BIFF Brings Cinema and Culture to Nassau this November 13-17

Baha Mar, the Caribbean’s premier luxury resort destination, is proud to announce its role as the official host of the 19th Annual Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF). This year’s event, held from November 13-17, will celebrate the artistry and vision of Caribbean filmmakers, showcasing their work in a breathtaking setting that merges world-class luxury with Bahamian culture.

“We are excited to celebrate the 19th annual Bahamas International Film Festival at Baha Mar, the leading destination for arts and culture in the Bahamas,” said Leslie Vanderpool, BIFF Founder and Executive Director. “Baha Mar’s dynamic community of artists and guests continually elevates the appreciation of the arts across the islands. This partnership is a perfect fit for our aspiring artists and visionaries.”

Located in the vibrant heart of Nassau, Baha Mar is a beacon of luxury and cultural celebration, offering festival-goers a truly immersive experience. From curated encounters with the island’s native flamingos to authentic Bahamian culinary workshops at The Kitchen, guests can connect with the island’s essence in an extraordinary setting. Against the stunning backdrop of Baha Mar’s extensive art collections and two renowned galleries, this partnership with BIFF underscores the resort’s dedication to nurturing arts and culture, creating a meaningful platform for Caribbean filmmakers and a deeper appreciation of Bahamian heritage.

“We are delighted to host the Bahamas International Film Festival, which aligns perfectly with Baha Mar’s vision to celebrate culture and creativity in the region,” said Graeme Davis, President of Baha Mar. “BIFF brings an inspiring community of artists and film enthusiasts to Nassau, and together, we’re creating an experience that will elevate Bahamian film on the world stage and provide an unforgettable celebration of storytelling and talent.”

Baha Mar is set to host an exclusive festival, commencing with the debut of the eagerly awaited biographical film, "They Call Me Peanuts". Celebrating the life of Peanuts Taylor, the event will feature live performances from first and second generation of John and Becky Chipman that perform at the former Drum Beat club and a performance from a rising singer-songwriter, KTYA, setting an energetic ambiance for a weekend dedicated to film. Participants can anticipate a variety of screenings, including "Ocean's Rose, Hazard", with a star-studded cast featuring Sosie Bacon, Dave Davis, and Alex Roe, and "Eddie Minnis: Ting An’ Ting", a tribute to the notable Eddie Minnis. The festival will conclude with a screening of "Old Guy", a film directed by the respected Simon West and produced by BIFF veterans Jib Polhemus, Norm Golightly, and Martin Brennan. This film, which boasts a prestigious cast including Christoph Waltz, Lucy Liu, and Cooper Hoffman, is set to release inQ1 of 2025. All screenings, totaling over forty, will take place at the Baha Mar New Providence Lawn Pavilion.

Beyond the screenings, festival attendees can look forward to an array of engaging events,including insightful industry panels with film experts, celebrating the intersection of Caribbean culture and global cinema.

The BIFF panel event schedule is as follows: On Wednesday, November 13, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, a Masterclass by Dorian & Simone Missick will take place. The following day, November 14,features a Mix & Mingle session and Film For A Cause Presentation by Jon Fitzgerald, a leading film expert, from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. On Friday, November15, join Marj Galas of the Associations of Film Commissions International and Bahamian filmmaker Maria Govan for an informative session on Incentives &Rebates from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM. This will be followed by a Producers: Creative Investors Panel from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM featuring Producers, Scott Budnick, Julie Corman, and Nate Kohn. On Saturday, November 16, from 10:30 AM - 11:30AM, a panel on Development and Production with Niija Kuykendall of Netflix and Amber Rasberry of Amazon MGM will be conducted. Lastly, on Sunday, November 17, join the Actors and Directors Panel with Alex Roe, Dave Davis, and Eddie Mensore from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. All panels will be moderated by Jon Fitzgerald, an industry expert. All events will be held at the Baha Mar, New Providence Lawn Pavilion.

The Closing Night Festive Party promises to end the event on a high note, capturing the vibrant spirit of the islands.

BIFF is a defining event for The Bahamas, celebrating film and culture in an exceptional environment that blends luxury with local artistry. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind experience at Baha Mar.

About Baha Mar

Baha Mar is a master planned integrated resort development situated on 1,000 acres overlooking the world’s famous Cable Beach. The white sand beach destination includes three global brand operators – Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood – over2,300 rooms and more than 45 restaurants and lounges, the largest casino in the Caribbean, a state-of-the-art convention center, Royal Blue Golf Course, an18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature course, a brand new $200 million Baha Bay luxury water park, the Caribbean’s first and only flagship ESPA spa, and over30 luxury retail outlets. Baha Mar is a breathtaking location with dynamic programming, activities, and guest offerings in one of the most beautiful places in the world – The Bahamas. For more information and reservations, visit www.bahamar.com.

About the Bahamas International Film Festival

The Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) is nonprofit organization committed to providing the local community and International festival goers with a diverse presentation of films from The Bahamas and around the world. In addition to showcasing films that might not otherwise be released theatrically, BIFF provides unique cultural experiences,educational programs, and forums for exploring the past, present & future of cinema. BIFF aims to raise the level of filmmaking, participation and education throughout The Bahamas and the world.