“Chrissy” premieres at Regal Camana Bay Cinema Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (September 12, 2013) Chrissy, is a heart-warming film that has left a lasting impression on viewers in Barbados, Jamaica, Antigua, New York, Atlanta and Canada. The movie is brought to the Cayman Islands through the Consul of Barbados partnering with both public and private sector organizations and premieres at Camana Bay Cinemas on October 3rd, 2013.

From the creators of the HUSH series, Chrissy is a film that goes beyond the purpose of entertainment to educate its viewers on the issues of poverty, race relations and most of all, bullying.

Chrissy is 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.  In addition, the Lions Club of Grand Cayman and Family Resource Centre have also joined Juliette Gooding, Consul to Barbados  in Cayman and her organising team, in support of Chrissy.  All local schools have been invited to make this a field trip to bring students to planned screenings during the week of October 4 – 11, 2013 and Cayman Brac students will also have the opportunity to view Chrissy at th Aston Rutty Centre.   “Chrissy is the must see family movie for students of all ages as it capably tackles why compassion is key when dealing with both the victims and perpetrators of bullying” states Michael Myles, Programme Coordinator and Liaison Officer-At Risk Youth.

Miriam Foster says, “The Family Resource Centre supports Chrissy’s efforts in bringing awareness of bullying of all types and its message of perseverance”,  while Winston Hayle, President of the Lions Club of Grand Cayman said “Chrissy makes you reflect on your own personal interaction with others.  You watch the movie and say, we all must make a more concrete effort to be kind to others as we never know what a person is going through on a daily basis.”

Ms Gooding says that it is the kind commitment of school bus operators – generous with transportation of groups of children; Corey Randolph, the Manager of Camana Bay Cinema who has been extremely supportive with guidance; sponsors such as 3 T Cayman, Chrissie Tomlinson Memorial Hospital, and Sunshine Suites that have pitched in to make a valuable contribution to educating everyone about the mental and emotional damage that bullying and prejudice can cause.

Cheyenne Tibbetts, the first runner up of the Miss Teen competition approached the Consulate to Barbados once she heard that this movie was coming to Cayman to say that this was her platform and has volunteered her time to promote the film and act as a chaperone during the school viewings.

The film was shot in the Caribbean, with the actors from various Caribbean backgrounds, and will have particular resonance for the Cayman audience as it seeks to deal with difficult topics that every parent will want to share with their child. Played to critical acclaim in many places, this feature length movie brings realistic and impactful themes to the subject of bullying.

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 but will she?  Can she – with all the obstacles and constant bullying defy – the odds and rise above her situation?

For more information on screenings, to reserve and purchase tickets for the premiere, please email [email protected].