UMOJA Communications Company Inc. (UCCI) opened its third Annual Piton International Film Festival (PIFF) in St. Lucia yesterday. The event runs through to Sunday.
PIFF was founded by Edmund Umoja Herman, a St. Lucian. Inspired by the words of the late Sir John Compton, who challenged St. Lucians overseas to help build their homeland into a better place, Herman actively began building relationships with fellow Lucians throughout the world in the 1990’s and started seeking ways to showcase their talents as well as improve opportunities available to them.
The purpose of PIFF is threefold. Firstly, it is a family-friendly event that encourages unity within families, giving them an opportunity to watch, discuss, learn, and enjoy films together. Secondly, PIFF is part of a 12-month initiative that focuses on celebrating, educating, exploring, and understanding the various aspects that are needed in the production of filmmaking. Thirdly, PIFF works to create economic and employment opportunities for individuals in St. Lucia by working collaboratively with individuals involved in filmmaking and with film festivals throughout the global community.
Said a spokesman for the organizers: “We are excited about the third festival in St. Lucia. Each year we bring more and more people who have never been to St. Lucia, and look forward to returning to this annual event as well as bringing others. This year we have people travelling from the United States, Africa (Botswana), the UK, and other Caribbean islands to participate in PIFF 2016. PIFF seeks to assist with tourism by increasing the number of people visiting the island as well as increasing economic gains by utilizing local businesses and hiring individuals to work on various projects”.
PIFF 2016 proves to be another exciting year. In addition to many of the events being streamed live to surrounding islands, the organizers have been able to incorporate more St. Lucians both locally and abroad. For instance, Darnel Kendal John is continuing to assist in the filming and creation of the PIFF documentary.
Added the spokesman: “Our official PIFF art work was created by Ms.ShallonFadlien, a St. Lucian based in Canada.Velika Lawrence (based on island) and CurmiahLisette (based in the UK) wrote the PIFF 2016 theme song. The PIFF 2016 music video will be filmed during the festival with the help of St. Lucian film makers. This video will encompass art work specifically created for PIFF by Caredy Felix of Mongouge, Choiseul”.
In addition to highlighting St. Lucian talent on island and abroad, PIFF has several international actors, actresses, and film makers coming to St. Lucia to teach classes and film projects that are in various stages of production.
Events are also scheduled throughout the week to showcase and promote the island as well as provide opportunities for the people. For example, St. Lucian film makers and actors/actresses will be utilized in filming projects;
St. Lucian individuals, locations, and businesses will be featured in the documentary, music video, UCCN TV shows, etc.; St. Lucian artists, musicians, and poets will be promoted globally;
popular tourist destinations (i.e. Tet Paul, Beaches, etc.) will be highlighted to attract additional filmmakers and increase tourism in new markets; labourers (i.e. carpenters, electricians, etc.) and individuals with varied skill sets (i.e. make-up artists, clothing designers, lighting, sound, etc.) will be utilized during filming and/or festival projects
The Official Selection for PIFF 2016 is as follows:
Heart Shaped Box – Kevin Jackson
St. Lucia Speaks – Erica Moriarty and Nora Noone
The Ground is Breathing – Ali Pour Issa
Nelly Stharre – Michel Reynaud
Tormented – Ted Sandiford
Exile — Noel Braham
Cowboys of Colour – Coy Poitier
Before I Do – Kimberly D. Conner
Everything I did wrong in my twenties – Kim Williams
Dream – Elisha Thompson Mwankenja
See how easy that was – Marina Bruno
The 1 closest 2U – Willie Coggins
H2O – Clish A Gittens
Muda – PrinzeWhyee
Swing – Atif Lanier
D’Matzzi – Demedrius Charles
Diary of a Badman – DiemiruayaDeniran
Zombies ‘they are people too- Tracy V. Pierre
Arthur- Ndawula Jordan “Braise”
Queen Nanny- Roy T. Anderson
Who are you- Darnel Kendal John