By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
#TurksandCaicos, July 15, 2022 – Creative residents of the Turks and Caicos Islands will have the chance to show off their filmmaking skills this summer thanks to a local man who has a dream to establish filmmaking more firmly in the islands.
Benson Williams is the mind behind the “Another Day in Paradise Film Festival”, set for July 31st this year ADIP is aimed at highlighting local talent in a new sphere.
“I wanted to help establish an otherwise foreign concept to TC Islanders namely Film Festivals – while also inspiring them to gain an interest in the field. I believe we will appreciate our own culture and stories if and when we can see ourselves on the big screen,” Williams told Magnetic Media
He explained that one of the aims of his production company BTSW Productions is to bring Cinema to the TCI and the ADIP Film Festival is helping with that but the undertaking is a massive one.
“It is so much work – especially as this is its first year – that I would not want to do it if I had really known how much work it is” he jokingly said.
On a more serious note, Benson Williams is fully vested. He adds that what truly keeps him pumped about launching his own festival is his own love for the art form.
“Because of my passion for this field and the goals I am trying to achieve, I believe all this work will be paid off in many more ways than one,” he explained.
Now that the event is nearly here, everything feels much more real. He described himself as “relieved and excited to see it coming into fruition” but even after the event passes the work will still not be over for Benson. He explained that there is still an entire industry to be build, from the ground up and his plan is to become an advocate for establishing TCI Cinema.
“The Film Festival primarily focuses on being a bridge to the international film festival all while highlighting our own people, culture and stories.” Benson said. “As a result, we are showcasing the nominees for the films that are entered for the categories of Best Story, Best Music Video and Most Viewed and the AIDP Award winner,” said Benson as he explained the way his event will work.
Films will be submitted prior to the event and assessed by the judges. The AIDP Award winner will be rewarded with two all access passes to the upcoming TCI International Film Festival.
Entry is free and accepted until midnight July 15. Submitters must be 18 and over and are limited to two categories. The list of requirements is extensive and you can check them out here
Benson has high hopes for the festival in its inaugural year, “I do hope the Film Festival inspires the people of the Turks and Caicos to think outside the box, be more creative and look forward to something to do other than go to the beach and appreciate themselves.”