BARBADOS WILL SOON have a major film festival, aimed to be on par with festivals such as Venice, Sundance, Cannes and Toronto. The first Barbados International Film Festival (BIFF) will be held December 5 to 9 and will present the latest films in independent world cinema. It will also include presentations by highly acclaimed master directors, producers and talented newcomers. This is the first time a film event of this magnitude will be held in Barbados and it promises to attract the attention of movie moguls from around the world, promoting Barbados annually as the idyllic location to feature and premiere their films. At a recent media conference at Royal Westmoreland, St James, BIFF founder and executive director, David Bryan, said the idea was conceptualised in 2003 with a mission to promote Barbadian film and to promote Barbados as a destination for film making. He said it took four years to reach this stage as a "festival of this calibre" needed to have the correct relationships formed with the international film industry. "We are trying to distinguish ourselves by showing independent films from across the world. Hollywood has its place but there are people who want to see critically acclaimed films," he said. Bryan said Barbados was behind in terms of film production and needed funding and support from Government, as Barbados lacked the necessary framework to attract international film producers. "The festival will unite filmmakers with film enthusiasts and draw the industry's leaders from around the globe in order to position Barbados as a leading film destination to do business," he said. The BIFF will highlight filmmakers' outstanding accomplishments through film showcasings and industry seminars, climaxing with the red carpet gala award presentation. It will also play host to a number of celebratory events over the festival period, including an opening night film and gala, filmmakers luncheon, screenings, film finance conference and the closing night gala. The festival will showcase 40 films from all over the world including the Caribbean, Britain, the United States, Russia, China, Mexico, Brazil, India and Canada. (CA/PR)
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