Tonight, invited guests will see the world premiere of the movie, "Risking It All" at the Bliss Center.
It was made in Belize utilizing purely local talent, from the cast to the director Kimberly Vasquez to cameraman and editor Javier Molina. Like its predecessor, "Choices", the new movie focuses on the always current and poignant
theme of HIV/Aids but this times it expands on that theme and looks into the issue with greater depth.
Alfonso Noble Reporting,
The dramatic trailer surely grabs your attention. But more than just eye catching; the movie tackles the always-topical issue of HIV/Aids. With these ingredients, the Director of 'risking it all" Kimberly Vasquez says that, this, her second movie is sure to capture an audience.
Kimberly Vasquez, Director
"Basically it is about how these four lives become entangle because of deceit and infidelity and the consequences that these people have to face because of their actions afterwards."
While the storyline may be simple enough Vasquez says that the second try at movie making in Belize was a lot more challenging.
Kimberly Vasquez,
"It's harder the second time around. A lot of work and a lot of long hours went into this."
Even so Vasquez says she's done it to raise awareness about HIV and Aids, a topic which seems to be taboo in Belize. It's the second time she's examining this issue and concedes that doing so means forsaking other themes that she's had an interest in.
Kimberly Vasquez,
"This medium, filming movies, its the perfect vehicle for bringing across strong messages and social issues. It works and I believe the producers, the Rotary Club of Belize along with the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman, they believe strongly in the work they are trying to do in terms of HIV/Aids awareness, prevention, and education. So I don't think the message can get out enough and this is a perfect vehicle for it."
"Personally I would love to do work on different themes but this was requested by the Rotary Club and so I am just basically carrying out what they requested."
But while the artist must be faithful to the wishes of her commissioners, some moviegoers may not be as faithful, and might be apprehensive about 'risking it all' and spending $15 when for that same money you can see a Hollywood blockbuster like Shrek 2. Vasquez says we need to support our nascent industry as much as we do foreign films.
Kimberly Vasquez, Director
"I think it has a strong message that everyone needs to hear. And also I think it would be good to encourage the local talent; the actors and even the other crewmembers who put their work into this. We support so many other movies that come to Belize from abroad. Certainly whenever something is done here in Belize we should try to support it and encourage the local talent."
So at this weekend's premiere, Vasquez assures us that you won't be "risking it all" to see the movie, because you'll surely get value from the $15 you invested to see it.
Tonight is by invitation only at the Bliss Center, but "Risking it all" will premiere at the Princess Cinema on Friday.