New resort promises true island paradise experience
Seychelles EU Connection :: Republic of Seychelles National Economy Main ( UN visit 20/09/06 :: Tourism
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New resort promises true island paradise experience
New resort promises true island paradise experience
23-August-2014
A new luxury resort which promises “a true island paradise experience” will officially open next Friday on Round Island in the Ste Anne marine park.
The five-star Enchanted Island Resort, which started operations late last year, is the first international property managed and operated by the UAE-headquartered hospitality company JA Resorts & Hotels.
The 10-villa beach resort is set in five acres of natural greenery and enjoys an exclusive location within one of the Indian Ocean archipelago’s protected national marine parks.
The boutique-style resort features a total of eight one-bedroom private pool villas and two two-bedroom Enchanted signature villas, which have been designed to reflect the island’s traditional Creole-Seychellois architecture.
Each villa has its own private infinity pool, direct walkway to the beach, outdoor deck and rain shower, a French bathtub, king-size bed, LED television with satellite channels, DVD player, iPod docking station and complimentary Wi-Fi.
“The Seychelles has long been a preferred destination for world travellers seeking a true island paradise experience. The Enchanted Island Resort offers just that, with a handful of limited edition villas and a unique location that fulfils the luxury five-star brief but which is sympathetic to the environment and to the stunning natural beauty of the island,” said David Thomson, chief operating officer of JA Resorts & Hotels.
“As our first property outside of the UAE, it makes for an impressive addition to our expanding portfolio of upscale resorts and hotels,” he added.
Sitting alongside Castaway Bar, the Bounty Restaurant overlooks the resort’s main swimming pool and serves contemporary international and Creole cuisine.
In-villa dining and private gourmet experiences enhance the culinary choices on offer.
Leisure facilities include an exclusive stretch of private beach, a beautifully landscaped swimming pool, and complimentary use of snorkelling equipment and kayaks.
Guests will also be able to enjoy an exotic menu of treatments and therapies at the resort’s Serena Spa.
In addition to wellness experiences, the spa also offers yoga sessions, a gym and a number of holistic therapies.
“In addition to offering the villas individually it is also possible to book the island on an exclusive basis, which really does mean the ultimate tailor-made holiday experience for up to 24 guests,” said Thomson.
Guests arriving at Seychelles International Airport, on the main island of Mahé, will take a 10-minute car transfer to the hotel’s private boat jetty at the Wharf Hotel and Marina for the 15-minute motorboat ride to the island.
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=242758
23-August-2014
A new luxury resort which promises “a true island paradise experience” will officially open next Friday on Round Island in the Ste Anne marine park.
The five-star Enchanted Island Resort, which started operations late last year, is the first international property managed and operated by the UAE-headquartered hospitality company JA Resorts & Hotels.
The 10-villa beach resort is set in five acres of natural greenery and enjoys an exclusive location within one of the Indian Ocean archipelago’s protected national marine parks.
The boutique-style resort features a total of eight one-bedroom private pool villas and two two-bedroom Enchanted signature villas, which have been designed to reflect the island’s traditional Creole-Seychellois architecture.
Each villa has its own private infinity pool, direct walkway to the beach, outdoor deck and rain shower, a French bathtub, king-size bed, LED television with satellite channels, DVD player, iPod docking station and complimentary Wi-Fi.
“The Seychelles has long been a preferred destination for world travellers seeking a true island paradise experience. The Enchanted Island Resort offers just that, with a handful of limited edition villas and a unique location that fulfils the luxury five-star brief but which is sympathetic to the environment and to the stunning natural beauty of the island,” said David Thomson, chief operating officer of JA Resorts & Hotels.
“As our first property outside of the UAE, it makes for an impressive addition to our expanding portfolio of upscale resorts and hotels,” he added.
Sitting alongside Castaway Bar, the Bounty Restaurant overlooks the resort’s main swimming pool and serves contemporary international and Creole cuisine.
In-villa dining and private gourmet experiences enhance the culinary choices on offer.
Leisure facilities include an exclusive stretch of private beach, a beautifully landscaped swimming pool, and complimentary use of snorkelling equipment and kayaks.
Guests will also be able to enjoy an exotic menu of treatments and therapies at the resort’s Serena Spa.
In addition to wellness experiences, the spa also offers yoga sessions, a gym and a number of holistic therapies.
