The Bahamas One World Film Festival, taking place from November 13 – 17 in Nassau/Paradise Island, will host the American premieres (first showing in the Caribbean, Central and South America) of 35 feature films and 20 shorts at its inaugural event.
The Festival opens on November 13 with CASA DE LOS BABYS by director John Sayles. Sayles will receive a Vision In Film Award for Contemporary Filmmaking at a Gala Awards Ceremony to be held on Saturday, November 15 at the Wyndham Resort and Casino.
Melvin Van Peebles, the writer/director/producer of such classics as “SWEET SWEETBACK’S BAADASSSS SONG” and “CLASSIFIED X,” will be honored with the Vision In Film Award as a Film Pioneer. The award will be accepted by his son, writer/director Mario Van Peebles.
Also receiving honors that evening is indie distributor Palm Pictures, set to receive the Vision In Film Award for Distribution. The company is being toasted for their artistic vision and their commitment to bringing a wide gamut of films into the theatrical marketplace. Head of Distribution Ryan Werner will accept the honors.
Palm Pictures is the subject of a 7-film salute at the Festival, with the Cannes Film Festival Camera D’Or winner (and Danish Oscar nominee) “RECONSTRUCTION” set as the Festival Centerpiece Film. Other Palm Pictures making their debuts include Icelandic Oscar hopeful “NOI ALBINOI,” Claude Chabrol’s “THE FLOWER OF EVIL,” Venice Golden Lion Winner “SPRINGTIME IN A SMALL TOWN,” the Pang Brothers’ cult horror film THE EYE, steamy Spanish hit “SEX AND LUCIA” and Claude Berri’s “THE HOUSEKEEPER.”
WHALE RIDER, New Zealander Niki Caro’s Oscar contender, is the Closing Night Gala Presentation.
Fifteen dramatic and documentary feature films will compete for the Independent Focus Audience Award, including Daniel Zirilli’s “THE STONECUTTER,” Bruno Pischiutta’s “MAYBE,” Patrice Johnson’s “KINGS COUNTY,” Adrian Carr’s “MIND GAMES,” Tyrone Dixon’s “8 WHEELS” and Hank Saroyan’s “5 CARD STUD.”
The Festival will also present a special sidebar entitled Music On Film, including TOM DOWD AND THE LANGUAGE OF MUSIC (Mark Moormann), “SCRATCH” (Doug Pray), “ANATOMY OF BURLESQUE” (Lindalee Tracey), “AFRO PUNKS” (James Spooner), “ONE GIANT LEAP” (Jamie Catto and Duncan Bridgeman) and a compilation of music videos and short films from celebrated directors Spike Jonze, Michel Gondry and Chris Cunningham.
For more info, visit the Bahamas One World Film Festival website.
