Mega Mart CEO, Gassan Azan (left) and JAMPRO Chairman Joseph A. Matalon (centre) chat with movie producer Martin Katz.
Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
FAMED PRODUCER Martin Katz (pronounced Kates) whose recent work, Hotel Rwanda, is still turning heads in the local cinemas, was the guest of honour Wednesday night at the Jack's Hill home of JAMPRO Chairman Joseph A. Matalon.
The cosy dinner under the lights of the front yard was organised by Matalon (accompanied by the lovely Bernadette McKinley) and National Commercial Bank Jamaica Ltd.
Members of the local business and theatre circles came out to spend the evening with the Canadian film genius. Katz was in the island on a rapid fire tour including giving little workshops in an attempt to develop Jamaica's film industry.
The man of the moment seemed a little surprised by the reception he received. He said that Jamaica was "on the cusp of explosive growth in the area" and assured the small gathering that there were numerous opportunities to do significant film work here. He said that he looked forward to coming back and playing his role. He was later presented with a Gene Pearson original head sculpture.
Dinner was delightful and the offerings of Anna-Kay Lazarus cannot receive enough praise.
Musical offerings from former Third World member Ibo Cooper on keyboard and his protégé, guitarist Dale Brown, were included of the entertainment package.
Katz is the founder and president of Prospero Pictures. His other works include The Gospel of John, Stander and The Claim.
He has done productions around the world, including in New Zealand, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom. He also has law degrees from the universities of Toronto and Paris.
Attending the dinner in the hills were Dell Crooks; Franklyn 'Chappy' St. Juste and his son Brian; Perry Henzell and daughter Justine; Tom Desulme; JAMPRO President Pat Francis; Canadian High Commissioner Claudio Valle and wife Louise; Natalie Thompson; Megan Deane; Fae Ellington; Lennie Little-White; Zachary Harding; Patrick Hylton; Michael McMorris; Gassan Azan; Laurence Broderick; Trevor Rhone; Alwyn Bully; Kris Astaphan; Maxine Walters and Nicole Pandohie.
