Over the weekend, the Pan African Film Festival debuted director Roger Bobb’s upcoming TVOne original movie “Girlfriends’ Getaway” at the historic Plaza Theater in Atlanta, GA. The film stars actresses Garcelle Beauvais, Essence Atkins, Malinda Willams and Terri J. Vaughn who was on hand in Atlanta for the debut.
Set in Trinidad and Tobago, the film’s screenplay writer, Cas Sigers describes ‘Girlfriends’ Getaway’ as Waiting To Exhale meets The Hangover. Girlfriends’ Getaway is about four friends who take a trip to the Caribbean to celebrate two of their friends’ birthdays. One thing leads to another and they get into a bit of trouble.
When Bobb first announced this Trinidadian production during the 2014 Caribbean American Movers & Shakers, I could barely contain my excitement! According to Bobb, the movie is the first United States production, filmed completely in Trinidad & Tobago. I thought it strange that no previous American productions had been filmed completely in Trinidad & Tobago and the question was posed during the Q&A. Roger disclosed that he chose Trinidad because of the great rebates given to filmmakers (approximately 50%). Hopefully, this means we will see more American productions taking place there. I’m sure the fact that Roger Bobb is of Caribbean descent (Guyana) also factored into choosing a Caribbean ‘Getaway’.
The film is hilarious and the comedic timing of of the cast is spot on especially Terri J. Vaughn who plays a very pregnant “Sophie”. Vaughn’s character “Sophie” is kidnapped and what ensues thereafter is comedic genius. In fact, during the Q&A we learned that many of the scenes with “Sophie” and her kidnapper were improvisational . (By the way, Vaughn is also pregnant in real life!).
‘Girlfriends’ Getaway’ is a co-production between Bobbcat Films and Siger’s and Vaughn’s Nina Holiday Entertainment. In total, there were FIVE female producers on this project and two are Caribbean: Sherrese Moise and Lisa Wickham. The female and Caribbean perspective are well reflected in the final product and the soundtrack. Biggup Karen Marie Mason who worked on the soundtrack!.
Let’s support our Caribbean brothers and sisters, Trinidad/Tobabo and this film! Girilfriends’ Getaway airs on TVOne on August 30, at 8/7c. Remember to chune in and be social using hashtag #GirlfriendsGetaway.
Photo credit: iDeal Photography
