Support sought for new IVAN movie

For those residents who were on-island at the time, Hurricane Ivan, which hit Cayman’s shores with a vengeance as a Cat4/5 in September 2004, was a life-changing event for many and certainly one never to be forgotten. Using that historic event as a backdrop, a group of Caymanian film-makers are working on a new film called IVAN which will tell the tale of one mother’s experiences of the event as she struggles to protect her child during her husband’s absence from the island right at the crucial time of the hurricane’s impact.

Caymanian Jazz Pitcairn is the writer and director for the project, an experienced film-maker who has worked for HBO, CBS and Apple TV+ and is the writer for the HBO show A Black Lady Sketch Show. In particular, Jazz focuses on introspective character-driven storytelling that brings Caribbean female narratives to the forefront of the conversation, as highlighted in this upcoming movie. Told through a Caymanian woman’s lens, it explores the personal angst and struggle to keep one’s family safe in the midst of a devastating natural disaster.

The producer is Badir Awe, another experienced professional who is an award-winning film-maker and was recently the Unit Production Manager for The Retirement Plan starring Nicholas Cage. Another award-winning Caymanian film-maker, Frank E. Flowers, is the movie’s mentor and producer. Frank has more than 20 years in the business and is chair of the Cayman Islands Film Commission.

The movie, set in the Cayman Islands in 2004, is still in the early stages of production and will feature an all Caymanian cast and crew; however it needs some help getting off the ground, so the production company is currently reaching out to the public for support for this new venture.

Mekeda Haynes, Production Coordinator with Awesome Productions Ltd, said the film would undoubtedly contribute to Cayman’s rich artistic sphere.

“This project is a local film inspired by the events of Hurricane Ivan that impacted our island in 2004. With an all-local cast, the film highlights the talent that abounds within the Caymanian heritage,” she advised.

Mekeda said they were reaching out to raise awareness and engagement in the movie and for possible cash sponsorship opportunities.

Please email Badir Awe at badir.awe@awesome.ky  or Jazz Pitcairn at jazz.pitcairn@gmail.com  if you are interested in becoming part of this amazing project.