18 November 2019. F Chambers employee Caroline Kerswell and Cleta Handfield from F Corporate Services volunteered as vital team Captains for the first international 3-day film festival. Caroline managed the Entertainment and Special Events team and Cleta managed the Box Office and Merchandise team. The experience was of hard work and long hours but gave both employees a sense of pride and joy to support the premier Film event over the weekend from 15th to 17th November 2019. Both found it especially rewarding as the theme of sustainability for the Oceans and the Environment, will also create more awareness about the precious environment where TCI is situated.
The development of the film industry in the Turks and Caicos was a big thrust of the Festival and on Saturday afternoon, the islanders showed their overwhelming support for one of their own, Dom Rolle, who debuted his film The Emperor Swims which highlighted much of Turks and Caicos culture and lifestyle. As a result of this festival the Turks and Caicos Islands will be establishing a film commission.
The Festival attracted some Hollywood heavyweights among them F Gary Gray, Director of films such as the Friday series, Set it Off, The Italian Job, The Negotiator, Fate of the Furious and Straight Outta Compton. Furthermore, the entertainment across 5 locations and 20 artists during the festival showcased fantastic local talent and DJs including: Tess Charles, Inna Groove, Prime DJs and DJ Dayoh with an incredible saxophone player.
Managing Partner Mark Fulford of F Chambers was incredibly proud of the effort of his employees who have been attending weekly evening meetings in the run up. Mark is a big supporter of culture and creativity in TCI and attended the festival with his children for the family films and was extremely impressed by all the volunteers hard work and looks forward to next years event.
Volunteering can help you make friends, learn new skills, advance your career, and even feel happier and healthier.
With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering can be enormous especially in an Island where new initiatives in the creative industries like film are just taking flight and call out for volunteer personnel. Volunteering offers vital help to organizations in need, worthwhile causes, and the community, but the benefits can be even greater the volunteer. The right match can help you to find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career.
Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose. While it’s true that the more you volunteer, the more benefits you’ll experience, volunteering doesn’t have to involve a long-term commitment or take a huge amount of time out of your busy day. Giving in even simple ways can help those in need and improve your health and happiness.
Benefits of volunteering: 4 ways to feel healthier and happier
- Volunteering connects you to others
- Volunteering is good for your mind and body
- Volunteering can advance your career
- Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life
