Nassau, Bahamas - The Bahamas has created yet another enticement for filmmakers: The inaugural Bahamas International Film Festival, "Cinema in Paradise," is set to bow Dec. 9-12 in Nassau.

The festival will open with New Line's "After the Sunset" and will showcase 50 works including international feature films, shorts, documentaries and animation. Competition titles will vie for a Grand Jury Prize, and work by emerging artists will be considered for the Modern Maverick Award, to be presented by Roger Corman (who also will receive an award).

In addition to featuring overseas productions shot in the Bahamas, BIFF organizers plan to spotlight the nation's nascent industry by showing work from local filmmakers. Another key component will be educational: The festival will host seminars on acting, directing, screenwriting and film financing, targeted at Bahamians contemplating industry careers.