“In addition to offering the villas individually it is also possible to book the island on an exclusive basis, which really does mean the ultimate tailor-made holiday experience for up to 24 guests,” said Thomson.
Guests arriving at Seychelles International Airport, on the main island of Mahé, will take a 10-minute car transfer to the hotel’s private boat jetty at the Wharf Hotel and Marina for the 15-minute motorboat ride to the island.
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=242758
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Join date : 2008-06-02
Coastal recreational park opens at Anse à la Mouche
Coastal recreational park opens at Anse à la Mouche
23-August-2014
The Anse à la Mouche coastal recreational park was officially opened yesterday by the Minister for Environment and Energy, Professor Rolph Payet.
The attraction, built by the Coastal Adaptation and Management section in the same ministry, has transformed the area into a low key recreational park for the general public and was initially designed as a coastal protection measure project back in 2011.
Present at the opening ceremony were Lena Desaubin, chief executive of Landscape and Waste Management Agency (LWMA); Alain de Commarmond, director general in the Ministry of Environemnt and Energy; Dan Frichot, special advisor in the Department of Community Development and representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, LMWA and DRDM (Department of Risk and Disaster Management).
In his opening remarks, Minister Payet said Seychelles has never been more vulnerable to nature’s forces particular in coastal areas, than now. Coastal erosion, storm surges, flooding and salt water intrusion, are widely accepted as caused by climate change. It is therefore vital that we, as a small island developing state, find ways to adapt to such changes to maintain sustainability for our region, our islands and our existence.
“In the past Anse à la Mouche was regarded as one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country. Unfortunately during the last seven years, we have seen more intensive and aggressive coastal erosion which is threatening the main road and also the beach that we all enjoy. It is for this reason that in 2011, the Ministry of Environment’s Coastal Adaptation and Management Section decided to start a major coastal protection project to prevent further loss of coastline. This was followed by extensive landscaping work as the loss of the fringing vegetation became more apparent and critical,” said the minister.
He said his ministry is particular grateful to President James Michel who facilitated and strongly supported the intervention following his visit to the area with officials of the environment department in 2011, following which the ministry was able to secure funding for the implementation of the project under the Contingency Fund, the government’s Capital Expenditure and the Environment Trust Fund for the landscaping works. Overall the project has cost R2.6 million.
“The government is also particularly grateful to the residents of Anse à la Mouche for their continuous support and acknowledgment of the whole process of the project. To note some residents were involved directly in the rehabilitation project such as donating rocks for blocking off vehicles from parking in this area, and for that I would like to commend the residents and encourage more support from the community for such projects,” said Minister Payet.
The minister also acknowledged all those who contributed towards the realisation of the project notably staff of the Coastal Adaptation and Management Section; the School of Agricultural and Horticultural Training Centre for its technical contribution from the beginning of project; the LWMA and its contractors for technical advice and willingness to take up maintenance of the area as well the civil contractors that have worked during the different stages of implementation; the Ministry of Land Use and Habitat and the Ministry of Community Development.
On a community level he said this project is as an example of how the community and the government have worked together in partnership to achieve part objective of the Integrated Coastal Management.
The director of Coastal Adaptation and Management in the Ministry of Environment and Energy, Nimham Senaratne, gave a brief description of the park’s features like rocks, logs and plans used while Mrs Desaubin of LMWA described the names of the plant used to embellish the area which consists mostly of endemic ones.
After having undergone three different phases of project implementation including the first phase for the timber piling placement; second phase for the landscaping ground preparatory works and final stage being the green landscaping; the area now transformed into a park can be used by the general public for recreational purposes.
Minister Payet has advised the public to enjoy this part of the coastal area wisely, respecting the natural protection of the place.
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=242760
23-August-2014
The Anse à la Mouche coastal recreational park was officially opened yesterday by the Minister for Environment and Energy, Professor Rolph Payet.
The attraction, built by the Coastal Adaptation and Management section in the same ministry, has transformed the area into a low key recreational park for the general public and was initially designed as a coastal protection measure project back in 2011.
Present at the opening ceremony were Lena Desaubin, chief executive of Landscape and Waste Management Agency (LWMA); Alain de Commarmond, director general in the Ministry of Environemnt and Energy; Dan Frichot, special advisor in the Department of Community Development and representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Energy, LMWA and DRDM (Department of Risk and Disaster Management).
