All systems go for NIFCA film weekend

Filmmakers and enthusiasts have had much to whet their appetites and stimulate their creativity over the past few months, and on November 18 and 19, there will be much to celebrate and enjoy with the culmination of the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts’ (NIFCA) Adult and Junior Film/Video Competition and Film Challenge.

Former Film Commissioner Annette Nias, who is spearheading the film extravaganza for the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), is pleased with the Barbadian public’s response to the competitions. 

Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said filmmakers have still been able to make the best of that situation and encourage and foster creativity.

“The pandemic set us back a bit but we are yet happy with the responses we have had. Indeed, COVID-19 and its impact have provided material for many of the films that have been submitted,” Nias said, adding that this year there were a record 48 entries to the NCF.

On Saturday, starting at 6 p.m., film buffs will get the opportunity to view some of the award-winning films in the various categories at the Daphne Joseph-Hackett Theatre.

Nias said the film competition had been open to both junior and adult creatives. The areas available for expression among the juniors included music video edutainment which had to be original both in lyrics and music; documentary, which had to be non-fiction scripted and produced; and narrative fiction, both scripted and produced.

Adult entrants were also asked to produce music videos and narrative fiction, long or short, ranging from two to 75 minutes. The genres included comedy, thriller, musical drama, romance, historical and action. They could also enter non-fiction documentaries and animation. With respect to the latter, participants were encouraged to use 2D, 3D, stop motion/claymation, cut-out animation, and motion graphics.

The entries were judged on technical quality, technique, content, originality and creativity. Gold, silver and bronze awards and monetary prizes will be given to the top performers. Cash prizes of $1 000, $700 and $500 will be awarded in each category for the top three entries. There are also other specific awards for excellence.

The Erskine Callender Award of Excellence, a trophy and a cash prize of $3 000, will be presented to the highest-scoring participant achieving 91 per cent or greater in the NIFCA Film-Video competitions; and the Prime Minister’s Award for the Best Original NIFCA Film Video Entry will be offered to recognise significant creativity and innovation in a NIFCA entry that challenges established norms in the art-form. The winner will get a cash award of $3 500 and a trophy. Juniors and adults are eligible for both awards. 

There are two new awards – scholarships to the Barbados Community College – worth $3 000 each. There is also an innovative award in the form of a Business Entrepreneur Prize which will be given in all disciplines and is valued at $15 000. It will be awarded for works that demonstrate entrepreneurial value for further investment in product development. This prize will be awarded to an adult gold-awarded Barbadian filmmaker whose works involve several cross-sector services. 

Nias was excited about a treat for the public on Sunday. She said she expected many patrons to attend the NIFCA Movie Drive-in Night in the car park of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex. This event celebrates the 50th Anniversary of NIFCA’s contribution to cultural development in the country.

“It should be a celebratory occasion for the entire family,” she said.

Gates open at 5 p.m. (PR)