WASHINGTON, DC, June 6th, 2012 – Tremendous applause followed the US premiere of The Skin at the AFI Silver Theatre in Washington DC on June 2nd, exactly one year after it opened as the fourth feature film from HAMAFilms Antigua.
Antiguans in the DC area came out to support the film following the rigorous promotion by the office of Antigua & Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US, Deborah Mae Lovell. “It was a tremendous success,” said Ambassador Lovell. “I’m very happy and proud of Howard and Mitzi [Allen].”
In her introductory remarks, Ambassador Lovell told the audience that when she thinks of HAMA she thinks, “Inspiring, daring and courageous.
“They are the first to produce a feature film in the Eastern Caribbean with The Sweetest Mango, when no one else thought it was possible. Where others see a blank page, they see the written word, where others see a blank screen they see images.”
During the talkback session led by Professor Andrew Millington, he expressed his appreciation to the filmmakers for making an effort to be there for the screening. “It shows a respect for the audience,” he said. Millington went on to encourage the audience to share the experience they had watching The Skin with others through social media. “That is one way we can support Caribbean cinema by telling others.”
HAMA’s trip to the 12th annual DC Caribbean Film Festival was made possible by the Antigua & Barbuda Literary Festival and Carib World Travel. The strategic alliance is to bring attention to the Literary Festival, which will take place November 8th to 11th in Antigua.
“We were thrilled to be there and to see our movie’s title on the marquee of the AFI Silver Theatre, said Mitzi Allen, The Skin’s producer.
Writer/Director of The Skin Howard Allen added “it was an honour to participate in the DC Caribbean Film Festival and to have The Skin showcased at a theatre dedicated to the preservation of motion pictures.”
The Skin, which is based on Caribbean folklore, drew much attention from the scholars in the audience. Retired professor Dr. Aklin Lynch told the filmmakers, “I’m glad to see the battle between the middle class and the traditionalist and the issue of the melanin being dealt with in the story. It’s a story we all know too well and it is being played out today. As we become more modern, we move way from our traditional beliefs and values.”
The Skin is also an official selection of the Belize International Film Festival in July 2012.
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