In his opening remarks, Minister Payet said Seychelles has never been more vulnerable to nature’s forces particular in coastal areas, than now. Coastal erosion, storm surges, flooding and salt water intrusion, are widely accepted as caused by climate change. It is therefore vital that we, as a small island developing state, find ways to adapt to such changes to maintain sustainability for our region, our islands and our existence.
“In the past Anse à la Mouche was regarded as one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country. Unfortunately during the last seven years, we have seen more intensive and aggressive coastal erosion which is threatening the main road and also the beach that we all enjoy. It is for this reason that in 2011, the Ministry of Environment’s Coastal Adaptation and Management Section decided to start a major coastal protection project to prevent further loss of coastline. This was followed by extensive landscaping work as the loss of the fringing vegetation became more apparent and critical,” said the minister.
He said his ministry is particular grateful to President James Michel who facilitated and strongly supported the intervention following his visit to the area with officials of the environment department in 2011, following which the ministry was able to secure funding for the implementation of the project under the Contingency Fund, the government’s Capital Expenditure and the Environment Trust Fund for the landscaping works. Overall the project has cost R2.6 million.
“The government is also particularly grateful to the residents of Anse à la Mouche for their continuous support and acknowledgment of the whole process of the project. To note some residents were involved directly in the rehabilitation project such as donating rocks for blocking off vehicles from parking in this area, and for that I would like to commend the residents and encourage more support from the community for such projects,” said Minister Payet.
The minister also acknowledged all those who contributed towards the realisation of the project notably staff of the Coastal Adaptation and Management Section; the School of Agricultural and Horticultural Training Centre for its technical contribution from the beginning of project; the LWMA and its contractors for technical advice and willingness to take up maintenance of the area as well the civil contractors that have worked during the different stages of implementation; the Ministry of Land Use and Habitat and the Ministry of Community Development.
On a community level he said this project is as an example of how the community and the government have worked together in partnership to achieve part objective of the Integrated Coastal Management.
The director of Coastal Adaptation and Management in the Ministry of Environment and Energy, Nimham Senaratne, gave a brief description of the park’s features like rocks, logs and plans used while Mrs Desaubin of LMWA described the names of the plant used to embellish the area which consists mostly of endemic ones.
After having undergone three different phases of project implementation including the first phase for the timber piling placement; second phase for the landscaping ground preparatory works and final stage being the green landscaping; the area now transformed into a park can be used by the general public for recreational purposes.
Minister Payet has advised the public to enjoy this part of the coastal area wisely, respecting the natural protection of the place.
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=242760
Sirop14- Posts : 26456
Join date : 2008-06-02
Festival international du film touristique
Festival international du film touristique
23-August-2014
Pour la première fois un festival du film touristique sera présenté dans le cadre de la quinzaine internationale des Seychelles.
Dix films des pays des quatre coins de la planète seront en compétition le lundi 25 août au Théâtre National à partir de 16h30. La Croatie pour l’Europe, les îles Caïman et le Salvador pour les Caraïbes et L’Amérique Centrale, la Malaisie, les Philippines, le Sri Lanka pour l’Asie, le Botswana, Madagascar, la Tanzanie, et la Zambie pour l’Afrique. Chaque film dure entre 8 à 16 minutes.
Une présentation orale de quelques minutes suivra chaque projection. Le vote du public interviendra en fin de soirée.
Un des meilleurs photographes français, Jean Michel Van Der Hasselt présentera des photos sur la nature et les oiseaux des Seychelles.
Ce reportage a valu au Normand le premier prix des rencontres photographiques de France qui font de Jean Michel l’un des tous premiers spécialistes de France.
Il y aura un autre reportage photographique sur l’ARMADA de Rouen qui attire les plus beaux bateaux du monde et environ un million de spectateurs par jour.
Le Normand Michel Capron est l’auteur de ce reportage.
Francis HERBET
Source Seychelles Nation
23-August-2014
Pour la première fois un festival du film touristique sera présenté dans le cadre de la quinzaine internationale des Seychelles.
Dix films des pays des quatre coins de la planète seront en compétition le lundi 25 août au Théâtre National à partir de 16h30. La Croatie pour l’Europe, les îles Caïman et le Salvador pour les Caraïbes et L’Amérique Centrale, la Malaisie, les Philippines, le Sri Lanka pour l’Asie, le Botswana, Madagascar, la Tanzanie, et la Zambie pour l’Afrique. Chaque film dure entre 8 à 16 minutes.
