Look Up Child
A Bahamian story of resilience premieres in IMAX
By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net
AFTER the devastation of Hurricane Dorian, local filmmaker Leonardo Newman is taking Bahamian storytelling to new heights with the premiere of his latest film, Look Up Child.
With its debut in IMAX on Wednesday this week at the Fusion Superplex, Leonardo promised audiences a powerful cinematic experience. The film follows Jasmine, a young woman grappling with mental anguish and a fractured relationship in the wake of the hurricane.
Leonardo, who left no stone unturned to deliver the film on such a grand scale, urged viewers to experience it in all its visual and emotional intensity as it was meant to be seen.
“I mostly only watch films in IMAX these days, the experience is unrivalled. This might get a bit technical, but from production began, I shot in two formats holding onto a glimmer of hope that there may be a chance to premiere at Fusions IMAX theatre,” the filmmaker told Tribune Weekend.
In his initial conversations with Fusion Superplex, Leonardo said
he did not place much hope into the possibility, but had a ‘just in case’ feeling nevertheless.
“By the grace of God, we were able to have it make sense for both parties. This sent me back to work though. Even though the film was finished in January of this year, it was formatted for a widescreen release and not for the IMAX screen. After securing the venue, I had to return to the editing room to reformat the film for the IMAX screen.
In the widescreen version, a part of the top and bottom of the recorded image is chopped off, but in this IMAX version, you see everything that the camera recorded,” said Leonardo.
He believes IMAX allowed viewers to be fully immersed in the “Look Up Child” experience and it really was the best way to view a film. Leonardo said although the film is not a Hollywood-stamped “made for IMAX” movie, it was still able to take advantage of the state-of-the-art, zero-compromise IMAX theatre.
Going deeper into the movie’s storyline, Leonardo said the writing process began in September 2020, in the heart of the pandemic and a year after Hurricane Dorian
had passed. He said the times were difficult and the country and world felt like doom and gloom.
“My local church decided they would not do a Christmas production (that year) and I couldn’t shake the desire for people to end the year hopeful. I wanted to remind people that there is hope beyond this pain and to consider that these experiences are not meaningless,” said Leonardo.
“So my co-writer Alexis Burrows and I decided to begin writing this film which at that point was a short film in hopes of releasing it by the end of 2020. Unfortunately due to another lockdown, we were unable to go into production. Even with that setback, we still decided to complete the script but now making it into a feature-length film.”
He said the aftermath of Dorian and the health crisis that followed is what had an impact on the writing of the movie. Displaced families, a sobbing nation, the social media debates about why God allows suffering, it was a really tough time for the nation.
Along with his team, he set out to explore a story that took place in a post-Dorian Bahamas with a lead character still living with its effects,
LOCAL filmmaker Leonardo Newman
even five years later. Leonardo said they did not want to make a film about the devastation of the storm itself, but make a film about the longlasting effects of trauma and tragedy and how locals can continue to live with hope after they have experienced devastation.
When asked how did he approach the mental health aspects of Jasmine’s character, and why was it important to include this theme in the film - Leonardo said they wanted to depict the reality of a person’s internal struggles and suffering that can linger even years after a trau-
complicated, but the Bible tells us that trials and tribulations produce godly character and patience and in the end it produces hope. If viewers leave with some resemblance of this, I would be joyful,” said Leonardo. He said making a film is hard, especially when trying to do it well. However, in the end it has fostered a lot of growth, and has not only taught him contentment, but pushed him out of his comfort zone. He is excited for people to see what was done, and believes he is on the cusp of an evolution in Bahamian cinema - and this is only the beginning.
matic event has passed.
“This theme was important because I think we believe that there’s a time frame on how long it should take for someone to heal after loss, but that’s not reality and we all process these things differently. We really wanted to explore what this might look like in hopes of raising the audience’s awareness of this reality and give an idea of possible responses to someone living with these challenges,” said Leonardo.
He is hoping the story of “Look Up Child” will be a connector to remind persons not only about Hurricane Dorian survivors, but also
about anyone who has experienced trauma or devastation.
“We hope that this story will lead to more grace being given even among strangers because you never know what someone has been through or is going through that has shaped who they have become. This is a fallen world and we are all affected by it in some way, so let’s try to build up each other and not tear each other down. Let’s be considerate of each other, and let us walk in the hope of Christ together.
If viewers can take away that life is challenging but there is always hope to live on, I would feel our job was done well. Life is hard and
“From a mental standpoint, the most challenging part of this project has been the film’s subject matter. We tried hard not only to be sensitive to the survivors and victims of Hurricane Dorian, but also we tried not to tell their story because we knew we could not do it justice. Sometimes I find myself wishing we had changed the name of the storm in the film. So I’ve had a ton of internal deliberations about that because I don’t want to disrespect the very people that we are hoping to remind viewers about, these people who are among
us and who are still hurting,” said Leonardo.
When it comes to “Look Up Child”, Leonardo said the story is told by Bahamians through the lens of Bahamians. He believes that shines through on the screen.
“I’m most proud of my actresses, Allaya Hagigal our lead, and Ruth Brown, one of our supporting actresses, who were both nominated for awards at the largest Christian film festival in the world for their roles in ‘Look Up Child’. All my life I heard the sentiment that Bahamians can’t act, so to have two of my leads nominated for awards, that just meant so much to me. The film as a whole was also nominated for Best Foreign Film as well,” said Leonardo.
