'Artists of The Bahamas' documentary to be screened at Regency Theatare Jan. 11

A documentary exploring the lives and work of key visual artists whose talents contributed to the initial art movement in The Bahamas will be screened in Grand Bahama on January 11 at the Regency Theatre at 3:00 p.m.

The film, titled "Artists of the Bahamas," premiered at the Bahamas International Film Festival on December 5 and features interviews, still photos and archive footage inter-cut with images of the artists' works.

During the film, insight is given into the creative process that goes into the artists' paintings, woodcuts, sculptures and installations.

The artists talk about the techniques they use to execute their ideas, from traditional brushes and charcoal, to palette knives, found objects, chainsaws and electronic media.

The documentary concludes with the vibrant energy of Junkanoo, a great African festival that rivals both 'Mardi Gras' and 'Carnival' in importance.

The sound track includes compositions by the legendary Bahamian musician "Peanuts" Taylor and young virtuoso drummer Ruppa-Pumpum.

The film is directed and produced by Karen Arthur-Thomas Neuwirth, and includes an introduction by Sir Sidney Poitier.

The principal cast consists of Amos Ferguson, Kendal Hanna, Max Taylor, Brent Malone, Eddie Minnis, Dave Smith, Stan Burnside, Jackson Burnside, Antonius Roberts, John Beadle and John Cox.

The one-day screening is being presented by the Grand Bahama Heritage Foundation and the Freeport Film Society. The filmmakers and featured artists will be on-hand to answer questions from patrons.

All of the event's proceeds will benefit the Grand Bahama Heritage Foundation. Tickets are available for the screening at Bandolera's in Port Lucaya, The Seventeen Shop, The Gallery at the Garden of the Groves, Bahamian Tings, or through Chantal Bethel or Laurie Tuchel (LnTuchel@gmail.com) Tickets will not be sold at the door.

© 2009 The Freeport News