From Bajan Reporter

The Cayman Islands can now be added to the growing list of countries and cities in which the film Chrissy has left a lasting impression on viewers fortunate enough to see it.

The heart-warming film that has already captivated audiences in Barbados, Jamaica, Antigua, New York, Atlanta and Canada, premiered at Regal Camana Bay Cinemas. The movie was brought to the Cayman Islands through the Honorary Consul of Barbados, Ms. Juliette Gooding, partnering with both public and private sector organizations.

The lead actress, Makalah Harrison, and the producers, Dave and Marcia Weekes, came to the Cayman Islands for the premiere as the result of sponsorship by A M P Global strategies, a USA-based company. Premier, the Hon. Alden McLaughlin; Minister of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs, the Hon. Tara Rivers, and other local dignitaries attended the premiere.

All local schools on Grand Cayman, through the sponsorship of the Consul to Barbados and Regal Camana Bay Cinemas, were given the opportunity to have students attend screenings during the week of October 4-11, and Cayman Brac students also had the chance to view Chrissy at the Aston Rutty Centre. Demand was so high that several extra screenings had to be arranged following the scheduled showings.

Chrissy was endorsed by the Cayman Islands Ministry of Education, Employment and Gender Affairs, as it complements the anti-bullying and human rights initiatives spearheaded by the ministry. Dozens of adults also viewed Chrissy during its public run at Regal Camana Bay Cinemas.

Ms. Gooding expressed appreciation to all the sponsors and supporters who “made a valuable contribution to educating everyone about the mental and emotional damage that bullying and prejudice can cause. From the comments which we heard from children and adults, it is clear that Chrissy really resonated with them, and I am particularly proud that this product of Barbados has had such an impact on audiences here.”

The film focuses on the life of its 10 year old lead Chrissy Wright (played by Makalah Harrison). Chrissy is a very poor 10-year-old girl who lives on the rough side of town in deplorable conditions with her two siblings and their sick, bedridden mother (Sharon Griffith). Living without running water, electricity and very little to eat, Chrissy becomes a target for teasing and discrimination from her fellow students at Redemption Primary, and almost all the teachers except for her beloved science teacher, Mr. Fenton (Peter Boyce). Formidable, Chrissy is determined to push herself out of poverty, overcome the teasing and rise above it all.

PHOTOS:

Students at Regal Camana Bay Cinemas to attend a screening of the film

Hon. Consul Juliette Gooding, Premier the Hon. Alden McLaughlin and Marcia Weekes at the Chrissy premiere

Barbadian, Ian Lavine, Detective Inspector with the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service, and his wife and daughters at an autograph signing with Makalah Harrison (seated)

For more on this story go to:

http://www.bajanreporter.com/2013/10/barbadian-anti-bullying-film-chrissy-captivates-cayman/