The 6th edition of the Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) takes place December 10-17, 2009 and will showcase 68 films from 26 countries, including 38 features of which several are world or international premieres and nearly all Bahamian premieres. The four competition categories at BIFF are Spirit of Freedom: Narrative; Spirit of Freedom: Documentary; New Visions; and Short Film. Special sections include a Caribbean Sidebar, World Cinema showcase, Hispanic Cinema Spotlight and special screenings.
Actor Johnny Depp to receive a Career Achievement award and this year's FestivalAmong the films screening at BIFF this year are the drama SKIN starring Sophie Okonedo, BIFF’s Rising Star, from Director Anthony Fabian; Steven Soderbergh’s THE GIRLFRIEND EXPERIENCE starring Sasha Grey and Chris Santos; Joshua Goldin’s dark comedy WONDERFUL WORLD starring Matthew Broderick, the comedy BAGDHAD TEXAS from David H. Hickey, Mexican action/drama SIN NOMBRE and acclaimed documentaries SWEET CRUDE and HOUSE OF NUMBERS, to name a few.
Bahamian filmmaker Kareem Mortimer’s acclaimed indie drama CHILDREN OF GOD will raise the curtain at this year’s festival as the official Opening Night Film while Lee Daniels’ critically lauded drama PRECIOUS starring Gabourey Sidibe, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, Monique, Sherri Shepherd and Paula Patton will bring the week’s festivities to an end as the official Closing Night film on Dec. 17th.
The stars will be shining brighter than ever at this year’s BIFF. Festival Patron Sir Sean Connery will again be lending his full support throughout the week. On Tuesday, December 15th, Bahamian Director of Photography Gavin Mckinney will be awarded the 1st Bahamian Tribute Award. Wednesday, December 16th, Academy Award® nominee Sophie Okonedo (“Hotel Rwanda,” “Skin,”) will be feted with the Festival’s special Rising Star tribute. Festival goers will also want to keep an eye out for rock icon Lenny Kravitz, celebrated filmmaker Lee Daniels and a host of Hollywood talent in town to celebrate cinema in paradise!
The full BIFF program is available in print or online at bintfilmfest.com Booking for the 2009 Festival is now open. Tickets can be purchased at the BIFF Office, 4th Terrace East Collins Ave.
About the Bahamas International Film Festival:
The Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) is a nonprofit organization committed to providing the local community and International festival goers with a diverse presentation of films from The Bahamas and around the world. In addition to showcasing quality films that might not otherwise be released theatrically worldwide, BIFF provides unique cultural experiences, educational programs, and forums for exploring the past, present & future of cinema. BIFF and its founder and executive director Leslie Vanderpool aims to raise the level of filmmaking, participation and education throughout The Bahamas and the world.
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