He said the “Look Up Child” cast with speaking roles included names like Allaya Hagigal as Jasmine Rolle, Raquel Lockhart as Julie Rolle, Ruth Brown as Dr Johnson, Tyra Cox as Sam, Francis Adderley as Peter Rolle Sr, Jahan ChatlaniPickstock as Peter Rolle Jr, Jekel Johnson as Lateisha, Tyrone Burrows as Tim, Devantai Sterling as Joey, Leslie Ellis-Tynes as Ms Smith, Tara Woodside as diner owner, and Kyndace McKenzie as pharmacy clerk.
The voice-over talents included Danielle Dean, Kyle Walkine, Tyra Foulkes, and Samiah Rutherford. An original soundtrack for the film was composed by Bahamian composer Stefan Thompson.
Writers include Alexis Burrow and Leonardo Newman, producers Leonardo and Myah Newman, Associate Producer Crystal Roberts, and Director Leonardo Newman.
“I think the message of the film will resonate with anyone who watches the film. At its core, the film is about the effects of loss and trauma and the process of overcoming those challenges. We know that loss is a shared experience across the globe so we believe this story will hit home for most viewers,” said Leonardo.
“When we screened at the International Christian Film Festival, those in attendance were mainly Americans, and the story still resonated with them. So that is exciting knowing that though this is a Bahamian production, just like we can resonate with global stories, anyone who watches this film can resonate with our themes regardless of their background.”
BahaMian Trea interview
A performer with both talent and wit, BahaMian Trea talked to CARA HUNT about his music, his work and his next step - taking to the stage for Shakespeare in Paradise.
Photos by Deandre Miller
Altreaeu Emmunael Davis or as he is professionally called BahaMian Trea has already made quite the name for himself.
He has combined his love of performing and music to create a unique brand that embraces his cultural roots.
And now he is set to take his talents to the Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts as he performs in two productions during the popular
Shakespeare in Paradise set to begin this weekend.
He first gained the public’s interest back in 2015 with his Facebook release “You can’t Muggle like Me”, a humourus take on a man meeting random women who are just not his type.
The popularity of the song led to his working with well-known Bahamian industry names such as Bam Bam Riddim, Charlie Brown and DJ reality and then the Exile Media Group.
Some of his earlier work includes singles like Gone, BahaMian Story, Money Pull Up, Too Young featuring Wendi and Ian Davis and the gospel piece, Praise Him, featuring Najie Dunn and Donovan Chase.
He says that he made the decision to transition to being an independent artist back in April 2019.
This allowed him to work with other artists while also giving him the opportunity to elevate his music and represent the country.
He has been nominated for Cacique and Bahamian Icon awards.
In fact, his hit single Abaco was heard far and wide having been streamed more than a million times, across the Caribbean, the US and Canada.
But he says acting has always been a passion of his as well.
“I started acting before music,’ he has explained.
In the very beginning, he had skits on his Vine videos and eventually transferred to the stage and screen.
“My very first play was in 2019 called Struggles and Dreams and most recently, I’ve acted in the
first Bahamian musical held at Atlantis theatre called Junkanoo in Paradise.”
Additionally, he starred in the award-winning short film “It takes a Village”, written by Jonico Pratt, and appeared in season four of the hit show Bounce TV’s Johnson. Johnson is an American comedy drama television series created by Deji LaRay and executive produced by Cedric The Entertainer that premiered on Bounce TV on August 1, 2021.
The series stars LaRay, Thomas Q Jones, Philip Smithey, Derrex Brady
this weekend in history
September 20
1973 - Tennis player Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in a much-publicised “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match. 2017 - Hurricane Maria struck the island of Puerto Rico. The storm caused more than $90 billion in damages and government officials said that there were nearly 3,000 deaths.
September 21
1823 - According to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ
and DL Hughley as best friends, all with the same last name of Johnson.
And now he is set to hit the stage again this weekend.
He will be performing in two productions, FN and A Tale of Two Brothers.
“FN is an interesting insight on the comparisons of old day Bahamians vs Modern Bahamians and A Tale of Two Brothers is an interesting satire of what an economy turn into when laws are passed without due diligence,” he said.
Shakespeare in Paradise 2024 season is produced by Ringplay
of Latter-day Saints, Moroni was an angel or resurrected being who appeared to Joseph Smith and instructed him to restore God’s church on earth.
1937 - English author J.R.R. Tolkien published The Hobbit, a coming-of-age fantasy that became a classic.
September 22
1888 - The first issue of National Geographic Magazine was published, and it became famous for its richly illustrated articles on the various geographic regions of the world.
1999 - The West Wing, a political drama created by Aaron Sorkin debuted on American TV enjoying high ratings with its depiction of the inner workings of the administration of a fictional US president.
Productions and is an international theatre festival held every fall.
This year, there is a three-week run taking place from September 23 to October 12.
There are five productions: Hamlet 50/50; Short Tales; Ralphie’s Regiment; December; and Nassau Rock. The festival will be held at the Philip A Burrows Black Box Theatre, Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts.
The production of Hamlet is with a twist.
