The Island House
Film Festival

April 13th – 16th, 2023

Join Us

4 days of films, talks, workshops and celebration.

#TIHFF23

The Island House Film Festival is an independent non-competitive film festival in The Bahamas. TIHFF celebrates and focuses on films and filmmakers that emerge from the Caribbean region, celebrating Bahamian premieres of international, regional and local narrative films and documentaries. Panels and workshops that educate and inspire creativity amongst the Bahamian population, as well as placing a strong focus on educational outreach programs is key to TIHFF, thus expanding the film industry in the region.

PROGRAM

We are thrilled to be hosting 4 days of films, talks, workshops and parties between April 13th and 16th, 2023.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13

10:00 AM | Introduction To Filmmaking & Acting B.A.M. Workshop

Introduction To Filmmaking & Acting – BAM Student Workshops

Thursday, April 13 & Friday, April 14 @ 10am
TIH Meeting Room

FREE

TIHFF is proud to partner with BAM (Bahamas Artist Movement), who will be hosting two mornings of workshops designed for high-school students ages 13 – 18 years old. The workshops will introduce kids to the world of acting, provide insight into the industry and provide a brief look at theatre performance.

1:00 PM | Aliv Advertising – A look back at advertising in The Bahamas
3:00 PM |Telling Successful Stories that celebrate your unique voice with Kerel Pinder

Welcome Reception

Thursday March 26 @ 5:30pm

Invite Only – Filmmakers & Sponsors

7:00 PM | Welcome Party

Women Talking (USA)

Thursday, April 13 @ 8:30pm                    
Runtime: 1h 44m | Rating: PG-13
TIH Cinema

The women of an isolated religious community grapple with reconciling their reality with their faith. Though the backstory, we see a community of women come together to figure out how they might move forward together to build a better world for themselves and their children. Stay and fight or leave. They will not do nothing.

FRIDAY, APRIL 14

10:00 AM | Introduction To Filmmaking & Acting B.A.M. Workshop

Introduction to Filmmaking & Acting – BAM Student Workshops

Thursday March  26 & Friday March 27 @ 10am
TIH Meeting Room

FREE

TIHFF is proud to partner with BAM (Bahamas Artist Movement), who will be hosting two mornings of workshops designed for high-school students ages 13 – 18 years old. The workshops will introduce kids to the world of acting, provide insight into the industry and provide a brief look at theatre performance.

1:00 PM | Meaningful Images – A Cinematography Workshop Michael Belcher

Meaningful Images – A Cinematography Workshop

Friday March 27 @ 1pm
University of The Bahamas

FREE

A Director of Photography – What does he do, where does his job start and end, and what are the ways of working?

Receive hands-on knowledge of the latest cutting edge camera and lighting techniques through practical setups.

6:00 PM | Bahamian Shortcuts

Bahamian Shortcuts

Join us for a selection of short films by talented Bahamian Directors as we celebrate the launch of this year’s film lineup. The screening will take place in the Meeting Room at TIH.

All of the below films will be screened followed by a Q&A with their respective directors.

Golden Record – Brandon Thomas & Kyle Ferguson

Broken – Gary Wong

Growing up Gen – Tara Woodside

ATM – Jeffrey Mackey & Ophir Zonicle

Plastic Warrior – Lavado Stubbs

6:30 PM | Last Street

LAST STREET (JAMAICA)

Friday March 27@ 6:30pm
Runtime: 1h1m | Rating: NR
TIH Cinema

After the controversial extradition to the U.S of the famous druglord Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, chaos reigns in his former areas of control in West Kingston, Jamaica. Bands of teenagers kill each other for any little reason. Although violence in Jamaica is always portrayed as drug related, this film unveils a real truth which links a culture of violence to masculinity and shooting guns. Most of the young people from the ghetto don’t even know why they kill each other but they are trapped in this cycle of violence. Former gangsters from Denham Town, Dudu’s previous stronghold, have become violence interrupters, a type of mediators who attempt to put an end to this nonsense situation.

Director Amanda Sans Pantling will be in attendance for a Q&A post screening.

8:30 PM | Foxy Ladies

Foxy Ladies (Bahamas)

Friday March 27 @ 8:30pm
Runtime: 1h20m | Rating: NR

TIH Meeting Room

A battle of the sexes is brewing, thanks to Tanya and her feminine charms. She has a way with men, who just can’t resist her. Over the years, she has learned to beguile and manipulate men who have the strongest of will power. However, things go left when she meets a group of women who need her help. As she teaches them her secrets, chaos hits all these relationships.
This drama with generous sprinklings of comedy stars Tara Woodside, Clarence Knowles, Leslie Ellis-Tynes and Dion Johnson.

