CELEBRITIES In Paradise
HONOREE AWARDS
Received the 2025 Sir Sidney Poitier Tribute Award. BIFF connects a massive global star (Captain America/Marvel) with a Bahamian legend (Sir Sidney).
SAWYER SPIELBERG
Received the 2025 Shining Star Tribute. He is a magnet for viewers. A rising actor and part of Hollywood Royalty.
Past honorees include, Morgan Freeman, Sir Sean Connery, Johnny Depp, Debra Messing, Roger Corman, Heather Graham, Danny Glover, Alan Arkin, Daryl Hannah, Nicholas Cage, Laurence Fishburne, Grace Jones, Anna Faris, Sydney T. Poitier, Zoe Kravitz, Michael K. Williams, Rae Dawn Chong, Cicely Tyson, Naomie Harris and Sophie Okonedo.
BIFF Founder / Executive Director Leslie Vanderpool emphasizes "BIFF is known for its festive atmosphere, fostering a culture of camaraderie among attendees and creating a space for inspiration and unity.”
CELEBRATE WINNERS
FILM & SCRIPT AWARDS
SHORT FILM
THERE'S SOMETHING I HAVE TO TELL YOU Bahamas / United States / 2025 / 16 mins
NARRATIVE AWARD
United Kingdom / 2025 / 100 mins
NEW VISIONS AWARD
NOBODY WANTS TO BE HERE, NOBODY WANTS TO LEAVE
United States / 2025 / 86 mins
SCREENWRITER LAB AWARD
United States / 2025 / 100 mins
"Cinema in Paradise." 20 years of uniting movie buffs within The Bahamas.
The 21st Anniversary Bahamas International Film Festival will take place Dec. 7 - 14, 2026 - where world-class film meet island paradise!
CRAFT IN PARADISE
EDUCATE & ENCOURAGE
ACTING WORKSHOP - Master the Screen. Ready for your close-up? Learn directly from industry veteran SJ. Allocco St. Germain in this immersive workshop. Whether you are a budding talent or experienced actor, refine your skills and network with the best in the business.
Pitch session bahamian talent
A special opportunity for this year's festival lineup: A Pitch Session dedicated exclusively to Bahamian creatives. This is your chance to get your ideas in front of the invited industry decision makers in a one on one focused, supportive enviornment. This session is strictly for our local talent. Participaton is free, but space is limited.
PRODUCING PANEL
Learn from the industry professionals who greenlight, finance, and deliver the films that make millions—even billions—at the box office.
Sponsors