Vanessa Morosco and Peter Simon Hilton have cut and re-cast the play so that it becomes a two-hour ensemble piece. In Hamlet 50/50, Hamlet is supported by a team of women including Lady Horatio, Queen Gertude, and Ophelia, a diversion from the original malecentric play. The piece premiered in 2023 at Shakespeare Notre Dame, directed in Nassau in 2024 by Sarah Burnett.
Short Tales 2024 will feature ten new plays by ten Bahamian authors directed by ten early-career directors.
They will be read by a panel of judges and cover an array of themes from a 19th century slave kitchen to the present-day office of a new government appointee to a convenience store in Bain Town in the weird and wonderful near future.
The other performances are Ralphie’s Regiment, a performance of two short plays from this year’s season, back by popular demand. The first is A Merry Regiment of Women, a very funny look at Shakespeare’s women, who are trying to redeem their existence in a world of heroic and villainous men; directed by Skeebo Roberts. The second is Ralphie’s Barbershop, a new play by Philip A Burrows, about what happens when a stranger walks into a neighbourhood barbershop looking for a haircut; directed by Marcel T Sherman.
December is a love story about two elderly Jamaican immigrants facing the ends of their lives in a New York apartment building. Ezra is a freedom fighter. Titta’s a wife and mother. When their only daughter makes a challenging life choice, they will learn if love can truly conquer all. The play is directed by Dorian McKenzie.
Nassau Rock is a Bahamianmade animation created by
Streetlight Studios. Streetlight Studios was founded to bring modern animation to a Bahamian audience, the company was created by cartoonists Maz Joachin, Stephen Catalano, Rashad Cash and Christen Willie. In its brief tenure, Nassau Rock has won many accolades such as the Central Bank’s 2020 Art Competition, securing its place as an important part in the growth of Bahamian art culture.
For more information, visit www. shakespeareinparadise.org.
Best described as a number crossword, the task in Kakuro is to fill all of the empty squares, using numbers 1 to 9, so the sum of each horizontal block equals the number to its left, and the sum of each vertical block equals the number on its top. No number may be used in the same block more than once. The difficulty level of the Conceptis Kakuro increases from Monday to Sunday.
SmALL CROSSWORD
SmALL CROSSWORD
Sudoku is a number-placing puzzle based on a 9x9 grid with several given numbers. The object is to place the numbers 1 to 9 in the empty squares so the each row, each column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once. The difficulty level of the Sudoku increases from Monday to Sunday
THE ALPHABEATER
CAN you crack the Alphabeater? Each grid number represents a letter – or black square. As in Alphapuzzle, every letter of the alphabet is used. But you have to complete the grid too! Use the given letters and black squares below the grid to start. The grid is ‘rotationally symmetrical’ – in other words, it looks the same if you turn the page upside down.
Solution tomorrow
HOW many words of four letters or more can you make from the letters shown here?
In making a word, each letter may be used once only. Each must contain the centre letter and there must be at least one nine-letter word. No plurals. Verb forms ending in S permitted.
(a business) (3)
Reduced to one dimension (9)
Oblivious (7)
Sudoku Answer
Telephone, 4 Fan, 5 Fermented, 7 Average, 9 Riots, 10 Studies, 13 Lever, 18 Plot, 19 Pan.
Organises (5)
Flight terminal (7)
Celestial objects (5)
Perceive sounds (4) 19 Sitcom, _ You Being Served? (3) LAST SATURDAY’S
FIND where the fleet of ships shown is hidden in the grid. The numbers to the right of and below the grid indicate how many of the squares in that row are filled in with ships or parts of ships. The ships do not touch each other, even diagonally. Some squares have been filled in to start you off.
Solution tomorrow
The Weekend Fashion Report The 78th Emmy Awards
SPLIT
Laverne Cox
Cara says: “This is quite the dramatic Alexander McQueen gown. It has quite a lot going on but at the same time, it is not too much. And the stole is probably a bit much. Her make-up is very intense but overall it’s not bad.”
Farah says: “Something about this feels very gothic almost Halloween. I don’t like it and what is giving the Halloweenness is the extra black fabric and the dark lips. If she had balanced this very gothic look with some red lips and her hair a bit softer it would have translated better.”
Viola Davis
Cara says: “There is always something really striking about a black and white evening gown and this custom Zuhair Murad gown definelty hit the ball out the park. Viola always looks nice on the red carpet and I think it’s because she really choses easy to wear gowns that are elegant and reflect her personality.”
Farah says: “Very classic and very age appropriate. It is not the most unique look, but it works for the Emmys, I love the black and white combo, she looks so refreshing and so refined.”
Cara says: “I really don’t want to be mean, I really don’t but this is a Christmas table cloth inspired disaster. For starters, this Anit Cuts designed dress is just too tight at the bodice, the ruffle detail is obnoxious. Now the skirt is a pretty print to be fair, but I am not a fan of how it dips at the waist and it clashes with the ruffle and how did her stylist manage to pick the one shade of green shoes that matches nothing. But from the neck up she is stunning (see, I am nice).”
Farah says: “This is obviously a fail for me. This reminds me of those dresses that were made in the early 2000s that people wore a lot at weddings. It does really nothing for her and neither does the hair style. I don’t know what look she was going for. This dress is a mess.”
