplifting the creative spirit of our community"

Carifesta X Call for Artists and Filmmakers

Photo by Derek Catalano

Dear Bahamian Visual Artists and Filmmakers:

The National Art Gallery is preparing the Bahamian Visual Arts presentation for CARIFESTA X in Georgetown, Guyana (August 22-31, 2008)

In order to:

1. Highlight the work of as many Bahamian artists as possible,

2. Avoid the expense of packing and shipping work,

3. Avoid the risk of an unknown exhibition space and the lack of insurance on the works in country,


The NAGB has chosen to produce a digital presentation of Bahamian Art.

To that end, the Gallery requests that all artists interested in having their work presented at Carifesta X produce a Power Point slide presentation of 15 to 20 images and deliver it to the NAGB Attn: Erica M. James, Director no later than Thursday, July 31 at 4pm.

The CD should include an opening slide with an image of the artist including his or her name and contacts, followed by images of work. The slides may include details on the work such as its name, media, dimensions and the artists’ name.

Filmmakers should submit DVD copies of their work for inclusion in the festival screening.

Along with submissions, Artists and Filmmakers are asked to submit a one page artist statement and exhibition CV.

This is a wonderful opportunity for Artists to share their work with a wider Caribbean audience in anticipation of the Bahamas' hosting of Carifesta XI in 2010.

If you need help with this request, please contact Jackson Petit (email: jacksonpetit@gmail.com) or Holly Parotti (email: hparotti@nagb.org.bs) at the NAGB.

Please email additional questions to emjames@nagb.org.bs or walklikeagiant@gmail.com


Sincerely,
Erica M. James
Director
National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
West and West Hill Streets
P.O. Box SS-6341
Nassau, N.P.
The Bahamas

T: 242.328.5800/1 ext.227
Fax: 242.322.1180
Eml: emjames@nagb.org.bs (or) walklikeagiant@gmail.com

NAGB: June 2008 Events

Courtesy of SMITH + BENJAMIN's
Bahamian Art / Culture / Community Mailing Service
"uplifting the creative spirit of our community"

NAGB Film: Abouna - Thu. May 29

IMDB Review


National Art Gallery of The Bahamas
gallery tel: [242] 328.5800/1
gallery fax: [242] 322.1180
gallery eml: info@nagb.org.bs
gallery web: http://www.nagb.org.bs/

Bahamian Award Winning Filmmaker, Charles Allan Smith wins a Southern Lens Broadcasting Award for "Jonathan Green's Seeking"

Charleston, South Carolina - Charles Allan Smith won the award at the Charleston International Film Festival in Charleston, South Carolina. The Southern Lens Broadcasting Award is given out by South Carolina’s ETV which has public television stations throughout South Carolina. Seeking will also air in ETV’s Southern Lens television series throughout South Carolina and possibly throughout the United States.

Read Full Story

BIFF 2008 BIG SCREEN ART SCENE

Art Auction Kicks Off BIFF 2008

Nassau, Bahamas – May 5, 2008 - The Big Screen Art Scene will take place in June this year to kick off the Bahamas International Film Festival's (BIFF) fifth year. BIFF Founder and Executive Director, Leslie Vanderpool made the announcement saying, "We are excited to once again align BIFF with a community of artists of all kinds, collaborating under a Bahamian cultural umbrella. We chose to stick with this winning format, which is a non-traditional auction and celebration showcased at the lovely Popopstudios owned by John Cox. This year we look forward to raising the awareness for the new D’Aguillar Art Foundation."

51 Collectors tickets will be available for $250 and each ticket holder will go home with a piece of original art at a minimum value of $300. Aficionado tickets are available for $25 for those who want to take part in the many activities outside of the auction.

Some of the 2008 participants include Tyrone Ferguson, Antonius Roberts, Jackson Burnside, Stan Burnside, Margot Bethel, Nicole Collie, Claudette Dean, Holly Parotti, Bernard Petit, Livingstone Pratt, and Arjuna Watson. There will also be an on-site store with additional works from participating artists, live model sketching and other entertainment.

