NASSAU, Bahamas -- Bahamas FilmInvest International, Coordinator of the Travelling Caribbean Film Showcase, released the titles of films selected to be featured in the 5th edition of the Film Showcase, scheduled for the month of June 2013 at Galleria Cinemas.

Owen Bethel, President of Bahamas FilmInvest International, confirmed that in addition to the 22 full feature films, documentaries, animations and children’s films included in the regular Showcase, due to the 40th Anniversary of Independence of The Bahamas, a further 7 films have been specifically selected in recognition of this historic occasion.

“The Film Showcase is intended to expose the local population to the skill and talent of filmmakers within the region. These are stories with which we can relate and are executed with the artistry and technique more often associated only with Hollywood. However, the 7 films to be shown as a special tribute to the 40th Anniversary of Independence of The Bahamas were chosen due to their themes of liberation, freedom, racial currents, and independence movements in the region,” Mr. Bethel stated. The Film Showcase, endorsed by both UNESCO and UNICEF, is an annual event featured in over twenty islands of the Caribbean and exposing the talents of the filmmakers in over thirty markets.

Mr. Bethel foreshadowed the launch of a showcase specific to the Bahamian filmmakers during the 40th Anniversary celebrations and the creation of a Short Film Competition with the theme of "Independence". Selected short films and winners of the competition will join other films in being featured in the Film Showcase in specific markets throughout the region. He also indicated that the success of the Travelling Caribbean Film Showcase will lead to the establishment and launch of the Caribbean Film Awards in 2014.

Featuring Jim Mendrinos, Leighann Lord and Bruce Hunter.

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama -- The Grand Bahama Performing Arts Society presents its 5th Annual Comedy Show on 2 nights, Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18, 2013 at the Treasure Bay Casino at 8 p.m.

Appearing in Grand Bahama for the first time are stand-up powerhouses from New York City, Jim Mendrinos and Leighann Lord. 

Mendrinos is a well-known comedian and writer described as the common man with hysterically funny, uncommon observations of life and people.  He is the author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Comedy Writing” (Alpha Press, 2004) and performs regularly in NYC, at Caesar’s and aboard cruise ships.

Leighann Lord was described by Stage Time magazine as “one of the funniest female comics you’ve probably never heard of – a triple comic threat of beauty, style and razor-sharp wit who delivers an uproarious performance every time.”

Returning to Grand Bahama is Canadian improv king, Bruce Hunter.  Bruce had the audience practically rolling in the aisles at the 2012 Comedy Show. 

Bruce joined The Second City in 1981 and is currently a member of the internationally renowned comedy troupe, Illustrated Men.  He has performed and taught Improvisation for almost 30 years and will be conducting an Improv Workshop on Wednesday May 15 at the Regency Theatre starting at 7 p.m.  The cost of the Workshop is $10 and can be paid at the door.

NASSAU, Bahamas -- Queen's College students Dion Brown and Blaire Evans perform a James Catalyn skit, during the recent E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival New Providence Adjudications, at Holy Trinity Activity Centre.  (BIS Photo / Eric Rose)

Arts and Craft Officer in the Department of Culture Mr. Ellery Deveaux draws a simple scene for Fox Town Primary School students, at the school on Little Abaco, as part of a workshop during the recent E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Abaco Adjudications.  (BIS Photo / Eric Rose)