With Cara Hunt and Jefarrah Gibson
Cara says: “Her portayal of the late princess of Wales in The Crown was truly Emmy deserving and she looks absolutely regal in this black velvet Dior dress. Now I will say I wish her statement jewelry made a slighty louder statement, but in a sea of red carpet over styling, sometimes less is definitely more.”
Farah says: “Black dresses will always be a timeless classic look on the red carpet. I love this black dress. I love the structure of the dress, its very square and flared and it gives her body an interesting shape. This for me is a hit, and I like that she went very subtle hair style that allows for all the attention to be on this uniquely structured dress.”
HIT
HIT
Elizabeth Debicki
MISS
Dulce Sloan
Where style meets precision
The creative journey of Bahamian designer Indira Moss
By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net
WHEN it comes to making brides look and feel their best or perfecting a gown for a milestone event, few understand the art of alteration like Bahamian designer Indira Moss.
As the visionary behind ilashan: Eclectically Classic, Indira has built her reputation on transforming garments into custom-fit masterpieces. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for design, she has become a trusted name for brides and women across the Bahamas seeking special occasion wear that speaks to both tradition and contemporary elegance.
“Growing up around women that made clothing for themselves and others was one of the major inspirations for pursuing a career in fashion design and creating my own brand,” said Indira. She said being able to relate to most women that go through different weight changes throughout their lifetime, has always been important to her. This thought has led her to design with women of all shapes and sizes in mind because a good fit and style should not be limited by a person’s size.
“The brand evolved by way of me learning as much as I could about fashion and practicing my design skills as a pre-teen, to earning my BFA in fashion design in 2008, then going full time into business for myself in 2013 and showing collection in different countries, and now continuing to build the type of fashion company I envisioned having since my early teens,” said Indira. What sets her services apart from others in the market? Indira said it is the fact that she is able to go beyond basic alterations and provide true garment transformations for clients. She has been trained on how to see, design, and fit the many curves of the body - and that makes a huge difference in this field of work as well.
“The fashion elements that I love incorporating most in my designs for brides and special occasion wear are adding rhinestones and pearl embellishments, using fabrics that sparkle, and 3D floral details, and incorporating colour into the bride’s gown,” said Indira.
She said each project and custom order is memorable in its own way. One of the most memorable bridal projects, she said, was a bridal party for which she created 14 dresses that included gowns for the bride, a flower girl, and the mother-of-the-groom.
“In the next few years, I see iLashan growing to doing more work on an international level, and opening an atelier and boutique of my own. Yes, there are a few new things on the horizon. As it relates to products I’m working on ready-to-wear
special occasion outfits for the holiday season. As for services, inspired by the work I’ve done for family and friends, I will be offering menswear alterations services starting in this Fall,” said Indira. One of the biggest challenges he has faced with running a business like this is with the rising cost of materials, and customers sometimes not understanding the level of work that goes into a custom-made garment. Indira said she overcame it by sharing with persons, her insight on the fashion industry and how it really works, as well as including photos and videos of her garment process on social media to help viewers gain a better understanding of what the work entails.
“I would encourage young designers and creative that wand to start their own businesses to remain true to their vision, continually work on improving and perfecting their skills, and to learn as much as they can about being and entrepreneur and building a business even if it’s not something that comes easily to them,” said Indira.
The Weekend Fashion Report The 78th Emmy Awards
SPLIT
Nicola Coughlan
Cara says: “Dearest gentle reader, I am so torn with this dress - I love Nicola and Bridgerton but this Prabal Gurung dress initially reminded me of a cross between the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz and an Astronaut. I give it props for its very structural design, I love how she kept the rest of the look very soft and feminine to counter the bold dress, I can’t decide if its amazing or hideous.”
Farah says: “Alright Lady Whisteldown, I am loving the silver the sequin the structure, she is a plus sized girl and so this peplum or skater dress and long flowy dress I like it. I feel like this was even more show stopping in person.”
SPLIT
Da’Vine Joy Randolph
Cara says: “Someone online said she came to the Emmys as a highlighter and I can’t unsee it. But I think she looks striking in this dress by Sophie Couture and you can’t go wrong with a little Bulgari diamond necklace accessoring. It’s unique in colour and style so you go girl.”
Farah says: “Ok, I am spilt on this, I like the idea of like a little Red Riding Hood style dress, and I like the colour, but there is something about this dress that is just not working, Maybe it’s the necklace which is taking away from her neck. Yes, it’s bothering me. Perhaps she should have worn the dress without the necklace because it takes away from the length of her neck.”
MISS Dr Shamell Bell
Cara says: “The documentarian had on ‘all her clothes’ in this BLACK PEARL ensemble. It’s very dramatic with all the cutouts, but it kinda screams Im trying too hard maybe. I know she was trying for a sexy vintage look with the dress and the hair veiling.”
Farah says: “Once again Fashion Nova reaches the red carpet in Hollywood. This look, don’t like it, it’s overdone, we have seen this look on so many occasions with the nude see through thing happening. Give us something else. There are so many unique styles she could have chosen. This one does nothing for her or for the event.”
With Cara Hunt and Jefarrah Gibson
MISS
Allison Janney
Cara says: “This is a Guarav Gupta dress that wants to resemble Old Hollywood. I like the colour combo and the neckline is very unique. The over skirt, it’s giving crumpled paper bag. I also think the hair and the dress are competing for attention since they are both so very dramatic.”