Director Clarence Rolle will be in attendance to introduce the film.

6:00 PM | Film & Television Intensive with Evelyn Osario Vaccaro

Film & Television Intensive with Evelyn Osario Vaccaro

Thursday March 26 & Friday March 27 @ 6pm
Saturday Mach 28 & Sunday March 29 @ 10am
The Outpost

FREE

Evelyn is back! Learn firsthand from her 20 years of experience in the film and TV business, as on camera talent as well as a commercial and documentary writer/producer/director. This year’s workshop will combine audition technique, scene study, making strong character choices, working with a scene partner, filming a scene, terminology used on major motion TV and Film sets, set etiquette, the different production roles and so much more. The final product will be 3 separate scenes filmed and performed by you!

Space is limited so only the first 10 to sign up will receive an original script to learn and audition with. Please choose the role you see yourself in, make strong character choices and come to the audition completely off book and ready to read for a part with other actors. We will also be looking to fill background actors and production crew roles. Those that are interested in being “behind the scenes” are also welcome. If you are a film maker and would like the opportunity to film the scene, co-direct, do sound, be in charge of hair and makeup, we are looking for you!

8:30 PM | Parasite

PARASITE (South Korea)

Friday March 27, 2020 @ 8:30pm
Runtime: 2h12m | Rating: R
TIH Cinema

Jobless, penniless, and, above all, hopeless, the Kim Family occupy themselves by working for peanuts in their squalid basement-level apartment. Then, by sheer luck, a lucrative business proposition will pave the way for an ingeniously insidious scheme, as the son summons up the courage to pose as an English tutor for the teenage daughter of the affluent Park family. Now, the stage seems set for an unceasing winner-take-all class war. How does one get rid of a parasite?

Korean with English Subtitles

SATURDAY, APRIL 15

10:00 AM | Film & Television Intensive with Evelyn Osario Vaccaro

Film & Television Intensive – Evelyn Vaccaro

Thursday March 26 & Friday March 27 @ 6pm
Saturday Mach 28 & Sunday March 29 @ 10am
The Outpost

FREE

Evelyn is back! Learn firsthand from her 20 years of experience in the film and TV business, as on camera talent as well as a commercial and documentary writer/producer/director. This year’s workshop will combine audition technique, scene study, making strong character choices, working with a scene partner, filming a scene, terminology used on major motion TV and Film sets, set etiquette, the different production roles and so much more. The final product will be 3 separate scenes filmed and performed by you!

Space is limited so only the first 10 to sign up will receive an original script to learn and audition with. Please choose the role you see yourself in, make strong character choices and come to the audition completely off book and ready to read for a part with other actors. We will also be looking to fill background actors and production crew roles. Those that are interested in being “behind the scenes” are also welcome. If you are a film maker and would like the opportunity to film the scene, co-direct, do sound, be in charge of hair and makeup, we are looking for you!

10:00 AM | Meaningful Images – A Cinematography Workshop Michael Belcher

Meaningful Images: A Cinematography Workshop

Saturday March 28, 2020 @ 10am
TIH Meeting Room

FREE

A Director of Photography – What does he do, where does his job start and end, and what are the ways of working?

Receive hands-on knowledge of the latest cutting edge camera and lighting techniques through practical setups.

11:30 AM | The Biggest Little Farm

The Biggest Little Farm (USA)

Saturday March 28 @ 11:30am
Runtime: 1h32m | Rating: PG
TIH Cinema

A testament to the immense complexity of nature, The Biggest Little Farm follows two dreamers and a dog on an odyssey to bring harmony to both their lives and the land. The film chronicles eight years of daunting work and outsize idealism as they attempt to create the utopia they seek, planting 10,000 orchard trees and over 200 different crops, and bringing in animals of every kind – When the farm’s ecosystem finally begins to reawaken, so does the Chesters’ hope – but as their plan to create perfect harmony takes a series of wild turns, they realize that to survive they will have to reach a far greater understanding of the intricacies and wisdom of nature, and of life itself.

2:00 PM | Documentary Filmmaking Workshop with Neville Smith

Documentary Filmmaking Workshop – Neville Smith

Saturday March 28, 2020 @ 2pm
TIH Meeting Room

FREE

Bahamian director Neville Smith (‘Those From Shallow Waters) will discuss his process and teach documentary filmmaking fundamentals, interview techniques and empower participants to tell stories about issues that affect their own communities. A great session for those looking to use the power of filmmaking to initiate change and tell important stories.

