Nassau, Bahamas- The Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) announced today that Kareem Mortimer’s acclaimed indie drama “CHILDREN OF GOD” will be the opening film at this year’s festival, which takes place December 10-17 in Nassau. The intimate drama is slated to screen in Nassau on Friday, December 11. The announcement was made today by BIFF Founder and Executive Director Leslie Vanderpool.

“We are thrilled to once again have a Bahamian Film Open this years festival. This is Kareem Mortimer’s debut feature film, and to see that BIFF has assisted Kareem throughout his nascent career means a lot. A participant in the BIFF Filmmaker Residency Program in 2007, is sure to be an award winning filmmaker at many film festivals around the globe and we wish Kareem all the success.” Says Vanderpool.

CHILDREN OF GOD originally titled “Daybreak” was shot last summer entirely in the Bahamas in Nassau and Eleuthera. The film is written, directed and produced by Kareem Mortimer, who Kareem Mortimer says that “It is also a subtle and haunting look at race, sexuality and religion in the Bahamas which makes it a very timely and important film and also an extremely gorgeous one to look at. We are very proud of this effort and to open at the Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) is a dream come true” says Mortimer.

The film stars Van Brown, Johnny Ferro, Mark Ford, Margaret Kemp, Stephen Tyrone Williams and a plethora of Bahamian Cast.

CHILDREN OF GOD is the religious concept that human beings are regarded by God as his children, and is used by Christians to refer to human divinity. It is the story of two individuals who learn that in order to live a truly happy life you have to risk speaking and acting on your true feelings. Set against the backdrop of a nation grappling with violent homophobia, this film tells the story of Jon, a white Bahamian artist who faces losing his scholarship at a local University and Lena a conservative religious woman who is struggling with a crumbling marriage. Both escape city life in Nassau to the island of Eleuthera, where their worlds collide in a fashion that will surprise audiences.

2009 BIFF begins Thursday, December 10th and runs through Thursday, December 17th. Additional announcements pertaining to the Festival will be made throughout the year.

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.

For more information visit www.bintlfilmfest.com.

Additional information on “CHILDREN OF GOD” can be found at www.childrenofgodthemovie.com.