On Wednesday, May 23, The Turks and Caicos International Film Festival (TCIFF) kicked off its 3rd annual year with an LA launch party at the Hollywood American Legion Post. The event included a private reception to celebrate and make some key announcements for the upcoming festival which will take place this October 16-21, 2007 on the beautiful island of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos.
TCIFF’s defining feature is its emphasis on the musical element of films when choosing and awarding festival submissions. The festival features films from all over the world that best marry music to cinema through content, character, theme or score/soundtrack; their goal being a fusion of cinema and music.
BWR Public Relations put on the event and rolled out the blue carpet (an oceanic tribute to the festival’s location in the Caribbean) for event guests. Special guests included the Honorable Michael Misick (Premiere of Turks & Caicos) & First Lady LisaRaye McCoy Misick, Co-Executive Directors of TCIFF Jasmine Guy and husband Terrence Duckette, as well as Angela Bassett, Blair Underwood, Natalie Cole, Alfre Woodard, Henry Simmons, John Stockton, Courtney B. Vance, Malik Yoba, Dwight ‘Heavy D’ Myers and many more.
Actor Robert Forester was also present and conveyed his excitement at being involved with the festival once again after serving as a judge last year. Grey?s Anatomy star James Pickens Jr. also came out to the event to support the festival and long-time friend Jasmine Guy.
Guests gathered around the cabana style seating to hear the announcements for this year’s festival. Executive Director Jasmine Guy announced that this year the festival will honor Mos Def as an artist who successfully represents crossing of medias. While husband and fellow executive director Terrence Duckette thanked Bling H20, Maverick Entertainment, "Our Stories", Turks and Caicos tourism board and Angeleno magazine for their support. The pair also recognized Caroline Ali as the festival director and the women through whom all the films must pass.
One past festival-goer prepared guests for the 2007 festival by sharing her own personal packing list: a bikini, magazine, martini glass, flip flops, iPod, sunglasses and absolutely NO cell phones. Lindsey Musgrove, Director of Tourism, spoke about the growing tourism of the majestic Turks & Caicos islands and the excitement surrounding the upcoming festival. Dr. Kinglsey Bean surprised guests with a raffle to win a 5 night stay in Turks and Caicos.
The TCIFF is currently accepting film submissions for the 2007 festival; the regular deadline is July 17 for feature, documentaries and short films. The festival will present special jury awards as well as their signature Sal Del Mar Awards. This year’s festivities will include outdoor feature film screenings, VIP galas, a live concert series and an awards presentation.
Guests who register for the festival before June 30th will enjoy a 20% discount. Also, when you take advantage of this special discount you will automatically be registered for a raffle to win a trip from Caribbean Escapes to the La Luna Resort in Grenada which includes a 7 night stay for 2 in a Cottage Suite! For more information and to purchase festival passes visit www.tciff.com.
