DoT announces winning filmmakers

(CNS): From what were described as 80 outstanding entries for the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (DOT) short film competition three young students were declared the winners recently at a final screening at the local cinema.  Lia Piper, Mckayla Cupid and Raidez Perez came top in their respective division to win the Cayman…Through My Eyes titles. The People’s Choice Award went to Ayana Davis Eden for her “Caymankind Inspires Me” short film with a total of 990 votes. Winners of each division received a 1-week scholarship to the New York Film Academy (NYFA) Summer Camp

Competitors submitted Beginning in films between 1 to 3 minutes long for the Junior category for ages 11 – 13, Middle 14 – 16 years and Senior (Ages 17 – 19). The competition was developed to help bring awareness to tourism, history, culture and a sense of pride about the Cayman Islands in our youth though film. It targets the Cayman Islands primary, secondary level and first year college students.

Acting Director of Tourism, Rosa Harris, praised the budding filmmakers: “It is always refreshing to be reminded that the Caymankind spirit resides in all of us here, regardless of our age.  These young stars have showed an awareness of our culture, environment and what it really means to be a part of the Cayman Islands and I believe that competitions like this help to inspire our youth to develop into ambassadors of Cayman,” she added.

Sponsors for the event included the Cayman Islands Department of Commerce and Investment, Atlantis Submarines and the Cayman Turtle Farm. TheJudges for the competition were, Ryan Rajkumarsingh (DCI), Tony Mark (Cathy Church Photo Centre) and Tremayne Ebanks (Apex Video Solutions).
 

Films are available to view here