Belize’s Rise as a Cultural Mecca

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Belize just keeps developing as an artistic kind of place…

Across the world from Australia to Trinidad and Tobago, word is out that the Belize International Film Festival is a prestigious event, and having your film accepted to be shown at it is a big deal.

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday of June 17, Trinidadian filmmaker Andre Johnson had his short film, “Sweet TnT” selected for this year’s film festival in Belize City, which runs from July 11 to 15.

Here’s what Newsday had to say; “Local short film Sweet TnT written and directed by Trinidadian Andre Johnson, has been selected for the 2013 Belize International Film Festival (BIFF), a major accolade for this filmmaker and Trinidad and Tobago, since the mission of this prestigious Film Festival is to ‘highlight culturally stimulating films to the Belizean audience’.”

To hail a country’s film being selected for the 2013 BIFF as “a major accolade” speaks volumes for not just the artist, but for BIFF itself, and for the high regard the film festival is held in by Belize’s neighbours and the international community.

And with entries from 13 nations including the  United States of America, Cuba, Ukraine, Poland, France, Australia, and Spain. The BIFF has grown into a truly international event.

It’s not surprising. Belize has always had a lively artistic scene. The Image Factory in Belize City supports and displays an amazing range of local talent, Stonetree Records’ catalogue is filled with unique Belizean music and musicians such as the legendary Paul Nabor and the younger Aurelio Martinez’s different Paranda styles, Cubola Publishers in Benque Viejo offers a smorgasbord of writing talent, and the Bliss Centre for the Performing Arts showcases a variety of Belizean artists and groups… the list goes on.

This year’s festival sounds like it will be quite an event, with an opening night Red Carpet Gala, an industry symposium with panels on the animation industry and marketing and distribution and screenings in Belize City, San Ignacio, Orange Walk and San Pedro out on Ambergris Caye.

There’s even more going on, as you can find out at www.belizefilmfestival.com.

Once again we see that Belize is more than just a pretty face blessed by Mother Nature with astounding good looks – the little country is also a hotbed of artistic talent and creativity.

We’ll be posting more about the Belize International Film festival.

 

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