Une présentation orale de quelques minutes suivra chaque projection. Le vote du public interviendra en fin de soirée.
Un des meilleurs photographes français, Jean Michel Van Der Hasselt présentera des photos sur la nature et les oiseaux des Seychelles.
Ce reportage a valu au Normand le premier prix des rencontres photographiques de France qui font de Jean Michel l’un des tous premiers spécialistes de France.
Il y aura un autre reportage photographique sur l’ARMADA de Rouen qui attire les plus beaux bateaux du monde et environ un million de spectateurs par jour.
Le Normand Michel Capron est l’auteur de ce reportage.
Francis HERBET
Source Seychelles Nation
Sirop14- Posts : 26456
Join date : 2008-06-02
Hommage à la Malaisie à l’Hôtel Berjaya
Hommage à la Malaisie à l’Hôtel Berjaya
23-August-2014
Au cours de la réunion sur l’économie mondiale aux Seychelles lors de la présentation de l’avenir du tourisme mondial plusieurs points ont été évoqués. Les catastrophes naturelles, les instabilités politiques ou le terrorisme peuvent parfois anéantir plusieurs années de travail et rendre l’économie d’un pays très fragile.
Par deux fois depuis le début de l’année la Malaisie a été victime d’un drame. En effet en deux occasions les avions de la Malaysian Airline ont disparus, faisant six cent cinquante morts. Cette compagnie très sûre a été élue, dans un passé récent, meilleure compagnie du monde et n’avait jamais été victime d’accident. Suite à ces deux catastrophes aériennes beaucoup de voyageurs se sont décommandés et c’est ainsi que la fréquentation touristique a chuté.
C’est pour cette raison qu’un activité sera organisée le lundi 25 août à l’Hôtel Berjaya pour rendre hommage à la Malaisie.
Ce pays de 27 millions d’habitants avait réussi l’an dernier à attirer 23 millions de touristes. Ayant programmé une opération spectaculaire « Visit Malaysia in 2014 » le gouvernement de ce pays espérait une progression de la fréquentation de 3 ou 4 millions de visiteurs supplémentaires pour 2014. Il faut noter que la Malaisie est une fédération de quatorze Etats dont neuf Sultans sont à leur tête. Tous les cinq ans les neufs sultans se réunissent pour élire l’un d’entre eux Roi de Malaisie.
En 1986 le Dr Mahatir alors premier ministre avait décidé de créer l’année internationale de la Malaisie (en 1989.) Avec l’aide des habitants qui avaient décidé de repeindre et de fleurir leur habitation tout en rénovant des sports et du folklore ancien. Cette année internationale fût un réel succès et le tourisme prit son envol. Cette réception sera donc l’occasion de découvrir un pays meurtri qui a décidé de ne pas se laisser abattre et de repartir de l’avant. En dehors des industries dont celle du caoutchouc, des activités pétrolières, d’agriculture et de la pêche, le tourisme est une activité qui donne du travail à une grande partie de la population dans un pays où le chômage est pratiquement inexistant.
Francis HERBET
Source Seychelles Nation
23-August-2014
Au cours de la réunion sur l’économie mondiale aux Seychelles lors de la présentation de l’avenir du tourisme mondial plusieurs points ont été évoqués. Les catastrophes naturelles, les instabilités politiques ou le terrorisme peuvent parfois anéantir plusieurs années de travail et rendre l’économie d’un pays très fragile.
Par deux fois depuis le début de l’année la Malaisie a été victime d’un drame. En effet en deux occasions les avions de la Malaysian Airline ont disparus, faisant six cent cinquante morts. Cette compagnie très sûre a été élue, dans un passé récent, meilleure compagnie du monde et n’avait jamais été victime d’accident. Suite à ces deux catastrophes aériennes beaucoup de voyageurs se sont décommandés et c’est ainsi que la fréquentation touristique a chuté.
C’est pour cette raison qu’un activité sera organisée le lundi 25 août à l’Hôtel Berjaya pour rendre hommage à la Malaisie.
Ce pays de 27 millions d’habitants avait réussi l’an dernier à attirer 23 millions de touristes. Ayant programmé une opération spectaculaire « Visit Malaysia in 2014 » le gouvernement de ce pays espérait une progression de la fréquentation de 3 ou 4 millions de visiteurs supplémentaires pour 2014. Il faut noter que la Malaisie est une fédération de quatorze Etats dont neuf Sultans sont à leur tête. Tous les cinq ans les neufs sultans se réunissent pour élire l’un d’entre eux Roi de Malaisie.
