Black Women’s Mini Film Festival

Moja Co. Productions proudly presents this historic inaugural event, The Black Woman’s Mini Video/Film Fest 2014! This dynamic Fest will highlight two Black women Writer/Director’s – Rosheena Beek, Bermudian Film Maker and Julie Dash an American Film Maker. Rosheena Beek will debut her “powerful”, “enlightening” film, “Before we were Man” – posing the question, ‘What if you had the power to choose your mama?’

This event will present a double feature, “Daughters of the Dust”. A 1991 Cinematography Award Winner, of the Sundance Film Festival. To accent these events, an Art Show will also be featured for the patrons, of these highly cultural nights. The artists will be Kendra Earls,local phenom, Zianna Rubaine extremely talented student of the arts, who can already boast that she had her first solo show at Bermuda College Student Art Gallery and International artist Patrick-Earl Barnes, who has dedicated a great part of his repertoire to the upliftment of women. Nights filled with excitement and incomparable talent are going to be witnessed by all.

 

And if you thought this event couldn’t get any better, the very first screening night will present three Bermudian women, who were trailblazers in the Film Making Industry, Honor Awards. They are Leola Stovell 46 years in the Broadcasting Industry and the ‘sound system’ of the 1920’s silent film in Bermuda era – Pianists, Venetia Mildred Manders-Richardson and Maude Joell-Fox. Better known as Maude and Mildred.

Get your tickets early! Spread the word!

NOTE: Part proceeds will be donated to the CDD (Community Driven Development) Program. It develops unemployable and unemployed women to become employable.

SCHEDULED EVENTS
Doors Open: 6p.m. – Art Show

Honor Award: Past Bermudian Woman/Men in Film/Broadcasting

1st Film: Before we were Man – Introduction Debuting, Q and A

2nd Film: Daughters of the Dust 8:00p.m. – 9:57p.m.

April 11th: Princess Black will perform following the films

April 19th: Additional shorts by Bermudian Filmmakers will screen

April 26th: Bermuda Donquili will perform following the films

This is an opportunity that should not be missed, spread the word, support or make a donation. Tickets are available here.

Griot Session featuring TanZaoui | April 5th

If you appreciate poetry, music, comedy and dancing the night away, then you won’t want to miss the performance happening at The Chewstick Neo-Griot Lounge, on Saturday, April 5th. Chewstick Co-Founder Najib ‘Tanzaoui’ Chentouf a.k.a. Tan-Z, will be center stage in his first live feature show. In an evening filled with a mix of his talent not only for words but for improvising, and Djing there will undoubtedly be some pleasant surprises. He will be accompanied by a some of his favourite live musicians and special guests for an evening that will take the audience on a journey through his artistic path ending in a carnival themed after party. The night will be filled with artists and djs and a pace that is guaranteed to get you out of your seat.

Tan-Z is not only an amazing entertainer, but an invaluable member of the Chewstick Foundation team, having not only been a member of the originators of the movement, but also currently serving as Fund Development and Community Events Coordinator. His performance will be a testament to his skills as a storyteller and creative, he seamlessly mixes, hip hop, poetry and a medley of Moroccan-Bermudian flair and rhythm; which will ensure an unforgettable evening. Tan-Z’s son, Yassine as opening act is a perfect pairing and definitely make this a family affair. Following the Saturday, April 5th show stick around for a Carnival Afterparty with DJ Blazian Kidd and more.

The performance will be an unforgettable experience as Tan-Z effortlessly weaves a multitude of inspirations to achieve a style and rhythm of his own. Entry for the event is $20, payable at the door or in advance on www.ptix.bm. Seating is limited so get your there early, the show starts at 9pm or when there are people in the seats. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this mashup of different vibes, dynamic talent and inspiring art. For more information call 292-2439 or email info@chewstick.org.

Sign Up for the Spring Retreat | March 21 – 23

The first installment for 2014 of The Chewstick Foundation’s thrice annual Island Retreat program will be taking place Friday, March 21st through Sunday, March 23rd on Paget Island. This is one that should definitely not be missed as we will be organizing a mural painting on Paget Island as an expansion of the Chewstick Community Art Program. A design depicting a significant event, person or group will be left to enhance the beauty of Paget Island and to start conversations on its story.

The Retreat series is now in its fourth year and has met and surpassed its purpose to bring people together to connect, to learn and to have fun while appreciating the epic beauty of Bermuda. The chance to organize the first Paget Island mural as part of the Retreat is a tremendous honor and a chance for participants for the first Retreat of 2014 to really leave their mark.

While past participants have had beautiful experiences, having made lifelong friends, learned new skills through workshops that range from still life drawing and African Mask making to financial planning and song writing, salsa dance and more, participants on the 2014 Spring Retreat will be able to share leave a beautiful mural for future groups that come to Paget Island.

