Entertainment

Mask No Mas

On Monday 2^nd of August 2021, it is predicable that many people in Barbados will be wearing masks, but it is a fact that no one will be playing mas as per normal on Grand Kadooment Day. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley revealed the sobering news that there will be no mas events for the 2021 Crop Over Festival.

Within the past few weeks, a Cohobblopot seem to have been heating up and scores of people became hungry for news on the status Crop Over 2021. There is no doubt that the Crop Over Festival which is now in its 47^th year has evolved into a national event. The festival is an economic watershed, boosting of the turning over of millions of dollars annually in diverse sectors both locally and internationally.

It is therefore no surprise that the powers that be will not sit by and allow COVID-19 to totally paralyze the spirit and practice of the Crop Over Festival.

The tempo of Barbados changes in the month of July, summer starts and with it comes a cultural storm. Crop Over is the eye of that storm. This year it appeared that the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) is dragging its feet or not being in tuned with ethos of the people.

In 2020 COVID -19 floored everything in Barbados. It robbed the island of Crop Over. In 2021 there is still respect for the seriousness of the pandemic but there is a resilient and a resolve not surrender what is an integral part of Barbados’ nationhood. Surrendering Crop Over 2020 was the right thing to do back then. In 2021 the right thing to do is not to let go the national festival but to give it a different treatment so that it can survive this period of distress.

Entertainment promoters, tent managers, bandleaders, masqueraders, calypsonians, businesspersons, and fete goers got a little haywire over lack of communication from government. Persons involved in the various sectors of the festival needed definitive answers to questions they were asking.

A recent meeting with government and most of the major stakeholders in the festival appeared to have settled several issues and paved a way towards festive activities which can be done within the limitations of the country’s COVID-19 protocols.

Entertainment

National Disability Unit’s First Movie Night Is March 8

As part of activities to celebrate the Month of the Disabled 2025, the National Disabilities Unit (NDU) will host its first Movie Night for the year, this Saturday, March 8, at its grounds at ‘Maxwelton’, Lower Collymore Rock, St. Michael.

Two movies, “Jungle Cruise” and “Inside Out 2”, will be featured under the stars, with the first expected to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Admission is free and persons are encouraged to bring their chairs and blankets. The movie night will end at 9:00 p.m.

One Community: United in Action for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future is the theme for the month. The aim is to encourage communities to actively include people with disabilities in all aspects of life and to actively ensure that they are fully integrated and considered in all aspects of building a sustainable society.

Entertainment

B’DOS INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL BEGINS JANUARY 29TH

The 9th Barbados Independent Film Festival (BIFF) promises an unforgettable experience, showcasing 60 films from 20 countries over five days. Festival Director De Carla Applewhaite announced the theme, “Global Cinema,” during Monday’s media launch, highlighting the festival’s growth and its dedication to promoting Barbadian and international talent.

Applewhaite said, “”The Barbados Independent Film Festival this year has received over 350 entries. Ten from Barbados, 11 from Turkey, one from Estonia, ten from Canada, four from Trinidad and Tobago, Nigeria, Suriname, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, France, Russian Federation, Islamic Republic of Iran, Palestine, Hong Kong, Sierra Leone, Egypt, Bermuda and Curacao [have entered]. This year’s theme has defined itself as ‘Global Cinema’ as we feature work from literally around the world.”

She noted that this year’s festival was the largest yet since its inception, with 60 films scheduled to be shown over the course of five days from January 29th till February 2nd.
The festival will open on January 29 with a red carpet event at the Barbados Museum and wrap up on February 2 with the short-film showcase, Shorts On The Beach, at Southern Palms Hotel.
The festival will also spotlight The Roads We Travel, a short film by Barbados-born filmmaker Mary Cecilia Walker