En 1986 le Dr Mahatir alors premier ministre avait décidé de créer l’année internationale de la Malaisie (en 1989.) Avec l’aide des habitants qui avaient décidé de repeindre et de fleurir leur habitation tout en rénovant des sports et du folklore ancien. Cette année internationale fût un réel succès et le tourisme prit son envol. Cette réception sera donc l’occasion de découvrir un pays meurtri qui a décidé de ne pas se laisser abattre et de repartir de l’avant. En dehors des industries dont celle du caoutchouc, des activités pétrolières, d’agriculture et de la pêche, le tourisme est une activité qui donne du travail à une grande partie de la population dans un pays où le chômage est pratiquement inexistant.
Francis HERBET
Source Seychelles Nation
Sirop14- Posts : 26456
Join date : 2008-06-02
Mason’s Travel awarded Local Label by Thomas Cook
Mason’s Travel awarded Local Label by Thomas Cook
23-August-2014
One of Seychelles’ top destination management companies (DMCs), Mason's Travel, has been awarded the Local Label by Thomas Cook for its Praslin/La Digue excursions.
Mason’s Travel is an inbound tour operator and affiliated partner of Thomas Cook.
Nicole St Ange, the Group Branding & Communications manager at Mason's Travel, said: “This is a great achievement for Seychelles and Mason’s Travel as it highlights Mason's Travel’s continuous effort in promoting the Seychelles local traditions and the great lengths Mason's Travel goes to for the protection of the Seychelles environment.”
Promoting the Seychelles local tradition and culture was a key point adopted at the mid-year marketing meeting organised recently by the Seychelles Tourism Board. It was at that meeting that the island's Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange declared that tourism was now culture and experience and no longer just sun, sea and sand.
More of the island's hotels and resorts are now joining the call made by the minister to have Seychellois Creole cuisine served to visitors to music played by the island's musical bands.
The Local Label by Thomas Cook comes just days before the first edition of the Praslin Culinary and Arts Fiesta where effort is being made to see traditional cooking given more importance and where for the first time the kernel of the endemic coco-de-mer double nut will be served to visitors.
The coco-de-mer grows primarily on the island of Praslin and its dried kernel was being exported in large quantities to China.
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=242756
23-August-2014
One of Seychelles’ top destination management companies (DMCs), Mason's Travel, has been awarded the Local Label by Thomas Cook for its Praslin/La Digue excursions.
Mason’s Travel is an inbound tour operator and affiliated partner of Thomas Cook.
Nicole St Ange, the Group Branding & Communications manager at Mason's Travel, said: “This is a great achievement for Seychelles and Mason’s Travel as it highlights Mason's Travel’s continuous effort in promoting the Seychelles local traditions and the great lengths Mason's Travel goes to for the protection of the Seychelles environment.”
Promoting the Seychelles local tradition and culture was a key point adopted at the mid-year marketing meeting organised recently by the Seychelles Tourism Board. It was at that meeting that the island's Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange declared that tourism was now culture and experience and no longer just sun, sea and sand.
More of the island's hotels and resorts are now joining the call made by the minister to have Seychellois Creole cuisine served to visitors to music played by the island's musical bands.
The Local Label by Thomas Cook comes just days before the first edition of the Praslin Culinary and Arts Fiesta where effort is being made to see traditional cooking given more importance and where for the first time the kernel of the endemic coco-de-mer double nut will be served to visitors.
The coco-de-mer grows primarily on the island of Praslin and its dried kernel was being exported in large quantities to China.
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=242756
Sirop14- Posts : 26456
Join date : 2008-06-02
New film shot in Seychelles sure to capture millions of hearts and minds
New film shot in Seychelles sure to capture millions of hearts and minds
23-August-2014
Chandran Rutnam is a much respected veteran film director hailing from Sri Lanka. He has lived and directed numerous films in Hollywood for a quarter century. His name is big in film making and he makes big films, the latest being A Common Man, starring Ben Kingsley, which won bronze at the New York Festivals’ International Television and Film Awards in 2013. He has worked with famous Hollywood directors like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.
