Gombey Film Chosen For Four Film Festivals
The film Thoughts Become Things by Stephan Johnstone and Marq Rodriguez, featuring Bermudian Gombey culture, has been selected for showing at four international film festivals, winning awards along the way.
A spokesperson said, “Thoughts Become Things, a captivating short poetry film that delves into the African and Native American ancestral dreams of a young Gombey, has proudly been selected to feature at four renowned film festivals globally.
“This local Bermudian production, led creatively by writer/poet Stephan Johnstone and director/filmmaker Marq Rodriguez, has already begun its journey across the international film festival circuit, winning accolades and hearts along the way.
“Thoughts Become Things has made a significant impact globally, having been submitted to 23 esteemed film festivals across diverse cultural landscapes, including Japan, South Africa, Nigeria, the United States, Mexico, Trinidad, Barbados, Toronto, India, Malaysia, Australia, and the United Kingdom. As of today, out of these submissions, they have heard back from eight festivals, with four selecting the film for inclusion in their events.
“The short film has already had an impressive showing at the Nitiin International Film Festival in Malaysia on Wednesday, September 25 and was honored with a Special Jury Award for Best International Short Film. Next, the film is slated to captivate audiences at the Film & Folklore Film Festival in Trinidad and Tobago on October 27 and then again in April 2025.
“The anticipation continues as it is also set to be showcased at the Black Harvest Film Festival in Chicago in November, having proudly announced its selection on Friday, October 11.
“In an exciting development for the project, the short film has also been chosen to appear at the Africa International Film Festival [AFRIFF] in Nigeria, happening from November 3 to November 9. AFRIFF is a prestigious majority youth-led film festival that places community at the core of its operations, marking a significant milestone for the film.”
Mr Johnstone said, “This selection is particularly meaningful as it aligns with one of our core goals: bringing our Bermudian story and culture back to Africa, to a festival renowned for celebrating cinematic excellence while fostering community and inclusiveness.
“In February 2023, I joined with long-time friend and fellow creative Marq Rodriguez to unveil our first project together ‘Bermudian Poet’. It was well received and marked the beginning of what was to become a remarkable journey into the heart of Bermuda’s cultural landscape. Today, we share details on our second project, ‘Thoughts Become Things,’ which has not only showcased our evolution as filmmakers but has underscored our dedication to cultural storytelling.”
Mr Rodriguez said, “To tell this story we sought feedback and involvement from the six Gombey troupes that were active in Bermuda at the time of shooting. This includes Places Gombeys, SMS Gombeys, H&H Gombeys, Warwick Gombeys, Gombey Evolution, and Gombey Warriors. Each troupe is featured separately in one of the six scenes, and we were able to turn all of that into one cohesive cinematic piece.
“This was a monumental milestone for us. It’s a portrayal that beautifully mirrors the unity and diversity of Bermuda, binding together distinct narratives into a single, harmonious story.”
The spokesperson said, “The talented duo admit the journey to this culmination was fraught with challenges, from capricious weather thwarting shooting plans to the rigors of navigating the complex landscape of film festival submissions. But they both felt the Ancestors were with them, as they overcame each challenge in the end.”
Mr Johnstone said, “We consider this film our love letter to Bermuda. Each festival submission is like sending out a missive to the world, inviting everyone to witness the vibrant tale of our homeland.”
The spokesperson said, “Now that festival acceptances have started to pour in, both Mr Johnstone and Mr Rodriguez admit they are excited about the prospect of attending some of these screenings in person, seizing the opportunity to share and celebrate Bermuda’s rich culture with international audiences.”
Mr Johnstone said, “In the heart of filmmaking, it’s not just about telling stories; it’s about sharing pieces of our culture and identity, along with the vibrant hues of our homeland, with the world. Having poured every ounce of our passion into bringing ‘Thoughts Become Things’ to life, we stand at the cusp of a dream that stretches far beyond our island’s shores.”
Mr Rodriguez said, “Thanks to the gracious support of our incredible sponsors—the Bermuda Arts Council, Department of Culture, Margaret & Robert Harvey, Margot Kerry Harvey & Travis Cooper, the Harvey Cooper Award, Melrindo Caines, Walk Together Bermuda, King Alpha Productions and I. B. A—we’ve managed to capture the essence of Bermuda on the global screen. Yet, our journey doesn’t end here.
“As we aim to personally present our film at festivals worldwide, we find ourselves reaching out to the community to help with our next round of fundraising.
“This pursuit is not just for recognition, but a heartfelt endeavor to share the encompassing warmth, resilience, and unparalleled beauty of Bermudian culture.
“We hope more will come on as sponsors to lend us financial support so we can not only represent Bermuda’s unique culture on the screen, but also attend the festivals as in-person ambassadors for our Island. This in itself is an investment in the art of Bermuda storytelling and the celebration of our heritage on the global stage.”
The spokesperson said, “Any financial support received in the coming weeks and months will help to cover film festival fees and travel expenses, as well as for the production of a behind-the-scenes mini-documentary about the making of Thoughts Become Things, slated for YouTube release in late 2025.
“As a special token, sponsors will receive acknowledgment in all film promotions and final credits, offering any supporters the unique opportunity to be part of a project that celebrates and honors Bermuda’s long-standing Gombey tradition.
“Thoughts Become Things comes to life thanks to the guidance of its Executive Producer, SJD World Ltd., with the rhythmic pulse of Bermuda set by the music of Derek G. Simmons, all captured through the lens of on-set photographer Jayde Gibbons, and accentuated by the creative set design of Sinead Simmons.
“It first premiered to an excited local audience at Speciality Cinema on May 20th, 2024 and is currently scheduled to be released to the public on YouTube around August 2025.
“For more details on Thoughts Become Things, the journey of its creators, and how you can become a sponsor, visit sjdworld.com/thoughts or email accounts@sjdworld.com.”
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