Farah says: “I like the top structure of the dress, but something about this dress just feels very theatrical and I don’t like it. It’s like she is about to perform. It’s so much fabric and it’s so confusing. Is it supposed to be a skirt, a wrap skirt, what is it, it’s really just not playing a purpose and then the peep toe shoes, it’s just not good.”
Give your garden a boost
Good day gardeners. Well, it’s beautiful gardening weather now, and I hope that you’re able to get out there and get into it. The vegetable growing season is upon us! Have you prepped your garden?
Doing a few soil amendments and building the health of the soil biome and microbial activity before the season gets ramped up is an effective way to ensure success. How do we do this? Whether you’ve got a small garden bed, or an entire field to grow in, it’s important to keep adding to and building the soil structure. This is when we talking about soil pH again, air space, and moisture holding capacity.
Compacted soils are the greatest hindrance to successful gardening that I am aware of, especially with our native soil, it tends to get very easily compacted. Composting organic waste and yard debris is an excellent way to provide healthy and active amendments to the garden soil.
If you’ve not been composting, then the addition of prepared mixes is the next best thing, and there are excellent composts available from local producers that are often fairly priced and usually quite good quality. I also suggest the addition of a course peat moss.
The difference between a course peat moss and a fine peat moss can make quite a difference depending on how it’s to be used. Not all peat moss is the same grade, similar to different grinds of coffee beans for different purposes, espresso is best with finely ground beans, and when brewing in a French press it is best when the beans are ground to a medium or more course grind. For example: there are different grades of the brand that we carry at Fox Hill Nursery, one is marketed as “grower” grade, and one is marketed as “perlite free (PF)”.
The grower grade is much finer and is excellent for mixing with other components for use in potting foliage plants,
indoor material, or landscape potted material. The PF grade is best for use in larger pots when potting big palms, shrubs, or trees, and is also the best for use in garden beds.
The best quality peat moss is sourced in Canada, and as always heed the term “caveat emptor”, buyer beware. Prices and quality can vary drastically. For garden beds there’s no need for a high end product such as Promix, it’s really a waste of money and defeats the purpose in a sense as most Promix blends are designed for potting. Many brands have great marketers and some of them will have fancy packaging and splashy advertising that attempts to convince the buyer that their
product is the best, but what’s really being purchased is the brand rather than the quality, Miracle Gro comes to mind.
As far as packaged peat that is branded as “organic”, well, buttercup, all peat is organic and there is no chemical action used to produce it. Peat moss often is sold in bales that are compressed, to save space in shipping and storage. The bale will need to be loosened and broken up before use, to free up the structure of the peat.
Buying peat moss by the bale is the most cost effective means to purchasing peat moss. A 3.8 cubic foot bale typically breaks up to become somewhere around 7 or 7.2 cubic feet of peat moss. After breaking up the bale, I usually then mix in a few bags of compost, at what ratio depends upon the purpose.
My preference is locally produced compost, or something like Black Kow composted cow manure or
similar. This then gets mixed into the garden bed to amend and build up the soil in the garden bed. Then it is time to plant seedlings or carefully space seeds in rows. Just like that, we’re off to the races and next thing we know we’re battling pests, issues of too much water, not enough water, and so on.
Remember, please, blossom end rot on tomatoes will not be cured by adding epsom salts. Simple chemistry proves why not. The solution is to water more regularly. It’s that simple. As always, I wish you happy gardening.
• Adam Boorman is the nursery manager at Fox Hill Nursery on Bernard Road. You can contact him with any ques- tions you may have, or topics you would like to see discussed, at gardening242@ gmail. com.
COMPOST is an excellent way to boost your garden soil
Get ready for Paradise Plates
By CARA HUNT | Tribune Features Writer | cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
It’s one of the most popular events on the social calendar that also does some of the most good.
This year, more then 1,500 guests are expected to attend the 13th annual Paradise Plates, the Hands for Hunger fundraising event which will take place on Saturday evening in the Atlantis Ballroom from 8pm to midnight.
The evening will feature more than 50 of the country’s most talents chefs and beverage purveyors providing samples of their works for patrons to try all evening long. There will also be lots of entertainment as well.
John Cox and The Current: Baha Mar Gallery & Art Centre are bringing an exciting new experience to Paradise Plates this year with ‘Modern. Nuanced. Complex. Caribbean.’ - a pop-up exhibition. This showcase offers a preview of the thought-provoking works that will be featured at FUZE Caribbean Art Fair 2024, happening on October 23-27. Curated by John Cox and The Current team, the exhibition captures the essence of contemporary Caribbean creativity, showcasing the region’s unique perspectives and artistic depth.
Part proceeds from pieces sold will go to Hands for Hunger.
There will also be a bubble bar and a Jazz and Cigar Lounge, the entrance promenade
and a green carpet for taking all the important glam outfit pics and the H4H gallery in in the Rotunda featuring entertainment by pianist Dion Cunningham and portraits by Tanya Simone photography.
Paradise Plates was first held back in 2009 with all of the proceeds going towards the organisation’s outreach programmes.
Hands For Hunger was started by a group of Bahamian student leaders, led by Alanna Rodgers in early 2008. These students were committed to making a difference in the world.
