The Bahamas and Miami-Dade Unite to Boost Film Industries with Landmark MOU
Bahamian and US officials are pictured with Bahamian and US filmmakers. From left are Angela Carrol, Bahamian producer; Clarence Rolle, Bahamas Film & Television Commissioner; Lisa Adderley-Anderson, Acting Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Tourism; Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama; Frederica Wilson, US Congresswoman for Florida District 24; Katie Kipnis, Florida-based producer; Charles Smith, Bahamian producer; Senator Rene Garcia, Commissioner for Miami-Dade District 13; and Curt Hollingsworth, Bahamas Consul General in Miami.
MIAMI, Fla. (10 Dec. 2024) Bahamian and U.S. officials today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the aim of creating more film business while simultaneously strengthening their film industries.
This is a first-of-its-kind MOU between the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation and Miami-Dade County.
The MOU was established by and through the Bahamas Film & Television Commission, a unit of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation and the Miami-Dade Office of Film and Entertainment. The agreement creates the framework for a cooperative relationship in film education, promotion and economic activities.
Bahamas representatives present a hand-carved map of The Bahamas to Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava. From left are Senator Rene Garcia, Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 13; Lisa Adderley-Anderson, Acting Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Tourism, Mayor Levine-Cava; Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama; Frederica Wilson, US Congresswoman for the 24th District of Florida; and Curt Hollingsworth, Consul General for The Bahamas in Miami.
At today’s signing in Miami, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama, country representative for The Bahamas and regional representative for the Caribbean to Sister Cities International, said, “As sister cities, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Miami-Dade have cooperated in many areas over the years. With a focus on The Bahamas becoming the ‘Center of Innovation for the Caribbean’, this MOU is a step in that direction and will propel the television and film industries of both nations.”
The Bahamas and Miami-Dade have cooperated in many areas over the years. The MOU refocuses our cooperation on film matters.”
Lisa Adderley-Anderson, Acting Permanent Secretary, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation underscored that since the establishment of the Bahamas Film & Television Commission in 1984 there were a number of prestigious titles filmed in The Bahamas.
“The Bahamas has been used as a film location for more than 100 years and was the place where the first underwater film was shot in 1916,” she said. She continued: “It is fitting that we strengthen film cooperation between The Bahamas and Miami-Dade in the 40th anniversary year of the Bahamas Film Commission. We are certain that this collaboration will mean bigger and better things for The Bahamas and for Miami-Dade, and that includes more film business.”
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava presents a gift to Acting Permanent Secretary Lisa Adderley-Anderson and Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey.
Miami-Dade Country Mayor, Daniella Levine-Cava, praised the occasion as a testament to the power of partnerships.
"This partnership marks a new chapter for the film industries of Miami-Dade County and the Bahamas, neighbor communities,” she said. “By working together, we can foster creativity, expand opportunities, and strengthen the economic impact of film production in both our communities. This MOU is a testament to the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to supporting the arts and culture industries."
The MOU also paves the way for sharing information to mutually bolster film business in The Bahamas and Miami-Dade County.
“I am aware that it took many months of discussions and considerations to make today’s event happen,” added Minister Moxey. “I thank the staff of the Bahamas Film and Television Commission and the Miami-Dade Office of Film and Entertainment for their dedication. It is their perseverance that made this Memorandum of Understanding a reality.”
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, representative for Florida’s 24th Congressional District; Senator Rene Garcia, County Commissioner for District 13; Curt Hollingsworth, Consul General for The Bahamas in Miami; and state and county officials. Bahamian and Florida filmmakers also witnessed the historic signing.
To learn more about The Bahamas or plan a visit, log onto Bahamas.com.
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About The Bahamas:
The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travelers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the Earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.
Media Contacts:
Anita Johnson-Patty
Director Global Communications
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation
Ajohnson@Bahamas.com