Eleuthera Center Stage At The Opening of the 2009 Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF)

(Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas) - Ithalia Johnson of Harbour Island, took center stage at the 2009 Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) opening gala reception, singing a mixture of original and well loved soulful ballads at the Royal Towers Great Hall of Water at beautiful Atlantis on Paradise Island.

The reception followed the world premiere screening of "Children of God" (formerly Day Break),  a film entirely  shot in Nassau and Eleuthera, by local filmmaker Kareem Mortimer before a capacity audience  at the Atlantis Theater.

Entertainer Ithalia Johnson  performs  at the Gala Reception of BIFF opening night.

Ithalia Johnson performs with a smiling Leslie Vanderpool, Executive Director and Founder of BIFF on stage.

Ithalia Johnson with members of the band  on stage.

Accompanied by a back-up singer, and a three man band on drums and guitars, Ithalia's voice captivated listeners at the Hall, where beautiful ICandy Swimwear was featured on models posing in the water.

Earlier that evening, BIFF was successfully opened by Leslie Vanderpool, Executive Director and Founder of the anticipated event. Officials rendering remarks included Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Hon. Brent Symonette, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, Vernice Walkine and Bahamian actor Sir Sidney Poitier via a pre-recorded message.

Following thunderous applause at the end of the gripping film, "Children of God", the audience were introduced to the entire cast who took the opportunity to briefly answer  a few questions.

Cast and Crew members of "Children of God" with filmmaker Kareem Mortimer, third from left fielding questions from the audience.

More Cast and Crew members of "Children of God"

(Center) - TADA (aka Ternielle Burrows), served as Music Supervisor on "Children of God."

Some of the ICandy Swimwear on Display at the Royal Towers Great Hall of Water at Atlantis, Paradise Island.