Hands For Hunger is a humanitarian organisation committed to the elimination of unnecessary hunger and the reduction of food waste through the creation of meaningful and engaging partnerships formed amongst all sectors of the Bahamian community.
It strives to inspire a shared sense of social and environmental responsibility amongst citizens, who, individually and collectively, come to realise the power of their own contributions. We do this by food rescue and distribution, education and other innovative solutions aimed at achieving national food security.
dance
ArtSea to host dance workshop
By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net
THE alarm has been sounded for Bahamian dancers who desire to move their bodies moving in “a fun and uplifting” environment, as ArtSea is inviting enthusiasts to participate in its dance workshops.
Geared to the young and the young at heart, the offers lover of dance to bask in the freedom to move their bodies in an artful way while also receiving professional instruction.
The dance workshops take place from September 1 through December 22. The workshops offered are in baby ballet classes, open advanced modern dance, adult dance fitness and boys Hip Hop.
ArtSea is an organisation dedicated to helping aspiring young dancers cultivate their talent and recognise the potential in pursuing a professional dance career. ArtSea strives to be a bridge that connects the young artists of the Caribbean to the vast dance world abroad.
Whether it be dancing in college to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts, teaching, or dancing professionally, ArtSea has positioned itself as an outlet for talented artists to learn and grow within their craft.
ArtSea was founded by Courtney Spears and a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Asa Carey with the aim of offering classes, masterclasses, informational sessions, and performance opportunities to further their artistic growth.
Through the workshops, they hope to those with aspiring art careers an opportunity to be exposed to different styles of dance firsthand.
“After a year break while I settled in on my big move from New York to Nassau, we just completed another successful workshop filled with incredible students from all over the island. We hosted a free open community event showcasing videos of past performances that was followed by a Q&A session to dive deeper into conversation,” said Courtney.
Behind the scenes, Courtney said they had been gearing up for the launch open classes, open to the entire community on a weekly basis.
She said: “Our open classes aim to give dancers and dance lovers an opportunity to move their bodies
in a fun and uplifting environment. Classes are divided up by offerings for different age levels.”
ArttSea has hosted numerous free events for the community including movie showings, Q&As, and mixers
promoting international exchange. Events including the first Caribbean showing of the Alvin Ailey documentary, works by choreographer Camille Brown, and performances from globally celebrated companies, like The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Ballet, and The American Ballet Theater.
Over the course of its different programme offerings, ArtSea provides students with tools to build their self-confidence and give them applicable knowledge in pursuing a professional dance career.
For more information, log onto www.artseadance.org/classes.
What to stream this weekend
• Keith Urban, The Golden Bachelorette, Zack Snyder series and WandaVision spinoff
Keith Urban’s 12th studio album and Kathryn Hahn starring in the WandaVision spinoff Agatha All Along are some of the new television, films, and music headed to a device near you.
Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: season two of the Frasier reboot on Paramount+, the debut of The Golden Bachelorette and the Strokes’ lead singer Julian Casablancas and his rock band the Voidz will release a new album, Like All Before You.
NEW MOVIES
• Writer-director Azazel Jacobs’ latest movie stars Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne and Elizabeth Olsen as sisters who gather in the New York apartment of their dying father. A highlight of the fall season, His Three Daughters is one of the most memorable tales of siblinghood, and of a death in the family, in recent memory. It’s out on Netflix on Friday, September 20.
• With Election Day fast approaching, Max is looking back to the last presidential race. The HBO documentary Stopping the Steal, directed by Emmy-winner Dan Reed, focuses on Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 results in Arizona and Georgia, culminating in the attack on the US Capitol. It features interviews with Trump insiders like former Attorney General Bill Barr, former White House Communications Director Alyssa Farah Griffin and White House campaign official Stephanie Grisham. The producers say it “explores and debunks the claims of ballot tampering, illegal immigrants and deceased people voting”. The film premieres Tuesday on Max.
— AP Entertainment Writer Mark Kennedy
NEW MUSIC
• On Friday, September 20, Keith Urban, a fixture of contemporary country, will release his 12th studio album, High. He’s spent quite a bit of time in Las Vegas, doing the residency thing, but it’s clear songwriting
— and making new material — has always been a source of creative magic for the veteran perform. And there’s range, from the equal parts self-effacing and empathetic Messed Up as Me to the life-affirming Wildside.
• Nelly Furtado’s seventh studio album and first in seven years, the appropriately titled 7, arrives at a point of artistic rediscovery for the Canadian singer-songwriter. Just don’t expect any rehashing of the singles that made her a superstar in 2000 (yes, that means I’m Like a Bird, Turn Off the Light and the like.) Instead, she’s embarked on a sonic experiment, from the bilingual Latin pop of Corazón with Colombian psychedelic cumbia innovators Bomba Estéreo to the electro-pop “Love Bites” featuring Tove Lo and SG Lewis.
• Everyday around the world, or at least, the internet, guitar bands are born out of an obsession with the Strokes. Luckily for those musicians, its members have never ceased music-making, and on Friday, September 20 its singer, Julian
Casablancas, and his rock band the Voidz will release a new album, Like All Before You. There’s a lot to dig into — like the metallic riffs of Prophecy of the Dragon, or the minimalist synth production of Flexorcist.
• Paramount+ has cornered the market on new music docuseries, and on Tuesday will continue that title when it premieres the threepart Nöthin’ But a Good Time: The Uncensored Story of ‘80s Hair Metal. Leather pants optional but strongly encouraged.
— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman
NEW SHOWS
• Since the reveal in 2021’s WandaVision that Kathryn Hahn’s nosy neighbour Agnes was really the witch Agatha Harkness, fans have waited to see more of the character. Hahn stars in a spin-off, Agatha All Along, debuting Wednesday on Disney+. The witch is now powerless and forms a new coven to get her abilities back. Patti LuPone and Aubrey Plaza are new cast members.
• America fell in love with Gerry Turner’s search for love on The Golden Bachelor and now a woman will be courted in The Golden Bachelorette. Joan Vassos, 61, has 24 men ages 57 and up to choose from. “Golden Bachelor” fans will remember Vassos as the contestant who opted to leave the show in episode three because her daughter had recently given birth and was experiencing symptoms of postpartum. Vassos, whose husband of 32 years died in 2021 from pancreatic cancer, says her goal going into the show was not to end up engaged, but in a promising relationship. “The Golden Bachelorette” debuts Wednesday on ABC and streams on Hulu.
• If season one of the Frasier reboot on Paramount+ was about introducing viewers to Grammer’s return to Boston to fix his strained relationship with his son Freddy (Jack Cutmore-Scott), season two will flesh out the supporting cast. Peri Gilpin revives her Roz character from the original series in a recurring role. Other guest stars include Yvette Nicole Brown, Patricia Heaton, Rachel Bloom and Grammer’s real-life daughter, Greer, as Roz’s daughter. The second season of Frasier premieres Thursday.
• Zack Snyder’s”Twilight of the Gods” is an adult animated series featuring well-known Norse mythology characters Thor and Loki but the star in this story is the warrior Sigrid, who saves King Leif in battle and later becomes his wife. An attack by Thor on their wedding night starts a war. It premieres Thursday, September 19, on Netflix.
— Alicia Rancilio
animals
Animal matters
Kim Aranha
A new year at the BHS
The BHS voted in the board at our annual general meeting on Wednesday at the shelter. The present board comprises of:
Kim Aranha (president)
Charlotte Albury (vice president)
Annmarie Davis (treasurer )
Metta MacMillian-Hughs (legal advisor)
Dr Valentino Grant (veterinary advisor)
Amanda Meyers
Ric Browde
Sandra Cooke
Janet Johnson
Dr Kathryn de Souza
Marlena Leonard
Joanne Robertson Symonette
Annabeth Maura
We are sad to see Mrs Naomi Taylor step down because of other commitments.
Every year sounds similar to the one from the year before. That is because we are always having to do the same things, asking for the same changes, and we do not appear to get enough support to make inroads.
Each year is challenging for the Bahamas Humane Society because we are overextended, understaffed, underfunded, and underappreciated by our peers. It is a constant scramble to remain afloat, and this would not be possible without the support and dedicated work of our hard-working staff members. Kudos must also go to the members of the board who excel at begging for funds and donations from everybody they meet.
We participated in OP ’24 and were the headquarters for the operation. I was chair of the endeavour and we teamed up with Baark and Animal Balance. We fixed a total of 2,153 dogs and cats. A little less than what we hoped for, but nevertheless a big success.
This is at least year four of canvassing for a pet friendly hurricane shelter in New Providence. We have received
By The Bahamas Humane Society
PET OF THE WEEK
Invite a God into your home!
Zeus is about four years old,and very popular with the dog walkers, Zeus is housebroken and would love a home where he can snuggle up on the sofa with you and then go for a long walk along the beach (or somewhere). Zeus walks well with other dogs but isn’t so keen on cats. If you’ve been looking for the perfect pet, this god’s for you! Come into the Bahamas Humane Society to meet him or call 325-6742 for more information. Zeus looks forward to meeting you!
The BHS Thrift Shop is open and ready to sell you all kinds of wonderful things! Books, clothing, housewares, giftware, art, and much more! Wed/Thurs/Fri 11-3 and Saturday 10-2. Bring your bag!
the blessing of both the Ministry of Agriculture and NEMA, but it was made very clear that we must identify the building. We have not been able to find a building already in existence that is appropriate or that will allow animals.
Our shelter is old and shows its age. We are constantly having to do repairs. Regrettably, they are temporary fixes. Quite a few runs have recently been put back in commission only to be instantly filled by needy dogs.
The quantity of abused and neglect-
Providence, there are all the other islands to worry about eventually.
Every year we speak of the agony of finding sufficient money to run the shelter, make necessary repairs and keep up with the times. 2024 is no different. With the large number of animals, we have at the shelter, given our dedicated vow to be a No Kill, we have to be inventive as to how to home all these homeless souls. Canada continues to assist and partially sponsor air lifts of dog, puppies, kittens and cats. We only send our animals to No Kill centers. The United States of America have moved the goal post and have made air lifts more difficult but not impossible. We have had some very successful lifts this year and are presently planning more.
The surrey horses continue remain on our radar. There are less of them and they are overall looking better. There are 22 horses presently with five owners. Downtown is not a perfect situation and they really need to move completely away from Downtown Nassau, or eventually be phased out, however most Government officials feel that their existence enhances the Nassau tourism product, which is unfortunate. We still conduct regular inspections monthly.
