Ms. Leslie Vanderpool, BIFF Executive Producer;

The Board of the Bahamas International Film Festival,

Volunteers,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good Evening.

The Bahamas International Film Festival has reached its fourth year, and all indications are that it is continuing to grow from strength to strength. It is truly gratifying to see such a noteworthy event evolve in maturity and refinement.

This, we believe is also symbolic of The Bahamas’ growth as a location for filming. We have had a good share of successes over the years. In recent times our achievements in the area of film production has increased.

Our location is once again attracting some of the most desirable film shoots from studios and independent filmmakers. The most prominent ones in the past five years have included Pirates of the Caribbean II and III, the remake of Casino Royale, and Into the Blue with Paul Walker and Jessica Alba.

We are especially pleased that European filmmakers are also taking interest in The Bahamas. This summer, the Italian film Matrimonio alle Bahamas or Bahamas Wedding, was filmed mainly on the island of Exuma. The film posted strong opening numbers when it debuted in Europe last month. We are pleased that The Bahamas was able to play a large part in this film, and now filmmakers in North America and Europe have even greater confidence in our country as a film location.

We owe a great deal to the film industry. So many Bahamians have received invaluable training as a result of working on film sets. Now, The Bahamas can boast of having qualified personnel to work as location assistants, production assistants, wardrobe and lighting technicians and almost every other area on a set.

This is not only personally enriching to the individuals, but it is a precious resource to the filmmaker. The ability to source competent professionals’ right here in the location is an added incentive and more cost efficient for producers.

Additionally we have a number of Bahamians who are also making their own films.

We are grateful to BIFF for showcasing many of our filmmakers. Several Bahamian filmmakers have been selected to compete in this year’s film competition, where the top prize is $10,000. These funds will go a long way in assisting the winner with future film projects.

BIFF's is helping to train Bahamians at a very early age. The "Children’s Film Workshop" has been so successful that it was request again this year by the local community and festival goers for their children. We salute BIFF for a job very well done in this area.

We would like to make special mention of Bahamian filmmaker, Maria Govan, who spent more than $400,000 here to produce her movie, Rain. This is one of the proud accomplishments of the local film industry. The Bahamian professionals who worked on Rain include location manager, Martina Carroll; producer, Heather Carey; production assistant, Ranel Hanna; artist, Margo Bethel; and actresses Marion Bethel, Juanita Kelly, and Vivica Watkins, who passed away earlier this year. We are proud of them all.

Given the theme of this year’s festival, it is very fitting that there are so many women who are more than deserving of special recognition. This year’s festival seeks to especially honor "Women In Film."

We are very grateful that Daryl Hannah will accept the Career Achievement Award. Ms. Hannah has been known throughout her career for leaving a lasting impression on audiences. Her work has been innovative and captivating, and we are privileged to be a part of honoring her.

Also, Naomie Harris will receive the Rising Star Award. Ms. Harris has already formed quite a link with our country since she has worked here in filming After the Sunset in 2003 and Pirates of the Caribbean II and III in 2005. Ms. Harris might not be aware, but even before coming here; she was a favorite of Bahamians, who loved the film, 28 Days Later.

We look forward to officially bestowing the honors later in the festival. We equally look forward to the screenings that are sure to entertain us, thrill us, and at times challenge us.

We wish you all a wonderful and successful festival and we already look forward to seeing you again next year to share in this great art form.

Thank you and enjoy tonight’s film.