Phenomenal Woman in Politics, Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams, Junior Minister in the N.I.A., was chosen to be the first feature of the Women Making History Now series. The sphere of elective politics has operated as an ‘Old Boys’ Club’ for far too long, and Hon. Hazel represents the calibre of woman needed to change this entrenched paradigm.
Vivacious Chantal Miller of Craddock Road, Nevis as a Woman in Media and the Creative Arts is another such high calibre woman levelling the old walls of the male-dominated Fourth Estate. Dedicated to her craft, she has engaged in numerous and varied Caribbean Diaspora projects. Her latest collaborations include, the recently shot during Trinidad Carnival, episodes of the “I AM...” series which is a platform to highlight and feature the Caribbean heritage of creatives across the diaspora. Between her ongoing work as Media and Press Manager at “You.Me.We.” and as the Creative Director of “Speaking Of” it is a marvel that Chantal was able to find the time and energy to create her own media company. But that’s just what she did!
In the formation of ChantiMedia, Chantal brought all her creative passions under one construct, the purpose of which is to share and promote Caribbean art and culture through film, photography, exhibitions and workshops. All of this being done with a progressive, and contemporary viewpoint. It is Chantal’s life’s work to re-represent the image of Caribbean creatives and our artform and this is the mission of ChantiMedia. Chantal specializes in Voice Overs, Presenting on Radio and on Televison, Filmmaking Workshops, Event Hosting, Freelance Beauty, Travel & Lifestyle Journalist, Freelance Storyteller. She doesn’t subscribe to the outdated notion of “Jack of all trades, Master of none”. “We’re all multifaceted beings. Who says you can’t be Master of more than one thing?” she says.
Chantal’s two upcoming projects are all about Nevis sweet Nevis. You may recognize Chantal’s already iconic face from the Nevis Tourism Website and from the Cover of ZING, LIAT inflight magazine’s June 2013 issue. “Raised by Nevis”, Chantal promotes Nevis her home sweet home across the globe to all and sundry. As the face and host of the approaching Nevis Fashion Weekend 2k14 her proud representation of her homeland continues. Billed is a `Fashion Fabulous` time, Nevis Fashion Weekend August 9th and 10th will be hosted at the luxurious Hamilton Beach Villas & Spa. Already there is a buzz surrounding this the premier fashion event on the island of Nevis.
The project that is near and dear to Chantal’s heart is the proposed Mini Film festival slated for Easter Weekend April 19th through to the 21st in Nevis. The festival will focus on films of Caribbean origin, theme or production. The purpose of this ambitious Mini Film festival is twofold: (1) To promote Caribbean film making (directors, producers, script writers, actors etc.) and (2) To engage and inspire the Youth! Chantal selflessly assures that as the project is not motivated by money or profit, she won’t even be charging an entry fee to screenings. Still she needs the public’s assistance and good favourswith various aspects of the screenings, the most important of which is securing a venue.
Following Chantal’s lead, it is vital that we as a people ensure that creativity is valued and respected. Artists like any other professional must be paid and compensated for their hard work. It is time that we come to the full realization that being a creative, whether painter, sculptor, dancer, actor, is a viable career option for many of our Youth who are naturally inclined to invent, imagine and innovate. The artistic community of our Federation must be respected, their intellectual property is a viable commodity that too often we take for granted. As Caribbean people we should no longer allow ourselves to be misrepresented. Chantal herself affirms the importance of self-documentary. “If the Egyptians could record their history on stone, with all the technology we have available in the digital age, there is no excuse!” A homegrown focus on the products and process of creativity would undoubtedly enrich our islands.
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