All manner of folk are invited to attend; if you are a person who likes to tell stories, dance, play dominoes, swim, paint or pontificate on aspects of life with others, the retreat is for you! In addition to the break out sessions, there is free time to reflect and to get inspired by the beautiful surroundings,  activities such as hair braiding, Bocce (Chewstick’s official game), hiking, fishing (provide own equipment) and the Retreat fireside where all participants share a new skill, story, poem, song or anecdote and everyone gets to participate in the always  fun, sing along vibe.

The Standard VERY IMPORTANT Information 

Break-out Sessions are 1.5-3 hour workshops that offer insight into a variety of fields that all help participants to deepen personally and collectively. They are led by passionate people that want to share their fields of expertise and personal experience in a safe and organic environment. All attendees are invited (though not required) to submit a Break-out Session option for consideration, and everyone who attends is expected to bring a passion for learning and sharing. There are 3 Break-Out Sessions scheduled for each Retreat, with up to 12 options to choose from.

We don’t know who will attend well in advance, so it is difficult to let you know what each Retreat will offer specifically, but if you’d like to lead a session include a brief description in  the sign up form, we will let you know as soon as possible if yours has been accepted (there’s a discount for facilitators). Some useful information is below:

What do Participants Need to Bring?
The Retreats alternate between Ports Island and Paget Island, two of the most beautiful and fully equipped islands in Bermuda. Unlike traditional “camping”, each island is fully equipped with plenty of beds, full kitchen and dining areas and bathroom facilities –making this excursion quite the opposite of “roughing it”, but you still need to bring a few things.

Essentials:
Pillow, Bedding (fitted sheet & blanket), Sleeping Bag and/or something to keep you warm
Clothing (2 sets of day wear/night wear etc. recommended)
Sneakers, Sandals, Boots etc.
Pajamas
Swimsuit/Swim Shoes
Towel (bath and swim towels recommended)
Toiletries
Flashlight
Chair (if you don’t bring it, be prepared to sit on the ground!)
Camera
Plate
Bowl
Fork
Spoon
Butter knife
Cup
Good vibes
Optional:
Any snacks you may want
Any other tools you need for your craft (musical instruments, notepad, sketchbook, art supplies, etc.) If unsure, contact us for more information.
Lotion, sunscreen, hand sanitizer etc.
Bug repellent (though we haven’t had any problems with mosquitoes etc.)
Games (no electronic games please)

Please Do Not Bring:
Bad vibes
Portable game systems
Pets
Any illicit substances or materials
Anything you cannot carry yourself

Under 18
We are proud to be able to offer the opportunity for young people ages 6-18 to be able to attend and participate. The youngest will be taken care of by a child care provider away from the different workshops, while those willing and able to participate in deepening activities will be allowed to. Those under 18 will be required to get parental consent as well as an over 18 chaperone. If a chaperone cannot be identified we would be willing to ask other mature attendees if one would be able to be a personal chaperone for you. Please inquire well in advance if you will be bringing a child or if you need a chaperone.

Space is limited for this special event and we are inviting participants to take part in a journey along with roughly 50 participants for this tremendous, life-changing personal adventure. March 21 participants will depart from the King’s Wharf (behind St. George’s Visitor Center) on Friday evening at 6pm and return to the mainland on Sunday evening at 3pm. Sign-ups can be made by phone on 292-2439 or by filling out the form. Cash or Credit Cards accepted; please make cheques payable to The Chewstick Foundation.The price breakdown is as follows: General: $200 | Members: $150 | Under 18: $85 | Parent & Child (under 18): $250 ($50 each additional child).

Griot Session: Paul Smith accompanied by De Onion Patch Crew band

Paul Smith, Bermuda’s most energetic, modern and inspired pannist will be performing on the Chewstick stage, Saturday, February 1st 2014 in a Griot Session showing his growth over the past year.

This is a show not to be missed, as Paul is passionate about revitalizing pan culture in Bermuda, honing his craft and sharing his talents with young people across the island. He has performed alongside talented Pannists in both Trinidad and North America, and is ready to bring all that he has learned to his fellow Bermudians.

Having recently launched De Onion Patch Crew website to bring his band’s talents to the broader community, this performance will leave the audience in awe as Paul is focused on the beauty and versatility of that art form. Accompanied by De Onion Patch Crew band, the show is guaranteed to inspire and open your eyes to the possibilities of pan.

Enjoy the vibes, celebrate live entertainment at its best, and experience Griot Sessions and the Bermuda story in its many forms.

Admission is $10 at the door.

Feature: Paul Smith

Opening Act: Kevina-Lorae’

Saturday, February 1st 2014

Admission: $10 (at door)

Doors open: 7pm

Showtime: 8pm (or when the seats are nearly full… so come Early!)

After-party til 1ish