The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE fourth edition of the regional Travelling Caribbean Film Showcase commenced last week with the feature film “Travellers”.

The film is a drama and was directed Carlos Bido. It depicts the saga of a group of migrants from the Dominican Republic who go in search of a better life in Puerto Rico. The film addresses the harsh realities of human trafficking and smuggling within the islands. It was preceded by a short comedy, “No Signal” from Venezuela, depicting a humorous situation which unfolds during a traffic jam.

“General comments from the audience were that the film was ‘informative and beautifully executed’, but that it was also ‘depressing to see the hardship that persons go through only to end up dead or right back where they started,” said Owen Bethel, festival organiser.

In attendance at the event’s opening was Minister Danny Johnson. Mr Johnson paid special tribute to Peanuts Taylor as a legend in the cultural community, and he commended Mr Bethel on organising the local production. He said the film showcase is a means to promote both regional and local talent in film-making

The showcase featured over thirty short films, animations, documentaries, and full feature films produced around the Caribbean. The travelling showcase is presented at different times of the year in most countries of the Caribbean with a primary objective of making the local population aware of the talent and creativity existing in the region.

Bahamian film “Rain” by Maria Govan was also added to the showcase this year.

 “I am pleased with the inclusion in this edition of the film “Rain”, produced in the Bahamas by local filmmaker Maria Govan. While the film and filmmaker may already be well-known in the Bahamas, the selection of the film as a part of the showcase means that Ms Govan’s talent and story are now given additional exposure throughout the Caribbean. In time it is hoped that this will lead to the development of coproduction among filmmakers throughout the region, and the creation of stories on the screen that depict our common experiences and which have universal value and appeal,” he said.

Films representing Venezuela, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago were also featured.

Mr Bethel said the next edition of the Travelling Caribbean Film Showcase will be hosted during next year’s independence celebration.