FILM COLUMN: 2011 BERMUDA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Let's Salute the Winners of This Year As We Gear Up For Another Grand Celebration

By: Emmanuel Itier

March 25, 2011

The 14^th annual Bermuda International Film Festival just wrapped, and we are already gearing for the 15^th anniversary. But before anticipating next year’s edition, let’s salute this year’s winners.

Themba won the Audience Award, important to filmmakers because it reflects the movie’s commercial potential. Best Narrative Film went to Submarine, and the moving and edgy The Redeption of General Butt Naked took Best Documentary. And let me not forget to mention The Bermuda Shorts Award given to Lost by Albertto Dorado.

Once again, this year's programming was rich and daring with a wide selection of films offered by the best of our worldwide artists. And under the direction of Aideen Ratteray Pryse, the Festival was smooth sailing, landing us on the safe shores of pure entertainment and escapism.

Another notable grand initiative from the Bermuda International Film Festival is its Kids program. This year, the children happily cheered for Letter for a King and The Crocodiles. We encourage the Festival and the Minister of Education of Bermuda to keep this excellent kids initiative and other events all year long for this future generation of movie-goers.

But a Film Festival would not exist without its legion of volunteers (you rock, my friends!) and corporate sponsors. This year, again, The Fairmont Hamilton Princess was the principal host hotel, and being back there was pure joy.  I even got a tour of the kitchen and its famous “Heritage Court” lounge, and I melted under the gentle touch of Milena at the Inverurie day spa located inside the hotel. I recommend it for a full relaxing and energetic treatment to feel your brand new self!  

Below this little recap of the Festival, you will find a presentation video for The Fairmont Hamilton Princess and its delights. For sure they can count on me to brag about their elegant set-up.  The Fairmont Hamilton Princess is also very certain to see me again soon inside its pink safe haven. Other important sponsors to mention were Ultimate Motors, as well as Cellular One and Bank of Bermuda Foundation, The Christian Humann Foundation, and Lady Antoinette Pearman, among many key partners.

Well, that's a wrap! But we can exclaim, “Long live the Festival,” as BIFF will return next year for another grand celebration! Be there!!

Video link for the Festival/Hotel coverage.