A recently improved Walled Garden Theatre of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society is the hub of the upcoming third Barbados Independent Film Festival (BIFF) from 11- 20 January 2018.  During the 10 day festival, the tranquil grounds of the museum will be transformed into a haven for film enthusiasts.  

The Walled Garden Theatre is an intimate space within the UNESCO World Heritage Property that offers artisans, artistes and performers the opportunity to showcase their talents. The recently upgraded facility features a new tensile ‘Undercover’ tent that will allow performances and events in all weather throughout the year.

Director of the Museum, Alissandra Cummins explained: “In response to repeated requests to host a variety of performances and events in the Walled Garden Theatre, we focused on improving the space.  With completion of the staging area and dressing rooms in 2016/7 and now the new tensile tent, this ensures the museum is seen as a world-class performance venue, unaffected by the elements. 
She continued: ‘We have been a proud partner of the film festival since its inception and continue to support its growth. The spotlight on the festival exposes the museum and our various exhibits to new visitors and reminds local residents of what we have to offer.”

BIFF is committed to supporting the local film industry and seeks to create an avenue for them to compete on an international level. Local filmmakers are encouraged to enter their films alongside regional and international submissions to also vie for the Collaboration Grant.  This grant pairs the winner of the ‘Local Filmmaker’ Award with an international filmmaker to create a short film about a unique aspect of Barbados and premieres at the opening gala of each festival. 2019 will see LIQUID GOLD: THE STORY OF RUM IN BARBADOS, produced by Bajan filmmaker Rommel Hall and American Dan Mirvish.

Film enthusiasts can also look forward to watching a range of over 40 local, regional and international films with a number of post-film discussions with the filmmakers. Additionally, the visiting filmmakers undertake a number of masterclass series on independent filmmaking, screenwriting and directing. This year’s masterclass in residence is Oscar-nominated and winner of the 2018 BIFF Lifetime Achievement Award, Lone Scherfig.

The festival has also introduced a Director’s Circle All Access Pass for those who seek the behind-the scenes-experience, with unrivaled access to all events throughout the festival, priority seating and a host of other benefits. This pass is available only on the festival website (www.barbadosfilmfest.org).

Volunteers are an integral part of the festival and the Committee are seeking their assistance. Anyone wishing to volunteer can register an interest by emailing their name and telephone number to volunteers@barbadosfilmfest.org to 6 January 2018.

Jennifer Smith-Bent/Sir Trevor Carmichael said: “We are excited to have the museum, a venue in a UNESCO World Heritage Property as our hub. It is the perfect setting for our events as the developments allow the stage and seating area to be fully covered. We have a fantastic line-up of films and events for all ages and encourage everyone to come out to both paid and free events.

She added: “We will also be running competitions to win tickets to various film events on our social media, in the run-up to the festival.”

For a complete schedule and more information about BIFF films, events, masterclasses and volunteering, please visit www.barbadosfilmfest.org. Tickets to the free and paid events are available at Ticketpal.com under “BIFF”.