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Bahamas International Film Festival and John Watling's Distillery Announce Exclusive Multi-Day Partnership

Thu, Dec 4th 2025, 10:54 AM
Business Movies

The Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) has announced a major partnership with the historic John Watling's Distillery, establishing the iconic property as a premier venue for screenings, industry panels, and celebratory events during the upcoming festival. The collaboration will transform the Distillery into a vibrant hub for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from Sunday, December 7, 2025, through Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

Organizers said the festival lineup at John Watling’s Distillery promises a dynamic blend of cinema and culture. The festivities kick off on Sunday, December 7th, 11:00am with a morning Happy Hour featuring JOHN WATLING’S Bahamian Coffee with Louis & Steen’s New Orleans Coffeehouse. 

“We are very pleased to announce the partnership with the landmark historic property now known as John Watling’s Distillery,” said BIFF founder Leslie Vanderpool. “It is the perfect setting for the quality films and related activities showcasing extraordinary talent in an extraordinary environment.”

According to Vanderpool, the happy hour kick-off leads into indoor screenings starting at noon in the John Watling’s Distillery Rum Academy which, she said, “will be transformed into a boutique cinema with spectacular outdoor screenings that culminate in an evening feature. The  day will conclude with a lively after party, featuring live music from Patrice Murrell.”

Additionally, the venue will host two crucial industry panel: a multi-day Acting Workshop featuring expert SJ Alloco St. Germain, and a dedicated Filmmaking and Producing panel of attending Hollywood producers.

“We are pleased that John Watling’s was chosen to host the opening and closing days of the 2025 Bahamas International Film Festival,” said Pepin Argamasilla, Managing Partner. “The historic charm of the Buena Vista Estate elevates each cultural experience into a moment of pure magic, forever etched in the memories of both locals and visitors.” 

The cinematic journey at the Distillery features an impressive slate of local and international films. Film highlights include three distinct Short Film Blocks—REEL REVEALS, WINDING ROADS, and THE JOLT—showcasing diverse themes and genres. 

Feature film screenings will include KEEP QUIET (directed by Vincent Grashaw), THE DUTCHMAN (directed by Andre Gaines), THE QUEENS JEWELS (Josh Friedman), WHERE WE COME FROM (directed by Marc Brummund), and NOBODY WANT TO BE HERE, NOBODY WANTS TO LEAVE (directed by Cash Anderson). All films will be accompanied by directors or actors. 

The weekend’s signature reception on Sunday will gather attendees in the South Courtyard of John Watling’s Distillery, featuring Tasty Patties and Tipsy Scoop. 

The collaboration is set to elevate the festival experience, celebrating the art of film against the backdrop of one of Nassau’s most historic and beautiful landmarks. For more information on how to attend visit the BIFF website at www.bintlfilmfest.com

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (BIFF) 

The Bahamas International Film Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the local Bahamian and international film community with an outlet to express their talents and tell their stories. BIFF strives to encourage cross-cultural understanding and artistic appreciation in The Bahamas and around the world.

ABOUT JOHN WATLING’S DISTILLERY

John Watling’s Distillery welcomes guests to the historic Buena Vista Estate—founded in 1789 and overlooking Nassau Harbour—where more than 28 Bahamian hand-craft JOHN WATLING’S award-winning rums. Situated on Delancy Street and within easy walking distance of Downtown Nassau, the Estate offers complimentary tours that highlight a museum-style production experience, curated shopping, and signature all-natural cocktails at the Tavern. Visitors may also purchase a Mixology and Rum Tasting Experience at the We B Learnin’ Rum Academy. Open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (except national holidays).

The Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) has announced a major partnership with the historic John Watling's Distillery, establishing the iconic property as a premier venue for screenings, industry panels, and celebratory events during the upcoming festival. The collaboration will transform the Distillery into a vibrant hub for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from Sunday, December 7, 2025, through Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
Organizers said the festival lineup at John Watling’s Distillery promises a dynamic blend of cinema and culture. The festivities kick off on Sunday, December 7th, 11:00am with a morning Happy Hour featuring JOHN WATLING’S Bahamian Coffee with Louis & Steen’s New Orleans Coffeehouse. 
“We are very pleased to announce the partnership with the landmark historic property now known as John Watling’s Distillery,” said BIFF founder Leslie Vanderpool. “It is the perfect setting for the quality films and related activities showcasing extraordinary talent in an extraordinary environment.”
According to Vanderpool, the happy hour kick-off leads into indoor screenings starting at noon in the John Watling’s Distillery Rum Academy which, she said, “will be transformed into a boutique cinema with spectacular outdoor screenings that culminate in an evening feature. The  day will conclude with a lively after party, featuring live music from Patrice Murrell.”
Additionally, the venue will host two crucial industry panel: a multi-day Acting Workshop featuring expert SJ Alloco St. Germain, and a dedicated Filmmaking and Producing panel of attending Hollywood producers.
“We are pleased that John Watling’s was chosen to host the opening and closing days of the 2025 Bahamas International Film Festival,” said Pepin Argamasilla, Managing Partner. “The historic charm of the Buena Vista Estate elevates each cultural experience into a moment of pure magic, forever etched in the memories of both locals and visitors.” 
The cinematic journey at the Distillery features an impressive slate of local and international films. Film highlights include three distinct Short Film Blocks—REEL REVEALS, WINDING ROADS, and THE JOLT—showcasing diverse themes and genres. 
Feature film screenings will include KEEP QUIET (directed by Vincent Grashaw), THE DUTCHMAN (directed by Andre Gaines), THE QUEENS JEWELS (Josh Friedman), WHERE WE COME FROM (directed by Marc Brummund), and NOBODY WANT TO BE HERE, NOBODY WANTS TO LEAVE (directed by Cash Anderson). All films will be accompanied by directors or actors. 
The weekend’s signature reception on Sunday will gather attendees in the South Courtyard of John Watling’s Distillery, featuring Tasty Patties and Tipsy Scoop. 
The collaboration is set to elevate the festival experience, celebrating the art of film against the backdrop of one of Nassau’s most historic and beautiful landmarks. For more information on how to attend visit the BIFF website at www.bintlfilmfest.com
ABOUT THE BAHAMAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (BIFF) 
The Bahamas International Film Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the local Bahamian and international film community with an outlet to express their talents and tell their stories. BIFF strives to encourage cross-cultural understanding and artistic appreciation in The Bahamas and around the world.
ABOUT JOHN WATLING’S DISTILLERY
John Watling’s Distillery welcomes guests to the historic Buena Vista Estate—founded in 1789 and overlooking Nassau Harbour—where more than 28 Bahamian hand-craft JOHN WATLING’S award-winning rums. Situated on Delancy Street and within easy walking distance of Downtown Nassau, the Estate offers complimentary tours that highlight a museum-style production experience, curated shopping, and signature all-natural cocktails at the Tavern. Visitors may also purchase a Mixology and Rum Tasting Experience at the We B Learnin’ Rum Academy. Open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (except national holidays).
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