We have a dog walking programme that is thriving. At least 60–80 dogs get walked every Wednesday and Saturday. It is wonderful for the dogs to get out and sniff and walk. it helps to socialise them, and the walkers get to know the dogs and can advise as to the personalities. If you wish to join call the shelter for information.
We also have a puppy cuddle programme at the cruise ports, it has been unbelievably successful and we will continue it in the cooler months. It is also a source of donations, and a couple of pups have been adopted. There will be a similar programme starting at Baha Mar shortly.
ed dogs that we save has increased. I suspect it is because the general public is now reporting when they see and animal in need whereas in the past they just walked by and said nothing. This year we had a population explosion with many dogs and cats of all ages being brought in for surrender. in spite of last January’s Operation Potcake, we still see many litters brought into us this year. It is essential to keep insisting and promoting spay and neuter, and remember I am only talking about New
We have been to multiple meetings with various government entities trying to get many issues sorted and we have been promised some very interesting changes and additions. We await implementation, nothing changes in spite of the promises. There are some very rewarding moments and some very dark and depressing moments. One privilege is the wonderful people that you work with and meet… The animal advocacy group is rich in kindness and selflessness.
PHOTO OF ZEUS BY JUDY YOUNG.
Viva Villa Gemella!
By JEFFARAH GIBSON | Tribune Features Writer | jgibson@tribunemedia.net
THE Villa Gemella Art House and Gallery nestled on West Bay Street, a unique location within the Margaritaville Beach Resort’s retail shops, has been steadily growing a stronger presence on the art scene as one of The Bahamas’ most “fluid” spaces.
The VGAH opened its doors in June 2021 in its current location. However, the journey began six years ago when it launched as a homebased gallery, showcasing the works of resident artist.
The gallery is the brainchild of Dr Sophia Rolle, PhD, JP, who describes herself as a Bahamian driven by a “passion for developing the people of The Bahamas”.
Aside from being the principal owner and her own gallery, for the previous 26 years, Dr Rolle was employed for 23 years at the University of The Bahamas as an associate professor, author, and researcher in tourism management.
She was also the graduate programmes coordinator at the University of the West Indies, the VP of Academic Affairs at Doctors Hospital, and currently, for the last year and a half, a consultant for the Public School Scholars Programme in the Scholarships, Education, and Loans Division of the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training. She is also a Justice of the Peace for the entire Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Having been fully engaged in academics, Dr Rolle finds balance in the artsy side of life with the gallery.
“This year has been a seminal one for the gallery. We undertook a significant interior renovation to accommodate a new experience. Before that, we had not done anything in the space besides retail art pieces and a reasonably significant house and home line of products produced by the resident artist. We listened to what tourism officials kept telling many entrepreneurs, particularly those of us who are located along the promenade where tourists tend to traverse - curate different types of experiences tourists (those of the cruise ships and those staying in the hotels) can participate in, other than just the straw market and the beach. So, we curated four new
painting experiences (Painting in Paradise, Wet Your Brush Wednesdays, Brush and Breeze Painting, and Pouring in Paradise) that locals and tourists can sign up for and participate in during different times of the day.”
Since the gallery opened in Margaritaville, it has only showcased the artworks of Dr Sophia Rolle, who
identifies herself as a fluid artist creating abstract expressionist artwork.
Currently, several staple pieces adorned the gallery’s wall including the house and home line of small works (small coastal paintings, the driftwood collection of paintings, small powder room art, coasters, ornaments, silk scarfs, tea towels, vintage clocks, and the fluid art butterfly collection).
“Along with the staples, we will roll out more seasonal ornaments, unique gift items, and some jewelry made by the artist. What we are looking forward to, however, is the patronage of corporate Bahamas, who may be looking for new experiences to fete their staff for the holidays. We can host small groups looking to put a twist on the usual ‘paint and sip’ outing. We can curate an experience with our partners that will serve a dual purpose - have fun and satisfy our clients,” she said.
The gallery recently partnered with Tipsy Scoop for a first-of-a-kind evening dual “artistic artisanal” experience in the form of the Paint ‘N Scoop event.
Dr Rolle hopes to strengthen the gallery’s presence even further with expanding on the kind of art it exhibits.
“I would love to have my eclectic art style hung in more places throughout the country. I have had a few in corporate Bahamas and several private-sector patrons who have commissioned and purchased works.
I would love to see this aspect of my business continue to grow. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the management team at Fusion Superplex publicly and personally. For the past two years, they have hung many of my larger art pieces in the VIP Lounge at Fusion. In fact, to date, I share this space with fellow artist Preston Hanna. Thank you, Fusion, for allowing me to showcase my artwork in one of the largest public spaces in this country. Because of this, others have been inspired by my art and have reached out personally to either purchase outright or have me commission some themedriven pieces for their homes or office spaces. I love it when I get the opportunity to prepare a commissioned piece. It is personally rewarding and fosters a sense of satisfaction that someone loves what you are doing enough to want it in their lives.”
She said: “I would love to grow my international client base. In this regard, you do not need to expand physically because your art transcends borders globally. I have had clients (some repeat) from as far away as Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, and all over the United States.”
In the new year, she hopes to feature one or two local colleague artists in the gallery.
“A few have asked, so now I think it is time,” she said.
DR SOPHIA ROLLE, PhD, JP