Women in Film Tribute 2017 December

Fri, Sep 1st 2017, 03:03 PM

There is no better time to emphasis and position women in the forefront of the film industry and the Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) is doing just that.

Rae Dawn Chong was born in Edmonton, Canada. She is the daughter of comedian and actor Tommy Chong. Chong's father is of Chinese and Scotch-Irish descent, and her mother is of Afro-Canadian and Cherokee descent.

“With the conscious decision to honor and celebrate Women In Film at BIFF in December, I could not think of a better honoree than Rae Dawn Chong," says Leslie Vanderpool, Vanderpool is grateful to tribute one of her childhood actors.

As the eldest daughter of comedian Tommy Chong, she started acting at age 11 as an extra in with Robert Downey Sr. film, then joining SAG to appear in Disney’s Whiz Kids of Riverton. Rae Dawn started her career in the early 70’s acting in television roles and receiving the Genie Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in 1983 where she performed in Jean-Jacques Annaud's prehistoric-drama Quest for Fire.

Rae Dawn Chong Honoree for Women In Film at BIFF December 14 - 17 (Nassau)

Rae Dawn has contributed to the industry as an actress, writer, producer and love interest in Mick Jagger's video Just Another Night.

Rae appeared with her father in Cheech & Chong's The Corsican Brothers (1984), Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (1990) and Far Out Man (1990).

She shined in such films like Commando (1985), Time Runner (1993) and Soul Man (1986). Her most awarded role was playing Harpo's girlfriend Squeek aka, Mary Agnes in Steven Spielberg's five-time Academy Award-nominated film, The Color Purple (1985).

Rae Dawn continues to grace the screen appearing with Susan Sarandon and Jason Segal with the Duplass brothers film Jeff Who Lives At Home.

As a Writer & Producer she became hooked since 1993 and in 2000 she wrote and directed Cursed part 3 and a short film Mary’s Stigmata which won a contest for Crazy 8’s.

Rae Dawn is constantly working and has many pilots to be developed, in between her busy schedule of being a member of the Academy, SAG, and other organizations.

A message from a friend:

There is no denying Rae Dawn Chong is extremely gifted, which is why we honor her. But I admire her for reasons that extend way beyond her craft as a writer, director and actor.

She is passionate on issues of social justice and equality, and has a righteous indignation toward those attempting to turn back the clock on progress. She has abundant kindness, compassion and generosity – virtues that can be overlooked and undervalued in this volatile social climate. She’s insightful and funny, and an inspiration.

And I have no idea why I’m so lucky, but what an honor and privilege it is to call her a friend. - Roger Nicholson

Since inception BIFF raises social consciousness through cinema. With over 50 films and panel discussions BIFF for the 14th anniversary will once again celebrate Cinema In Paradise. December 10 - 13 (Harbour Island) and December 14 - 17 (Nassau)

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