Isy B. on the Big Screen in Award-Winning Film IVAN
At the recent red carpet premiere of the movie IVAN, which took place on September 13th at the Camana Bay Cinema, my overriding feeling was pride on every level.
Firstly, I was so proud of the talent, drive, and determination of young Caymanian filmmaker Jazz Pitcairn, who wrote and directed the movie and has quietly been making a name for herself in Hollywood as a screenwriter for shows like HBO's Emmy series, A Black Lady Sketch Show.
Her movie, IVAN, tells the moving story of a local family during the harrowing events of Hurricane Ivan, which hit Grand Cayman in 2004., and captures the strength and resilience of the island's people during one of the most destructive natural disasters in its history.
The film stars Hollywood actress Sasha Lane (also of Twisters and Loki) as a mother keeping her child safe in the middle of the terrible storm. IVAN has won a slew of awards at film festivals internationally.
I was proud that the production involved over 30 young Caymanians in the cast and crew. Including many who have brought their gifts to Isy B. over the years, including wardrobe mistress Cassiedy Davis Quintero, long-time Isy B. team member Stephan Cottrell of Keep Kreative - whose videos for Isy B. are still some of the most creative I've ever seen, and Steff Mcdermot; model for the Isy B. 2024 collection. The list of familiar faces behind the scenes went on and on, and it was brilliant to see all their talent being showcased on the broader world stage.
I was also proud to be part of the production, consulting on the overall wardrobe with Jazz and Cassiedy and providing Isy B. pieces for the movie.
I am proud of the Cayman Islands Film Commission, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, and all the local and international sponsors and supporters who believed in a young filmmaker's dream and helped to bring this powerful story to life, allowing all the talented creatives in the Cayman community a chance to display their skills.
I'm also proud of all the love I felt from the film premiere event attendees. The Cayman Islands as a country is brilliant at supporting its people with passion and appreciation, and it showed during the event. Donna Bush, our host for the evening, delivered a great Q&A session and drew us all together masterfully into Jazz's filmmaking world.
Finally, I am proud of the Cayman Islands' spirit and resilience in the aftermath of the storm and beyond. I am also proud of its people's ability to pull together, rebuild, and reinvent themselves with courage in the face of annual hurricane risks for centuries.
The movie IVAN is an exciting new milestone for the Cayman Islands and for us, at Isy B. Spot the Adara Silk Scarf and the Adara Kaftan Dress being worn by Sasha Lane in the movie!
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