Oct 20th, 2007

By STAFF WRITER, For The Guardian

In partnership with the local art community, the Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) will stage the first annual Big Screen Art Scene - an interactive art event with a twist.

BIFF Founder and Executive Director, Leslie Vanderpool, announced that the event will take place November 1, 2007 at 7 p.m. in the newly opened gallery at Popopstudios on Dunmore Avenue.

"We're really excited to officially align BIFF with another community of artists," says Vanderpool. "It's important that all artists, whether they are filmmakers, painters, musicians or sculptors gather and collaborate under The Bahamas' cultural umbrella."

At the Big Screen Art Scene, holders of collector's tickets will choose from 51 pieces of local art as their number is drawn until no more tickets — and no more art pieces — remain. Only 51 collector's tickets will be sold at a cost of $250. Non-collectors who wish to attend the function can purchase an Aficionado's ticket for $25. Tickets will be available starting Friday, October 19 at the BIFF office, Fourth Terrace at Collins Avenue, Building #10, 2nd Floor. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Brent Malone Artist-in-Residency Fund managed by the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB).

Popopstudios is an independent art studio and gallery which serves to advance Bahamian visual culture. The space itself is a multi-functional venue - working studios, artist's residences, art gallery, learning center and meeting place.

"We exist to harbor both seasoned and developing artists interested in new media and mixed media processes, while projecting these efforts to a national and international audience," says John Cox. "We're excited to partner with BIFF and to host this event in our new gallery space."

Guests at the Big Screen Art Scene will be invited to try their hand at sketching live models and enjoy other interactive art-themed activities. Several short films will be playing throughout the night. Drinks and finger foods will be served. The Big Screen Art Scene takes place Thursday, November 1, 2007.

BIFF 2007 begins Thursday, December 6 and runs through Thursday, December 13. Additional announcements pertaining to the Film Festival will be made in the coming weeks.

The Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) is a nonprofit organization committed to providing the local community and International festival goers with a diverse presentation of films from The Bahamas and around the world. In addition to showcasing films that might not otherwise be released theatrically, BIFF provides unique cultural experiences, educational programs, and forums for exploring the past, present and future of cinema. BIFF aims to raise the level of filmmaking, participation and education throughout The Bahamas and the world.

For further information regarding The Big Screen Art Scene, call the BIFF office at 356-5939 or send e-mail to sponsor@bintlfilmfest.com. For more information on Popopstudios, including location, events and contacts, visit www.popopstudios.com.