GRAND BAHAMAS ISLAND, The Bahamas, March 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, in association with its regional partner, the Caribbean Tales Worldwide Distribution (CTWD); the artistic community in The Bahamas and members of the Diaspora will stage the first ever Caribbean Film Festival and Market (CFFM) to be held at the Grand Lucayan Resort, in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, November 2 — 5, 2017.

At the inaugural Caribbean Film Festival and Market host country, The Islands of The Bahamas, will present to the world films made in the Caribbean by regional filmmakers who have honed their craft with some of the best filmmakers internationally. This cinematic event will also showcase experienced digital storytellers from various Caribbean countries. Collectively, the Caribbean encompasses a population in excess of 40 million people of diverse ancestry: from from North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, practically just about from every continent on the earth. The focus of CFFM will not only be to display the array of cinematographic skills which abound in the region, but more importantly, to bring together the most talented filmmakers who have a passion for telling Caribbean Stories.

“We are inviting the world to come and see what we have to offer here in the Caribbean. The host country, The Bahamas, stands ready to display its moviemaking prowess,” said Cedric Scott, a Bahamian actor and producer who developed his skills in New York City, the United Kingdom and Europe; he presently resides in Hollywood, California.

Mr. Scott is joined in this initiative by legendary Bahamian actor, director, author and former Bahamas Ambassador to Japan, Academy Award Winner, Sir Sidney Poitier, who is delighted to be a part of the project.

In addition to bringing together filmmakers from the region to showcase their products, CFFM will have a strong Film Market focus. The event is expected to attract to The Bahamas some of the most notable film distributors and sales agents to review Caribbean Films, with the intent of having these films screened for theatrical release throughout the region and internationally. CFFM will also comprise an educational component; juries and panel discussions will take place to judge and evaluate the cinematic merits of the films entered into competition.

The organizers of CFFM have planned six film categories:

1. Caribbean and International Classics

2. Caribbean and International Epic Films

3. Caribbean and International Short Films

4. Caribbean and International Documentary Films

5. Caribbean and International Commercials

6. Hollywood and Foreign Language Films

According to the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, Bahamas Minister of Tourism, who is also the chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, “the Caribbean Film Festival and Market will screen Gala Opening and Closing Films which showcase the beauty and diversity of the region. We welcome filmmakers and production professionals to enjoy the Bahamian hospitality, sun and fun, and just good ‘down home’ friendly people.”

Over the last few years there has been a tremendous uptake in the number of quality films produced in the Caribbean; films such as Better Must Come and Out the Gate from Jamaica to Yank Tanks and Suite Habana from Cuba, to Rain and Children of God from The Bahamas. A growing cross-section of the artistic community in the Caribbean is choosing film and video production as a livelihood. Albeit the work can be sporadic, there is no lack of creative energy among young filmmakers who are seizing the moment to tell their personal stories and those of their peers. Many are tackling very tough subjects to bring social awareness and change to disturbing issues of today which require problem-solving and intervention by all concerned. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism considers this showcase as the perfect opportunity to galvanize the dispersed talent in the region to demonstrate to the world that artistic expression has NO boundaries, and that the collection of islands called the Caribbean have what it takes: the imagination, passion and commitment to bring about creative collaboration.

We invite film enthusiasts, and those interested in moviemaking, to discover the splendor of Grand Bahama Island which is a premiere film location in its own right, where such notable films as Pirates of The Caribbean 2 & 3, Zeus and Roxanne, Eye of The Dolphin, and the German TV Movie, Der Sea Wolf were filmed. A full service destination, Grand Bahama Island offers European plan and all-inclusive resorts, lush parks, vibrant local markets, with amazing duty-free shopping; along with a selection of PGA rated golf courses, Las Vegas style gaming, sunset cruises, beautiful and crystal-clear waters – all waiting for you to experience.

Caribbean Film Festival and Market http://www.caribbeanfilmfestmarket.com

About The Bahamas

The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the world’s best golfing, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as, shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar is on par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It’s Better in The Bahamas. For travel packages, activities and accommodations information, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook Twitter and YouTube