This year, BIFF will donate part of the funds raised to the new D'Aguilar Art Foundation in honour of the late Vincent D'Aguilar, a much-loved supporter and collector of Bahamian art. The D'Aguilar Art Foundation aims to preserve and expand the D'Aguilar family art collection and to support Bahamian artists and aspiring artists with Art Travel Grants. Last year, part of the proceeds from the Big Screen Art Scene was shared with the Brent Malone Artist-in-Residence fund.

The event will take place Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 7:00 pm at Popopstudios Centre for Visual Arts on Dunmore Avenue. Collector's tickets can be placed on hold by calling the BIFF office at 356-5939 or by e-mail at pr@bintlfilmfest.com. Held tickets must be picked up and paid for during the week of May 12.

About The Bahamas International Film Festival:

The Bahamas International Film Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the local community and international visitors with a diverse presentation of films from around the world. In addition to offering films that might not otherwise be released theatrically in the Bahamas, BIFF will provide a unique cultural experience, educational programs, and forums for exploring the future of cinema.

For more information on the 2008 programme please visit www.bintlfilmfest.com.

# # #

Contact: Wendy Richmond, PR/Press Liaison
pr@bintlfilmfest.com
242.356.5939 (office) 242.425.3390 (mobile)

NAGB Events: April 2008

Courtesy of SMITH + BENJAMIN's
Bahamian Art / Culture / Community Mailing Service
"uplifting the creative spirit of our community"

NAGB Events: March 14-27, 2008

Courtesy of SMITH + BENJAMIN's
Bahamian Art / Culture / Community Mailing Service
"uplifting the creative spirit of our community"

Caribbean Traveling Film Showcase

Dear Bahamian Artists:

Submissions are being accepted for the Second Caribbean Traveling Film Showcase. The deadline for submission is April 2, 2008.

The Showcase features shorts and feature length films from the region with the selected works traveling to each Caribbean island to be screened. Selected filmmakers may be asked to attend premieres in the various countries.

If you have new cinematic work - particularly work geared towards children and or illuminating some aspect of Bahamian history, culture and identity - please consider submitting the film for consideration. Last year Ian Strachan's film "Show Me Your Motion" was selected for the Showcase.

Please forward onto persons who you think may have work to submit.

Sincerely,
Erica James
Director
National Art Gallery of The Bahamas

Call for Movie Scripts!

By Radel Parks


An all-Bahamian filmmaking organization is seeking HIGHLY ENTERTAINING, ORIGINAL AND WELL WRITTEN FEATURE LENGTH SCREENPLAYS!!! If you are a professional writer looking to see your work on the big screen,
THIS COULD BE YOUR CHANCE!!!

(For Internationally Distributed Bahamian Films)

Script may be written by a single writer or a collaboration of writers

Material must be original, creative and should reflect an entertaining story line with an authentically Bahamian theme.

Dialogue/Language used may be Standard English

* Script Submission Deadline: March 31st, 2008

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NAGB Events: March 14-27, 2008

Courtesy of SMITH + BENJAMIN's
Bahamian Art / Culture / Community Mailing Service
"uplifting the creative spirit of our community"

"Amazing Grace" film coming to Regency Theatre in observation of Black History Month

By Freeport Players Guild


Grand Bahama residents will have a new form of entertainment available later this month as the Freeport Players’ Guild announced its new feature movie series at the Regency Theatre. The new series of film events will start with the showing of “Amazing Grace”, in observation of Black History Month. The title is a reference to the hymn "Amazing Grace" and the film also recounts John Newton's writing of the hymn.

The 2006 feature film “Amazing Grace” follows the idealist William Wilberforce as he maneuvers his way through Parliament in 18th century England endeavoring to end slavery. Wilberforce was elected to the House of Commons at 21 and successfully assembled a diverse coalition that went up against the most powerful men of the time. The film, which did not shown in movie theatres in The Bahamas at its release, has been heralded as “noble, and with plenty of electrifying performances”.

