BIFF kicks off the year with successful Fiesta Hispana fundraiser
Founder and Executive Director of BIFF, Leslie Vanderpool gives welcome remarks and thanks all those that sponsor and support BIFF
The Bahamas Weekly News Team attended Fiesta Hispana on August 22nd at the Balmoral Club. This event was a fundraiser to kick off the Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) 2009, which will be held in December from the 10th to the 17th in Nassau.
The venue was nothing short of «wow» at the The Balmoral Club, an eighteen-room, two story mansion with its spacious halls and elegant, floating, spiral staircase, and indoor or outdoor areas.
The evening lineup was opened by Founder and Executive Director of BIFF, Leslie Vanderpool, and comments were made by special guest, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon Brent Symonette. Miss Bahamas World Joanna Brown from Grand Bahama assisted with announcing the myriad of raffle prizes.
Fiesta Hispana was ‘An Exciting Evening of Exotic Tastes, Vibrant Music and Brilliant Colors.’
Supporters of BIFF experienced a stellar professional performance by Flamenco dancers, the Carita Filgueiras Flamenco Puro group; Spanish guitar by Latin Singer Yulee B.; and native foods from Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, Panama, Bolivia and Spain all catered by Alexandra, owner of August Moon.
There were raffle prizes, a silent auction of original art work by Amos Ferguson, Tyrone Ferguson, Malcolm Rae, John Cox, Margot Bethel, Chantal Bethel, John Paul and a painting chosen by the Vincent D’Aguilar Foundation and many more.
Fiesta Hispana was all things Hispanic, featuring a Bacardi Mojito Bar, Venga Drinks and wine samplings by Mendoza Wines.
 SLIDE SHOW: Flamenco star, Carita Filgueras dazzles the audience with her moves. Flamenco guitarist/singer Cristian Puig Photos: Vaughn Scriven |
About the Bahamas International Film Festival
The Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) is a nonprofit organization committed to providing the local community and International festival goers with a diverse presentation of films from The Bahamas and around the world. In addition to showcasing films that might not otherwise be released theatrically, BIFF provides unique cultural experiences, educational programs, and forums for exploring the past, present & future of cinema. BIFF aims to raise the level of filmmaking, participation and education throughout The Bahamas and the world. www.bintlfilmfest.com
 SLIDE SHOW: Native foods from Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, Panama, Bolivia and Spain all catered by Alexandra, owner of August Moon. Photos: Vaughn Scriven |
 Photo: Vaughn Scriven |
 SLIDE SHOW: Supporters of BIFF throughout the fabulous Balmoral Club. Photos: Vaughn Scriven |
 Miss Bahamas World, Joanna Brown from Grand Bahama stands with a BIFF fan, which anyone could have for a $5 donations. Photo: Vaughn Scriven |
 SLIDE SHOW: Yulee B and dancers wow the crowd. Photos: Vaughn Scriven |
 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon Brent Symonette enjoys the festivities. Photo: Vaughn Scriven |
 Miss Bahamas World, Joanna Brown assists in selection of the many wonderful raffle prizes. Photo: Vaughn Scriven |
 Photo: Vaughn Scriven |
 SLIDE SHOW: Flamenco Puro starring Clarita Filgueras in red-orange. Flamenco guitarist/singer Cristian Puig. Photos: Vaughn Scriven |
 Latin singer, Yulee B. Photo: Vaughn Scriven |
 Leslie Vanderpool, Founder and Executive Director for BIFF being interviewed by The Bahamas Weekly News Team. Video coming soon. Photo: Vaughn Scriven |
thebahamasweekly.com, 27.08.09