‘Haven’ reunion planned for film festival

Stars Orlando Bloom and Zoe Saldana could attend

A decade after the release of his debut feature film, “Haven,” writer-director Frank E. Flowers is bringing some of the cast and crew of the movie back to the island for the Cayman International Film Festival.

The final lineup is not yet confirmed but could include mega-stars Orlando Bloom and Zoe Saldana. The festival will feature a screening of a previously unreleased director’s cut of the movie, which was shot entirely in Grand Cayman.

Mr. Flowers, currently working on a biopic of basketball star LeBron James, said, “The cast and crew fell in love with our beautiful island, and even though the event is still in early stages, a handful of the actors have already confirmed their attendance.”

He said he could not confirm individual appearances at this stage, but is hopeful the key players will be involved.

“For us, it’s about getting the whole gang back together. It was a privilege to work with such a talented group of people, some of whom became lifelong friends.

“Everyone had such a beautiful experience, we want to bring them back and celebrate the 10th anniversary of the film,” he said.

The director believes the film industry in Cayman has come a long way since he broke new ground, shooting the entire movie on the island in 31 days.

“At the time it was a real community effort. We had a mix of Hollywood professionals and people who just stepped up to help. People opened up their homes and businesses to us, that’s what made it so special.”

He said events like the film festival, which will take place in July and will also feature cast and crew from the new “Star Wars” movie, show the progress that had been made.

A new film industry is emerging around a community of young artists who are taking movie making to the next level in Cayman, Mr. Flowers said.

Mr. Flowers, who recently co-wrote Sundance award-winning movie “Metro Manila,” would like to bring another feature film or television show to Cayman.

“With the right story and the right script, I’d love to do it,” he said.

“Haven,” described as a story of seemingly unconnected lives that intersect on a Caribbean island with violent results, was produced by Academy Award nominee Robbie Brenner, who also produced “Dallas Buyers Club.”

Its cast includes Orlando Bloom (“Lord of the Rings,” “Pirates of the Caribbean”), Zoe Saldana (“Avatar,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Star Trek”), Bill Paxton (“Titanic,” “Aliens,”) Anthony Mackie (“8-Mile,” “Captain America”) and Ky-Mani Marley (“Shottas”).

Festival Director Tony Mark said, “This movie is such an important part of Cayman’s film history for many reasons. It was the first movie shot entirely in the Cayman Islands; it was the catalyst for the launch of the local film industry; it opened the eyes of aspiring Caymanian filmmakers and indeed the people of Cayman to the possibility of Cayman being a world-class filming destination; and most of all it was done by one of Cayman’s very own, a native son.

“This is a time to celebrate ‘Haven’s’ artistic contribution to the Cayman Islands and the legacy it has created for future Caymanian actors, directors, writers, producers, and more over the past 10 years.”

CayFilm takes place from July 1-4 and includes daily film screenings, question-and-answer sessions with filmmakers, panel discussions, workshops and two celebrity gala events. The closing gala will feature an awards ceremony where an award for best local filmmaker, named after Frank E. Flowers, will be presented for the first time.