A Private Screening with Frank E. Flowers ‘The Bluff’

By Stuart Wilson

A diverse cross-section of Caymanian society turned out on the lawn at Pedro St. James for a private screening of, ‘The Bluff on 14th February.

The picture, which is the latest project by ‘son of the soil’ Frank E Flowers Jr, is a project that depicts the swashbuckling era of pirates in the Caribbean and reimagines their exploits in the Cayman Islands from a local perspective.

Complete with glimpses of the Caymanian landscape, dialect and culture, some of the film was shot in Cayman Brac, as well as in Barkers National Park. A replica of the bluff in Cayman Brac was also recreated in Australia, where much of the other filming took place.

In his remarks leading up to the screening of the film, Mr. Flowers acknowledged all the local persons who assisted with and appeared in the film such as actor Ronnie James Hughes, Former Cayman National Cultural Foundation Director, Mr. Henry Muttoo, who served as consultant on the film and Badir Awe of Awesome Productions, a  film and production company here in the Cayman Islands.

“It’s Valentine’s Day and we are here with a lot of love, There are themes in the movie about family so its beautiful to be here with my father Frank and even though he doesn’t like to be put on the spot, he has taught me so much about leadership, growing with grace and doing things not only benefit you but benefit the community and the Islands we love,” he remarked,

The filmmaker went on to note: “When we were researching this film there were the stories of the seafarers and all the great men that came before us but while they were at sea, this society was built by the women who were here.”

During the ‘Q and A’ segment of the evening the audience were able to meet some of the women who Mr,. Flowers said had lifted him up and supported his journey in bringing the Bluff to the high screen.  

One of those persons was Academy Award Winner Zoe Saldaña.

Mr. Flowers said,”…When we were thinking of this story of pirates and representation, I wanted to write an article at first. However, I am not a journalist and this person (Zoe) encouraged me to do what I I do and tell stories.

‘She has been a friend, a sister, a creative muse, so many things. She first came to this Islands 20 years ago and she has been a great advocate of not just Caribbean storytelling, not just my career but of the Cayman Islands. She has spoken of our country in circles beyond our shores and she has always had Cayman in her heart.”

In addressing the audience the actress acknowledged the importance of art and the story being told in film, which is something that can stand the test of time and noted that the journey of Caymanian people and their history is best conveyed by them.

The Cayman Islands Ministry of Culture also played an instrumental part in the film, which will be officially released on Amazon Prime on 25th February and the Minister, the Honourable Isaac Rankine was on hand for the private screening,

A former member of the Cayman National Cultural Foundation and a colleague of Frank E. Flowers Jr, the Minister recalled his time working with a young Frank Flowers and explained that it was fitting that he could assist the making of the film in his present role as Minister of Culture.

It’s important that our story is told by us and we are truly proud of Frank and the work has done to represent these Islands on the global stage.

“He has proven that Caymanian talent can stand on the world stage,” remarked the Minister, who added that Frank Flowers’ determination and grit were qualities that every young Caymanian should aspire to.

Frank Flowers Senior spoke with the Caymanian Times briefly and shared a few words about his son’s most recent project and the minister’s involvement:

“He and Minister Rankine, as well as Mr. Henry Muttoo go a long way back in this sort of business and in the industry. To see us have a Minister that is knowledgeable of this stuff and played part in it makes it extra special for Franky,” he remarked

“To work with people that he learned from along the way including Mrs. Nasaria Suckoo influence, who had a great influence on him in school..... Kudos to him and the Minister and how they put it together.

“The enthusiasm and the support of the people and the crowd that is out here tonight, I feel honoured to know that my son is part of the deal,” added Mr. Flowers Sr.

Cayman Cultural Ambassador Luigi Moxam said he was happy to see that Cayman finally has what is going to be an iconic pirate film that represents so many things that are tied to the Cayman Islands.

“It’s also amazing to see the creative energy of the artists and someone like Frank leading the way.

“I am happy to be able to be here to witness it and it’s great to see so many people come out and enjoy the experience,” he remarked. 

Mr Moxam said it was also fitting that the event took place at Pedro St. James where so much of Cayman’s history took place including; the Site is known as the birthplace of democracy in the Cayman Islands.

Guests were also treated to Caymanian cultural booths that displayed the Islands maritime history and cultural staples such as cassava cake and traditional clothing, tools and music.

Another screening of the Bluff will take place in Los Angeles on 17th February before the official release on February 25th.