The Barbados Independent Film Festival (BIFF) is returning this year with a full week of activities. Organizers say this year’s festival will deliver a wide variety of international films in a new hybrid format for patrons.
At Friday’s media launch Co-Director of the festival, Jennifer Smith-Bent, said even though COVID 19 is still a big influence on social events, BIFF continues to be in high demand.
“Our festival in its 6th year has really made a name for itself – in a world that is saturated by film festivals, our festival has resonated and we are in demand. We are written about and talked about by the filmmakers who come here, as being one of the best festivals out there,” she said.
Smith-Bent added that this year’s festival will be unique given the COVID-19 pandemic. Patrons will be able to view films both in person and via the festival’s online portal.
“It’s led us to adapt, that is why BIFF 2022 will be a hybrid festival; we’ll have live screenings, although smaller given the COVID protocols, but we are also having a virtual festival.
“We are making the festival virtually free in recognition of the challenging times that we are all living through, and as a thank you to Barbados for its enduring support.”
Film Commissioner for the Barbados Cultural Industries Development Authority (BCIDA), Annette Nias.
Film Commissioner for the Barbados Cultural Industries Development Authority (BCIDA), Annette Nias, said that though the pandemic has affected many aspects of the cultural industries in a negative way, new and innovative offerings have been utilized by filmmakers during this time, particularly with streaming services that have been seen constant increases in their audience base.
“The pandemic is unlikely to disappear anytime soon, and it has forced us to make dramatic long term changes to our lives. Streaming has seen a significant increase in popularity, creating opening’s for independent cinema productions to receive wider exposure,” she said.
Director of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, Alissandra Cummins.
Director of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, Alissandra Cummins, expressed her delight in the museum once again playing host to the popular local festival, and emphasized that BIFF provided a great exposure to local and international audiences.
“BIFF gives us the opportunity to showcase our performance theatre space, the Walled Garden Theatre, and further help develop the local film industry by providing Barbadians and Caribbean creatives with a platform and a network to showcase their work and talents to a general audience.”
The festival will run from March 2 to 6, and will feature several international films including Honour Before Glory from Canadian director Anthony Sherwood, and Kiss The Ground, from directors Tickell and Rebecca Harrell. Movie listings and other information can be found on the festival’s website. (SB)
