~~adz:Left~~Basseterre, St. Kitts (January 17, 2007): St. Kitts and Nevis continues to play a lead role in hosting regional events as preparations for the inaugural launch of the Traveling Caribbean Film Showcase gets underway.
Research and Document Specialist in the Department of Culture Marlene Phillips Lee told SKNIS that the Showcase will feature 28 films from 13 countries. It will be held at the Sir Cecil Jacobs Auditorium of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank over a five-day period.
During SKNIS popular radio programme Perspectives, Ms. Phillips explained that all of the films will be of Caribbean origin.
The Traveling Caribbean Films Showcase is a collection of films that has been made by Caribbean filmmakers, talking about Caribbean people and Caribbean issues, she said, adding that the features include short films and documentaries such as the Sweetest Mango and The Harder They Come, The Harder They Fall.
The event will run from February 22 to 26. An opening ceremony will mark the birth of this initiative designed to promote Caribbean identity and raise the awareness of persons to the potential of the film industry. The educational aspects of teaching Caribbean history and culture to film viewers and the draw of overseas visitors to the region were also highlighted as a benefit of the Showcase.
The document and research specialist, who is also the head of the St. Kitts and Nevis coordination committee for the event, explained that overseas filmmakers should consider using local resources where possible when shooting movies/films in Caribbean locations. She noted that using local cameramen, actors (as extras), sound engineers, hair and makeup specialists are more cost effective than paying transportation and accommodation for a visiting crew.
Public screening for the Traveling Caribbean Film Showcase begins on Friday, February 23. It runs from 3:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays while weekend hours begin at 11:00 a.m. and close at 11:40 p.m. on Saturday while Sundays screening ends 10:30 p.m. Programme schedules will be provided on the respective days. There is a $5.00 admission fee for adults and $2.00 for children. Individuals can stay as long they choose and can leave and reenter the event on that specific day.
Ms. Phillips Lee explained that a follow up forum will be organized after the Traveling Showcase has completed its tour of the region.
The (regional) organizing committee is hoping (to host) a regional conference to & talk about the way forward for the industry in terms of what their needs are and what support they have, she revealed. Also they want to create a Caribbean archive in Cuba that will have all of the film and information about the producers.
Additional information can be obtained at the Department of Culture at Port Zante.