President of Freeport Players’ Guild Kay Hardy said that she is excited about beginning this new film initiative at Regency Theatre, located just off West Sunrise Highway in Regency Park. “The Regency Theatre is such a wonderful facility, with a very high quality sound system, comfortable seating and lots of parking,” President Hardy said. “And last year we made a major investment in a high definition digital projector and massive screen that we think audiences will just love.” Hardy said that the Guild is planning at least one feature film a month, with the possibility of more in the future.

President also said that starting with “Amazing Grace” in February seemed to be the perfect fit. “Since this film has never shown in theatres in The Bahamas, and given that Black History Month is being observed in the United States, we felt that it was a great way to start.”

The film is directed by Michael Apted, and features Ioan Gruffudd as William Wilberforce, Albert Finney as John Newton, Rufus Sewell as Thomas Clarkson, Youssou N'Dour as Olaudah Equiano, and Benedict Cumberbatch as Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger.

The film will be shown on one night only, Tuesday, February 26, starting at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5.00, or $4.00 for Freeport Players’ Guild members. Tickets will be available at the Regency Theatre box office starting one hour before the start on the day of the showing. For more information, phone 374-2879 or write to freeportplayersguild@gmail.com .

© Copyright 2008 by thebahamasweekly.com

Filming of "Sea Wolf " Slated for Spring 2008

By Gold Rock Creek Enterprises, Ltd


Freeport, Grand Bahama Island: Principal photography for the film “Der Seewolf” (The Sea Wolf) will commence in mid-March at The Bahamas Film Studios.

Based on Jack London’s 1904 novel of the same name, the film stars Thomas Kretschmann, who appeared in Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” and the soon-to be-released motion picture, “Transsiberian,” among other film credits.

“This is an exciting time in Grand Bahama,” says Bahamas Film Commissioner Craig Woods. “Beyond the immediate benefit of providing additional training opportunities and jobs, the tourism product will be promoted as well. When this film airs in Europe, and viewers see the natural beauty here in The Bahamas, the result is always positive for our tourism endeavors.”

Hofmann & Voges Entertainment GmBH, based in Germany, will produce the film for release in the European market in late 2008. Anett Grunbeck, the film’s production manager scouted several international locations and says The Bahamas is ideal for this project.

“We are looking forward to filming here in Grand Bahama,” Grunbeck says. “The Island is very beautiful and everyone has been helpful. The Studio facilities are working well for our film and we are very pleased with the service being provided. We are happy to be working with The Bahamas Film Commission. Craig Woods and his staff have been very supportive.”

Boosting the local economy, this project will employ dozens of Bahamians and provide eight internships for those aspiring to film industry careers. The production is also booking approximately 3,000 room nights with local hotels, including Pelican Bay Resort, which according to the studio’s local manager, Diana McGonigal, is a film-friendly destination.

“Many local businesses and individuals will benefit directly from this production,” McGonigal says, emphasizing those additional purchases of goods and services from local businesses will have a far-reaching affect on the economy.

“The production will also hire background extras for the film, providing excellent opportunities for those who wish to gain acting experience” she adds. “There is so much talent in Grand Bahama and we are thrilled to showcase our island in this film.”

On Saturday, February 23 at 3:00 p.m., The Bahamas Film Studios will host an open casting call for 38 male and 5 female background extras at UNEXSO’s poolside café at Port Lucaya. Applicants should be at least 18 years old, provide a photo ID, and dress in form-fitting clothing. Preferred applicants are those who are strong swimmers with sailing experience; fluency in German is desired but not required. For more information, email: seawolfcasting@gmail.com.

The Bahamas Film Studios at Gold Rock Creek, located on the beautiful Island of Grand Bahama, offers directors and producers a superb location. With crystal clear, azure waters, a temperate climate and government incentives, The Bahamas Film Studios is a treasure for the film and television industries.

