BAHAMAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OFFICIAL 2012 PROGRAM

Nassau, Bahamas – November 8, 2012 – Festival Founder and Executive Director Leslie Vanderpool announced the final program for the 9th edition of the Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF).

Weinstein Company’ “QUARTET” starring, Maggie Smith, opened the festival with a red carpet screening at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island on Thursday, December 6 while Australian Comedy “ THE SAPPHIRES” starring Chris O’Dowd closed the festival with an evening screening on Sunday, December 9.

The 2012 Festival showcased 88 films from 35 different countries, including 49 features and 39 short films of which several were international premieres and all are Bahamian premieres. The four competition categories at BIFF are Spirit of Freedom: Narrative & Documentary; New Visions; and Short Film. Special sections include Caribbean Spotlight and Self Discovery as well as a World Cinema showcase.  

The festival announced the return of the Filmmaker’s Residency Program. The Filmmakers’ Residency Program nurtures screenwriters by providing them with an unrivaled opportunity to spend a week with accomplished professionals who make a living working in the industry from Los Angeles and New York.

BIFF 2012 began Thursday, December 6th in Nassau and runs through Sunday, December 9th and for the first time expanded to Harbour Island and Governor’s Harbour “Island Hopping” December 10 – 14.

About the Opening and Closing Night Films:

QUARTET, directed by Dustin Hoffman, Cecily, Reggie and Wilfred are in a home for retired opera singers. Every year, on October 10, there is a concert to celebrate Verdi's birthday and they take part. Jean, who used to be married to Reggie, arrives at the home and disrupts their equilibrium. She still acts like a diva, but she refuses to sing. Still, the show must go on... and it does.

THE SAPPHIRES, directed by Wayne Blair, 1968 was the year that changed the world. And for four young Aboriginal sisters from a remote mission this is the year that would change their lives forever. Around the globe, there was protest and revolution in the streets. Indigenous Australians finally secured the right to vote. There were drugs and the shock of a brutal assassination. And there was Vietnam. The sisters, Cynthia, Gail, Julie and Kay are discovered by Dave, a talent scout with a kind heart, very little rhythm but a great knowledge of soul music. Billed as Australia's answer to 'The Supremes', Dave secures the sisters their first true gig, and fly's them to Vietnam to sing for the American troops. Based on a true story, THE SAPPHIRES is a triumphant celebration of youthful emotion, family and music.

SPIRIT OF FREEDOM NARRATIVE
Honorable Mention: Apartment In Athens,
Director: Ruggero Dipaola

Winner: Between Us,
Director: Dan Mirvish

SPIRIT OF FREEDOM DOCUMENTARY
Honorable Mention: Dolphin Boy,
Director: Dani Menkin

Winner: Mulberry Child,
Director: Susan Morgan Cooper

NEW VISIONS
Winner: Maybe Tomorrow,
Director: Michael Wolfe

SHORT FILM
Honorable Mentions
Baseball In The Time Of Cholera,
Director: David Drag

Brigidy Bram,
Directors: Toby Lunn & Laura Gamse

Winner: Cresendo,
Director: Alonso Alvarez Barreda

AUDIENCE AWARD BEST DOCUMENTARY
Winner: Rising From Ashes, Director: T.C. Johnstone

AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST NARRATIVE
Winner: The Story Of Luke, Director: Alonso Mayo

FILMMAKER RESIDENCY PROGRAM
Winner: Darion Spence, Writer

Showtimes TBA