ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

(New York, NY, September 27,2012) - Promotions for the second annual International Film Festival of Antigua & Barbuda (IFFAB) slated for November 18 – November 25, 2012 are in full gear.

Last Wednesday, the US Tourism Office partnered with the African American Women in Cinema (AAWIC) to promote the Festival and the destination’s wealth of resources for filming.

The AAWIC, a not for profit organization that provides a platform and showcase for aligning experienced and novice filmmakers directors, producers, and screenwriters, will host its 15th Film Festival in New York City, one week ahead of the Antigua and Barbuda Film Festival.
 

Representatives from Antigua and Barbuda participated in AAWIC’s monthly networking session, to promote the lure of filming in the twin island destination. US Director of Tourism, Derede Samuel-Whitlock and Antiguan actor/filmmaker Mr. Shashi Balooja, joined AAWIC President Ms. Terra Renee, in a panel discussion. Topics centered on opportunities for film making, insights, benefits and knowledge of the filmmaker advantage that Antigua and Barbuda has to offer.
 

Ms. Samuel-Whitlock provided an overview of the destination to an audience of seasoned and burgeoning filmmakers, as a production friendly locale with a range of options for shooting and a cadre of professional, experienced and resourceful film crews. According to Samuel-Whitlock, “To help increase our presence on the film radar, tax incentives are currently being negotiated and reviewed by the government to ensure that location costs remain relatively attractive compared to other exotic locales. In addition, crew rates are negotiable, as many students who are excited about film, are finding employment opportunities and the industry is still non-unionized.” 
 

Shashi Balooja gave an overview of the benefits of filming in Antigua and Barbuda from a filmmaker’s perspective. He explained that casting fees are still much lower than many countries and that Antigua & Barbuda is a fairly hassle-free place to film. He further stated “The fact that Antigua & Barbuda has a growing list of state-of-the-art equipment and talent readily available on-island, this would significantly reduce costs incurred for shipping equipment or issuing work permits.”  
 

Mr. Balooja shared his personal experience as a participant in the destination’s first Film Festival, last November, where his film Expose was screened. He also hosted several workshops that were attended by many enthusiastic local filmmakers.
He encouraged AAWIC’s filmmakers to attend the Festival in Antigua and Barbuda to support the local developing film industry which offered so many opportunities to share their expertise and provide mentorship.
 

Over the past five years more than 20 international films have been produced in Antigua and Barbuda. The second Annual International Film Festival of Antigua & Barbuda (IFFAB) will showcase the work of local filmmakers, explore and create business opportunities and provide pathways to network with established Industry professionals from around the globe.