Culture

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION – A 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 and the National Cultural Foundation’s (NCF) spearhead in this film extravaganza, Annette Nias, has expressed delight at the Barbadian public’s response to the competitions. Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic which affected all aspects of human activity, Nias 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,” she said, adding that this year there have been a record 48 entries to the NCF.

On Saturday, November 18, 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. She explained that 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; narrative fiction, long or short, and ranging from two minutes 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, StopMotion/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 available 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 in the form of 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. This award is for both juniors and adults.

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. It will comprise a cash award of $3,500 and a trophy and both juniors and adults are eligible.

Two new awards in the form of two scholarships to the Barbados Community College will be offered towards higher training worth $3 000 each.

There is an innovative award in the form of a Business Entrepreneur Prizewhich 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 the following day. She said she expected many patrons to attend the NIFCA Movie Drive-in Night in the car park of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex at Wildey on Sunday, November 19. This event would celebrate the 50^th 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)

Culture

Barbados Participates In International Conference On Cultural Heritage

A three-member Barbadian delegation is in Nairobi, Kenya, attending the International Conference on Cultural Heritage in Africa: A Dialogue on the Concept of Authenticity, which aims to foster an exchange of research, experience, knowledge, and observations.

The members of the delegation are Steve Devonish, Chair of the Barbados World Heritage Committee and Site Manager for Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison; Alissandra Cummins, Deputy Chair of the Barbados World Heritage Committee; and Dr. Sheron Johnson, Focal Point for Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison.

The four-day conference is a significant event dedicated to repositioning and redefining the concepts of authenticity and integrity in the context of African heritage. It is organised by UNESCO, in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Kenya and the African World Heritage Fund, and has brought together heritage experts, government officials, local communities, non-governmental organisations, and academics from across Africa and the world.

Barbados, as the only Caribbean country to present at the conference, has been welcomed wholeheartedly by the Director of the World Heritage Centre, Lazare Eloundou Assomo, organisers of the conference, and other African countries.

The delegation, at the request of the Director, spoke to the outcomes of the conference having implications for small island developing states such as Barbados, as much of our heritage has linkage with Africa.

The meeting also seeks to address the gap between global heritage frameworks and African realities, particularly how authenticity and integrity are defined and applied. Its importance lies in the current application of authenticity, which has a European slate and negates African ecological realities, communities and landscapes.

Africa is home to an extraordinary wealth of cultural and natural heritage, yet it remains underrepresented on the World Heritage List. Currently, African sites make up only 12.26 per cent of the 1,223 World Heritage properties globally, despite the continent’s significance as the cradle of humanity. Additionally, it has the highest number of endangered heritage sites worldwide.

While in Kenya, the delegation, led by Mr. Devonish, paid a visit to the High Commission for Barbados in Kenya and engaged in fruitful discussions with the High Commissioner William McDonald on ways to further deepen the relation between Barbados and African States on matters of heritage, support for Barbados’ future plans at the World Heritage Centre, and ways the Division of Culture can support the Mission’s outreach to the Kenyan population. (PR/GIS)

Culture

Clarification Of Investment Target For We Gatherin’ 2025

As the We Gatherin’ initiative continues in full stride, we take this time to thank those members of corporate Barbados who have committed to helping us reach our target of $5,000,000 (five million) in support and investment, whether cash or in kind.

So far, we have secured $500,000 from businesses across the island, and we continue to encourage other private sector entities to contribute to this historical initiative, that not only brings our society closer together but that will provide much needed assistance to programs that will benefit our youth, helping to steer us through troubled times to a better, more peaceful and prosperous Barbados for all.

After the recently concluded church service at St. Anne’s Church in St. Joseph, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight was keen to speak on the progress towards reaching this target.

“During my address, I inadvertently mentioned a figure of $5 million in private sector donations. That number reflects our aspirational goal, not the current reality. To clarify, we have presently secured $500,000 in contributions toward this initiative. We remain deeply grateful for the support received thus far and continue to encourage additional private sector partners to join us in this important national effort.”

We Gatherin’ 2025 continues with events and activities in St. Joseph for the month of April and moving on to St. John in May. (PR/GIS)

Culture

We Gatherin’ Activities Launched In Boston Over The Weekend

The spirit of Barbados was alive last Saturday, March 22, as the Consulate General of Barbados in New York, in partnership with the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), officially launched the ‘We Gatherin’ 2025 series in Boston.

According to Consul General Lorenzo Harewood, the event, held at the Sorrel and Lime place, was a spectacular showcase of Barbadian culture, bringing together scores of Barbadians and friends of Barbados for an unforgettable experience.

“Attendees were immersed in the rich sights, sounds, and flavours of the island, enjoying pulsating local music, mouthwatering Bajan cuisine, and a vibrant marketplace filled with stalls owned by Barbadian entrepreneurs,” he said.

He noted that from handcrafted souvenirs to locally made products, the event provided a platform for businesses to connect with the diaspora and promote authentic Barbadian goods.

The Consul General said that the energy in the room was electric as Barbadians, young and old, reunited with friends, made new connections, and celebrated their shared heritage.

A major highlight of the evening was the exciting giveaways, including exclusive discounted travel packages and the grand prize won by Carson Straughn – a trip for two to Barbados. The winners were thrilled at the chance to visit their homeland and immerse themselves in all that the island has to offer.

Mr. Harewood stated that the successful launch marked the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating ‘We Gatherin’ 2025’ series.

“With overwhelming support and enthusiasm from attendees, the celebrations are set to continue in Connecticut, and Philadelphia, and culminate in a grand finale in New York throughout April and May. Many attendees have pledged to follow the journey, eager to experience more of the warmth, culture, and togetherness that define the Barbadian spirit,” he remarked.

The Consul General added: “The partnership between the Consulate and BTMI underscores a shared commitment to strengthening connections between Barbados and its diaspora while promoting the island as a premier destination for both leisure and business.

“As the excitement builds, Barbadians across generations are encouraged to join the movement, return home, and take part in the national festivals and activities happening throughout 2025.”

During the event, a brief intermission provided an opportunity to recognise outstanding professional achievements. Mr. Harewood took to the stage to present the prestigious Professional Achievement Award to Professor Cardinal Warde, a distinguished faculty member at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Professor Warde is widely regarded as a leading expert in optical information processing and display technologies. His extensive contributions to the field include over 150 technical papers, co-editorship of a book, and co-authorship of three book chapters on optical materials and devices.

Beyond academia, his innovative work is reflected in 12 patents related to spatial light modulators, displays, and optical information processing systems, solidifying his influence in advancing cutting-edge optical technologies. (PR/GIS)