2:00 PM | The Fourth Kingdom

The Fourth Kingdom (USA)

Saturday March 28 @ 2pm
Runtime: 1h22m | Rating: NR
TIH Cinema

In a redemption center on the outskirts of New York, undocumented illegal aliens and underdogs have a shared disappointment in the American Dream. Responding to this false promise, Ana, Walter, Eugene, Pierre and René, will find comfort in each other’s company. Dreams don’t die if the journey continues, regardless of origins and destinations.

Director Alex Lora will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening.

4:30 PM | Reunited

Reunited (Bahamas)

Saturday March 28 @ 4:30pm
Runtime: 1h | Rating: PG
TIH Cinema

A story of rescue, courage and family

Hurricane Dorian not only managed to devastate parts of Northern Bahamas, including Abaco and Freeport, it also separated many families, leaving thousands of people and animals displaced. Meet the courageous rescuers who helped reunite 10 dogs and their owner, that miraculously survived the storm in one of the hardest hit areas, and hear from others still fighting to have their families and pets back home.

Director & Co-Producer Evelyn Vaccaro will be in attendance for a Q&A post screening.

6:00 PM | Clemency

Clemency (USA)

Saturday March 28 @ 6pm
Runtime: 1h53m | Rating: R
TIH Cinema

Years of carrying out death row executions have taken a toll on prison warden Bernadine Williams. As she prepares to execute another inmate, Bernadine must confront the psychological and emotional demons her job creates, ultimately connecting her to the man she is sanctioned to kill.

7:00 PM | Bahamas Strong Screening & Signature Party

Bahamas Strong Screening & Signature Party

A Celebration of Bahamian Resilience and Talent!
Saturday March 28 @ 7pm

It has become tradition to host one big party during our festival, and this year is no exception – We are therefore thrilled to invite you to a special screening of a documentary by Bahamian director Neville Smith called ‘Those From Shallow Waters, Special Report: Hurricane Dorian’  followed by a night of Bahamian food and music under the open sky.

Tickets are $100 (Includes screening, buffet & open bar)
To purchase tickets call 698-6300, email info@the-island-house.com or stop by the Front Desk.

8:30 PM | Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (France)

Saturday March 28 @ 8:30pm
Runtime: 2h1m | Rating: R
TIH Cinema

In 18th century France a young painter, Marianne, is commissioned to do the wedding portrait of Héloïse without her knowing. Therefore, Marianne must observe her model by day to paint her portrait at night. Day by day, the two women become closer as they share Héloïse’s last moments of freedom before the impending wedding.

French with English Subtitles

SUNDAY, APRIL 16

10:00 AM | Film & Television Intensive with Evelyn Osario Vaccaro

Film & Television Intensive – Evelyn Vaccaro

Thursday March 26 & Friday March 27 @ 6pm
Saturday Mach 28 & Sunday March 29 @ 10am
The Outpost

FREE

Evelyn is back! Learn firsthand from her 20 years of experience in the film and TV business, as on camera talent as well as a commercial and documentary writer/producer/director. This year’s workshop will combine audition technique, scene study, making strong character choices, working with a scene partner, filming a scene, terminology used on major motion TV and Film sets, set etiquette, the different production roles and so much more. The final product will be 3 separate scenes filmed and performed by you!

Space is limited so only the first 10 to sign up will receive an original script to learn and audition with. Please choose the role you see yourself in, make strong character choices and come to the audition completely off book and ready to read for a part with other actors. We will also be looking to fill background actors and production crew roles. Those that are interested in being “behind the scenes” are also welcome. If you are a film maker and would like the opportunity to film the scene, co-direct, do sound, be in charge of hair and makeup, we are looking for you!

11:30 AM | Always In Season

Always In Season (USA)

Sunday March 29 @ 11:30am
Runtime: 1h30m | Rating: NR
TIH Cinema

When 17-year-old Lennon Lacy is found hanging from a swing set in rural North Carolina in 2014, his mother’s search for justice and reconciliation begins while the trauma of more than a century of lynching African Americans bleeds into the present.

Director Jaqueline Olive will be in attendance for a Q&A post-screening.

12:30 PM | Recovery After The Storm: Telling Stories (panel Discussion)

Recovery After The Storm: Telling Stories – Panel Discussion

Sunday March 29, 2020 @ 12:30pm
TIH Meeting Room

FREE

After a cataclysmic event such as hurricanes and natural disasters, what is the filmmaker and storyteller ‘s role and responsibility in ensuring that the stories of survivors are heard? What are the protocols involved if any, and what is that experience like?

