BIFF to ‘inspire’ our filmmakers of the future

As islanders gear up to be entertained during the 17th annual Bermuda International Film Festival, organizers announce the event’s important educational elements.  

The festival, which runs from March 21 to 27, includes the BIFF Film Academy, made up of  The BIFF Kids Programme, aimed at primary schools, and the Reel Talk documentary screenings aimed at middle and high-school students. 

David O’Beirne, BIFF’s Director of Programming, said: “It’s our aim to create a supportive environment in which home-grown filmmaking talent can flourish and to focus confusion and frustration directly into positive expression. But, more than that, we want to demonstrate how films unlock knowledge and understanding about people, places and new subjects. The silver screen is a powerful means of communication — full of messages, morals and metaphors — that enables us all to expand our minds and to travel without leaving our
cinema seat.”

Storybooks will be read to the younger children followed by a screen adaptation, demonstrating the book-to-film format. This year’s BIFF Kids texts are Abel’s Island, The North Star, and The Talking Eggs. Their themes include growth, change, family, empathy and kindness. BIFF will introduce the films and lead discussions, as well as providing materials to help teachers integrate the programme into the classroom following the film festival.

The Reel Talk documentary screenings are broken up into three sessions on March 25, 26 and 27 and aim to “stir students’ interest in filmmaking, to encourage creative expression, provide a new perspective and develop interpersonal skills”. 

The programme will feature Dancing in Jaffa, a documentary about the homecoming of renowned ballroom dancer Pierre Dulain to Israel after decades abroad. 

Set amidst a background of strong racial animosity experienced between the Palestinians and Israelis, the story is a testament to how dance can help to build self-esteem and social awareness.

The BIFF Film Academy will reach more than 1,000 students.