By Justin Whyte, Entertainment Editor
(From left) Lennie Little-White, CEO Mediamix Limited, Rex Nettleford, Vice Chancellor, University of the West Indies and chairman, Doctor Bird Awards Foundation, along with Cynthia Wilmot, film producer, writer and director. - Winston Sill
THE PRESTIGIOUS Doctor Bird Awards in film and television were presented Monday night at the Hilton Kingston Hotel to international and local movie and television personalities, who continue to make indelible imprints on the industry.
Among the presentations was the inaugural Caribbean Special Award to director, screen writer and producer Euzhan Palcy from Martinique.
The Doctor Bird initiative, which was conceived to honour excellence in film and television, also recognised posthumously, those who have worked as performers, directors, producers, cinematographers and screen writers.
The awards are administered by a foundation, chaired by Professor Rex Nettleford, Vice Chancellor of University of the West Indies.
In his brief address, Professor Nettleford spoke of the mission of the Foundation, which was to support the growth and development of the Jamaican film and television industry, while forging stronger Caribbean links, ensuring the continuity of such awards. The Vice Chancellor noted that successive governments had supported the movement and challenged the public and private sectors to continue to help.
"The cinema is a great craft of the 20th century - film and television can help us to be known world-wide," he said, citing Australia as an example of a country which is now competing with Hollywood.
A posthumous award was made to the late Frank Silvera, for a career which spanned over 26 years and who played principal roles in at least 40 films.
Cynthia Wilmot, producer, writer and director for over 30 years, was also presented with a Doctor Bird Award, while Trevor Rhone, screenwriter and director of the internationally acclaimed play and film, Smile Orange, was honoured for his many years of contribution to the industry. Actor, director, producer Lloyd Reckord was honoured for his work in theatre and film.
Meanwhile, Tonya Lee Williams, film and television actress of Young And The Restless fame, received an award for her contribution in that area. And Sarita Chondhury, feature film actress, received her award for lead roles in such major films as A Perfect Murder and Mississippi Masala. Amidst cheers, catcalls and a standing ovation, internationally acclaimed Leonie Forbes, got an award for acting and broadcasting.
Posthumous recognition was also given to the late John Jones, through a video salute, highlighting his role as 'Pastor Johnson' in Royal Palm Estate. It was also announced that a Memorial Bursary will be awarded in his honour at The Edna Manley College for the Performing and Visual Arts.
Certificates of recognition was also given to persons who have worked behind the scenes in film production.
The night's presentation featured a comprehensive programme and an entertainment package, which saw outstanding performances from Fabulous 5 Band, Myrna Hague-Bradshaw, Richie Stephens and dancers Marc Hall and Kerry-Ann Richards, who appeared courtesy of The National Dance Theatre Company, in a tribute to Jimmy Cliff, singer songwriter.
The ceremony was well organised and professionally handled by emcees Debbie Tyson and Michael Anthony Cuffe.
However, the flaws for the night included a stage which was too low for proper viewing from the back. Perhaps the organisers should have beamed the proceedings on stage onto big screens, instead of using the screens to project the salute to the award winners only.
Unfortunately, no special seating was arranged for members of the media who had to crane their necks from their respective seats around the ballroom.