A dialogue with two filmmakers Peter Bailey and Neville Smith (Those From Shallow Waters).

2:00 PM | Paradise Discovered: The Unbreakable Virgin Islanders

Paradise Discovered: The Unbreakable Virgin Islanders (US Virgin Islands)

Sunday March 29 @ 2pm
Runtime: 1h38m | Rating: NR
TIH Cinema

This is the inspiring true story of a community that took care of each other during life’s greatest storms. It’s the tale of how one journalist sheds light on his community when nature and the rest of the world left them in darkness.

Director Peter Bailey will be in attendance for a Q&A post-screening.

3:00 PM | Achieving and Sustaining a Creative Career in The Bahamas

Achieving and Sustaining a Creative Career in The Bahamas

Screening of  ‘License 2 Create’ with Panel Discussion
Sunday March 29 @ 3pm

TIH Meeting Room

FREE

An insightful documentary film that bears witness to the desires, fears, and successes of  Bahamian Creatives: Anastarcia Palacious, Wendi, Nathan J. Burrows, TAP, David Rolle, Sawyerboy, Sarsha Taylor, Kishan Munroe feature prominently in this documentary from Kerel Pinder.

Immediately after the screening, the director and cast will join Kareem Mortimer and Aliv’s Theo Mcclain to discuss how to achieve and sustain a creative career in The Bahamas.

5:00 PM | Cabarete

Cabarete (Dominican Republic)

Sunday March 29 @ 5pm
Runtime: 1h42m | Rating: NR
TIH Cinema

A teenage kitesurfer from the Dominican Republic sets out to compete professionally in the coastal town of Cabarete, but soon gets caught up in an endless stream of hard-partying that attempts to get the best of him.

Director Ivan Bordas will be in attendance for a Q&A post-screening.

Spanish with English Subtitles

6:30 PM | A Bluebird in My Heart: Special Screening

A Bluebird in My Heart: Special Screening

Sunday March 29 @ 6:30pm
CocoPlum Restaurant

Join us as we celebrate the closing night of the festival with this intimate screening of the French film ‘A Bluebird in My Heart’ at CocoPlum Restaurant.

Tickets are $60 (includes screening, food and drink)
To purchase tickets call 698-6300, email info@the-island-house.com or stop by the Front Desk.

French with English Subtitles

8:00 PM | Greed

Greed (UK)

Sunday March 29, 2020 @ 8pm
Runtime: 1h44m | Rating: R
TIH Cinema

Greed tells the story of self-made British billionaire Sir Richard McCreadie, whose retail empire is in crisis. For 30 years he has ruled the world of retail fashion, bringing the high street to the catwalk and the catwalk to the high street. But after a damaging public inquiry, his image is tarnished. To save his reputation, he decides to bounce back with a highly publicised and extravagant party celebrating his 60th birthday on the Greek island of Mykonos.

KEY

  • Workshop
  • Movie
  • Event
  • UB Event

VENUE

Like The Island House itself, the 48-seat cinema was designed to attract and captivate both guests and local culture buffs alike. Regularly featuring both blockbuster and art house films, the versatile space also hosts live music, seminars and speaking events.

Mahogany Hill Western Rd, Nassau
(242) 698-6300
4.9 mi / 7.9 km from Downtown

MORE INFORMATION

Amenities

Merging the height of contemporary luxury with the understated elegance of authentic island life, The Island House offers today’s sophisticated traveller an experience that is warm and intimate in spirit, polished and discerning in character.

23

FILMS SCREENED

10

FREE TALKS AND WORKSHOPS

200

TALK AND WORKSHOP ATTENDEES

1000

SCREENINGS ATTENDED

REGISTER

Tickets for all films are only $10, workshops and talks are free –You can book by clicking on the Eventbrite link (under each post), by visiting The Island House Front Desk or by calling 698.6300 for more information.

OUR SPONSORS

TIHFF 2023 Key Visual Created by Artist Cydne Coleby

Cydne Coleby (B. 1993, Nassau, Bahamas) attended The College of The Bahamas (now University) where she received her associate degree in art in 2012.

In 2018, Coleby reintroduced her art practice at The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas as a part of their Ninth National Exhibition with a body of work entitled “A God Called Self”. Since then, she continues to produce digital collages and mixed-media paintings that engage themes of personal and Caribbean identity, sexuality, and gender.

Copyright 2020. The Island House Film Festival. All rights reserved