CHARLESTOWN, Nevis - SEVERAL films by regional producers were presented to Nevis Director of Community Cohesion Abdul Karim by Chair of the second Caribbean Film Travelling Show Case Merlin Phillips amidst a statement by Health Minister, Hensley Daniel, that the films would boost students’ cultural identity.
Speaking at Pinneys Beach Hotel on Saturday, Hon. Daniel said North Atlantic images could confuse those seeking a cultural identity as they depict Eurocentric ideas. He said it was easy to identify with the locally produced films as they represent familiar situations. The films were produced by Haitian and Cuban artistes.
The Minister said that often North Atlantic produced films depict violence. He said the films being promoted this week in Nevis depict how one could combat violence and also respect the dignity of women.
Minister Daniel said there was need to evolve a new kind of young person who shuns ill behaviour and violence and becomes a responsible adult, “who can express himself without use of profanities and violence”.
Earlier, Karim said that various ministries worked closely to make the Caribbean Film Travelling Show Case a reality. He identified them as the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Education and the Nevis Cultural Foundation.
While calling on members of the public to come out and view the films at Nite Moves on Friday evening, and at the Cultural Complex on Saturday, Karim also revealed that Nevis would host the International Film Festival in May.
Phillips said in St. Kitts, 2000 children were privileged to view the films last week. She was optimistic that dialogue would be initiated by parents and teachers so that children too would be able to tell their stories.”
CEO of the Nevis Cultural Foundation, Tonya Powell, said the films expose to the viewers various art forms. She said the films depict cultural, social and general lifestyle that Nevisians could identify with. “Let us preserve our culture and our heritage,” she said.
During the handing over ceremony, attendees were shown previews of some of the films.
