The Coming of Org was launched officially in St Lucia at the Alliance Francaise earlier this week. The film, which has been buzzing locally and regionally, was directed by St Lucia’s very own, Davina Lee.
According to Lee, the short film is based on short stories written by her father, John Robert Lee, a Saint Lucian writer. The stories were then adapted for the screen by Lee. The story takes a look at three different people who come face to face with their inner demons in three separate ways. The movie highlights St Lucian folk stories and music, with most of the dialogue in French Creole.
On April 14th, 2012, Lee entered the film at the Caribbean Tales Film Festival where the film got great reviews. She later entered the film at the Cannes Film Festival in the Short Film Corner. Lee says more showings and festivals are scheduled for the film in the next few months.
Speaking to the STAR after the event, Lee could not find words to express her feelings after receiving a number of compliments from the fifty plus in attendance at the launch. However, she did say this: “It feels good, although I was a little uneasy coming here because this is the only audience I wanted to impress, St Lucians.
“I was very much concerned about how it would be appreciated at home and I am very happy with the response we got here,” said Lee.
The young director did not give any date as to where the next showing will be but she hinted it may be at the National Cultural Center very soon.
“I want to make an event out of it. Maybe sell hot bakes and cocoa-tea and have the audience dressed in their national wear.”
For the many fans of Lee productions, don’t expect to see a theatrical release at Caribbean Cinema just yet because according to Lee, it would cost her at least US15 000 to write the movie to film. Nonetheless, Lee is hopeful for a bright future for her first film.
Of course, with every film that is produced in St Lucia, a comparison is made and this film is no exception and judging by the occasional laughter and smiles of the audience, the film was in deed well receive. Even the former Prime Minister, Stephenson King was caught laughing at Jason Sifflet’s occasional comedy stints.
The STAR caught up with King who had this to say: “I am very much impressed with the production. It is amazing to see that we are able to produce a film here in St Lucia by St Lucians. It just truly speaks to the potential that exists here in St Lucia.
“It really is a true reflection of our society—what we experience, our tradition, our cultural heritage and some of the stories that continue to exist in our St Lucian society which has been brought into film and produced in a manner that I must indicate is very promising. I do hope much support will be given to producers like Davina,” said King.
Lee started filming in December 2011 and completed the film in March 2012. The film stars Jason Sifflet, McDonald Dixon, Garnell Smith and Ian Mitchell.
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