St. John Film focuses on local interests
Free film series screening and in person discussions
Maura Curley
St. John filmmaker and visual artist Andrea Leland believes in the power of film to enlighten, inspire and make a difference in people’s lives. This led her to be one of the founders and driving forces behind St. John Film.
The society screens free films once a month at the St. John School of the Arts in Cruz Bay St. John, beginning at 7:30p.m. Seven films are included in its 2011–2012 series, which launched in October.
A grant from the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation through the support of the National Endowment for the Arts’ Regional Touring Program has afforded St. John Film the opportunity to host the filmmakers for an after screening discussion.
Leland notes that films are "an integral part of our lives” and says having filmmakers discuss their work helps provide a context and demystifies the filmmaking process.
St. John Film Society’ aims to provide a “positive appreciation for the history, culture and environment of the Virgin Islands with independent films that celebrate the human spirit.”
Leland emphasizes the local focus.
For example, the film“ What’s organic about organic?” scheduled for December 6 will include a presentation about organic farming in St. John by Josephine and Hugo Roller. The Rollers, owners of Coral Bay Garden Center grow pesticide-feee greens and herbs sold in the island supermarkets and used by many restaurant chefs.
In 2012 Leland hopes to bring together a few local filmmakers to screen their work and encourage other aspiring artists to tell electronic stories of their own.
For a synopsis of films and more information about St. John Film Society click here.
Visit St. John FIlm on Facebook.
St. John Film welcomes community involvement. If you would like to become involved in the programming of films or as a donor or volunteer email info@stjohnfilm.com
Image from the film " Proceed and Be Bold" scheduled to be shown March 6, 201
Maura Curley is publisher of virginvoices.com
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