© Copyright 2008 by thebahamasweekly.com

NAGB Events - February 2008

Courtesy of SMITH + BENJAMIN's
Bahamian Art / Culture / Community Mailing Service
"uplifting the creative spirit of our community"

Next Bond Film title based on Fleming's story in The Bahamas

By Film.Guardian.Co.UK


It might not have quite the innuendo of For Your Eyes Only, or even the ooh matron oomph of Octopussy, but the title of the new James Bond film has finally been made public. And it is Quantum of Solace.

The title comes from an Ian Fleming short story in the For Your Eyes Only collection, which also lent monikers to the 1981 film starring Roger Moore and 1987's The Living Daylights, starring Timothy Dalton.

What does the title mean? Well, in short, a small amount of comfort.

The 22nd film in the Bond series will mark the second outing for Daniel Craig and is due to hit screens in November. The British actor has helped to relight 007's fires with the help of the Oscar-winning screenwriter Paul Haggis, who worked on Casino Royale and will once again handle pen duties on Quantum. German director Marc Forster, recently at the centre of controversy over his film The Kite Runner, will be running the show.

Fleming's original tale Quantum of Solace centred upon a dinner at Government House in Nassau in the Bahamas, which Bond attends with a number of boring fellow guests. After making an offensive remark in an effort to stimulate conversation, 007 is told a tragic tale by the governor of the Bahamas about two people worn down by a series of unfortunate decisions that have ruined their lives. It turns out this pair are among the dinner guests, with the moral of the story being that you should never judge by appearances.

Quantum of Solace, the movie, borrows nothing from the original tale. Instead it is likely to be a straight sequel to last year's Casino Royale: reports suggest there will be an appearance for Vesper Lynd's Algerian boyfriend, who was mentioned but never seen in that feature.

And if you think the title a little underwhelming, please bear in mind that the only other unused titles in the short story collection were Risico, and The Hildebrand Rarity.

NAGB Film: "Water" - Thu, Jan 24

Courtesy of SMITH + BENJAMIN's
Bahamian Art / Culture / Community Mailing Service
"uplifting the creative spirit of our community"

NAGB Events - January 2008

Courtesy of the
SMITH + BENJAMIN
Art + Culture + Community Mailing Service
"uplifting the creative spirit of our community"

Why We Need Films

Preserving culture, illustrating history on screen

By THEA RUTHERFORD, Guardian National Correspondent, thea@nasguard.com -

It is one thing to have heard about Sir Durward Knowles, the Bahamian Olympic medallist and world champion sailor.

It is quite another to watch the life of the 90-year-old sailing legend flicker before your eyes on a big screen. To take in the ups and downs of his career, the joy and pride of his family members in his accomplishments, his vast philanthropic involvement, his life beyond sailing. Sir Durward's life is illuminated in a new way in "Chartered Course," a film documentary directed by Bahamian filmmaker Kareem Mortimer and produced by Dr. Willard Thompson.

Similar magic takes place in "Jamesie King Of Scratch," a film directed by Andrea Leland about the 79-year-old U.S. Virgin Islands scratch musician James Brewster. The film follows Brewster on his travels to perform in the United States and Europe. But most of all it captures him in his own words, at home talking about what he loves best about his grassroots music and his hopes for its preservation.

The scenes of a life are what we remember, the look on someone's face during a moment of triumph. The expression in their eyes during times of disappointment, sadness, regret. Freezing the moments of the lives of legends in film makes history tangible for so many. It encases culture in a living, breathing capsule.

Yet while the country and the region possess enormous potential for filmmaking, funding for local films has not been easy to acquire.
Read Full Story

Film Festival Fundraiser - Thu. Nov 8

The Bahamas International Film Festival
in conjunction with
Popopstudios Centre for the Visual Arts
invites you to

The Big Screen Art Scene
Thursday, Nov. 8th at 7pm
Popopstudios in Chippingham

An interactive art event hosted by the Bahamas International Film Festival.
For more info, call tel: 356-5939 or sponsor@bintlfilmfest.com.


Courtesy of the
SMITH + BENJAMIN
Art + Culture + Community Mailing Service
"uplifting the creative spirit of our community"