Rutnam was in Seychelles last week to put together a truly international film featuring artists from Nigeria, South Africa, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and India.
The film, entitled A love like this, is co-produced by Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), High Street Riviera, Film Location Services and Golden Effects Pictures.
Rahul Nehra representing the production team and Africa Film Factory was also in Seychelles. He comes from Bollywood, India, where tens of thousands of films are produced each year, making it the biggest film industry in the world.
While most Indian films would show you the lighter side of life with lots of love, singing and dancing, a small number of films cut across serious issues of life and showcase the country’s pluralism in racial, cultural, religious and linguistic heritage.
Indian films have a global audience. Nehra was heard saying, “making an international film involving people from different countries is not an easy task.
But, the team is truly professional and everyone knows what they are doing, that makes things easier for us, the producers”.
Playing the leading male role is handsome Gabriel Afolayan, son of a popular film maker, from Nigeria. Gabriel, who is an aeronautical engineering instructor in the film, falls madly in love with a girl and goes through numerous obstacles before marrying her (not the end of the story, mind you). He has many talents, and acting, singing and dancing are certainly at the top. But make no mistakes, he can ride a jet ski as skilfully as a well trained jockey would handle his race horse into the fiercest competition. Gabriel brings Nollywood experience to the film from African continent. It may surprise you to know that Nollywood is the second largest film industry in the world after Bollywood in terms of the number of productions per year. The Nollywood films tell African stories to a global audience.
Shoki Mokgapa is from South Africa and she plays the girl Gabriel falls in love with. She is training to be an aeronautical engineer in the film. Shoki is good looking, young, talented and a celebrity in her home country and abroad. She is a graduate from the Film School in South Africa. In Africa, millions of movie goers adore her in whatever role she plays. Undoubtedly, her appearance will make the film a ‘cannot wait to see’ one in South Africa too.
Reigning Miss Seychelles 2014 is indeed a lucky lady. Camila Estico has just cut her teeth in acting with a bang, playing the girly companion of Shoki on that fateful day when she falls in love with her instructor, Gabriel, at a party by the pool of Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay hotel. Camila looked glamorous and confident when she faced the big camera for the first time. She certainly has a future in films, if she sets her sights in that direction.
Apart from the above, over 30 young Seychellois men and women got the opportunity to be in the film when they attended the party by the pool and danced their favourite traditional dance to the tune of Creole songs. Rutnam looked quite pleased with what he was able to capture on camera that evening. So much so, he could not resist throwing caution to the wind and joining the dancing men and women in the end -- I suppose he did so after saying ‘cut’ to the cameraman -- for he was no match to those dancing machines.
The shooting was done in numerous attractive locations including Beau Vallon Bay beach, Eden Island, Victoria, View Point, Roche Caiman and Mission Lodge.
As a co-producer of the film, SBC provided logistical support and invaluable assistance to the crew offering much needed advice on locations and selecting local talents. Director Rutnam was also assisted by professionals of international repute like Jagath Seneviratna, Assistant Director and Chandana Jayasinghe, Director of Photography, who had won many awards for their work in Sri Lanka and abroad.
The crew including three Seychellois counterparts, Patrick, Julius and Alan, together with Gabriel, Shoky and Camila, are now in Sri Lanka where they will be shooting the remaining scenes and wrap up the film in time to be released towards the end of October this year.
The film will showcase the natural beauty of Seychelles, Creole culture, food, dance, music and the talents of local youth to a global audience giving much needed publicity. This will snowball into bringing in more tourists, visitors as well as more filmmakers to our shores. The local film artists will have the opportunity to work with foreign film crews and learn from them without having to go overseas for learning the techniques.
Film making is really a big industry worth trillions of dollars annually and hopefully, Seychelles will be able to carve a piece from the pie in the not-too-distant future.
It is high time we told our stories to local audience as well as international audience by ourselves through films. In this respect, SBC has taken a step in the right direction.
The accompanying photographs highlight some moments during the filming here.
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=242757
23-August-2014
Chandran Rutnam is a much respected veteran film director hailing from Sri Lanka. He has lived and directed numerous films in Hollywood for a quarter century. His name is big in film making and he makes big films, the latest being A Common Man, starring Ben Kingsley, which won bronze at the New York Festivals’ International Television and Film Awards in 2013. He has worked with famous Hollywood directors like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.
Rutnam was in Seychelles last week to put together a truly international film featuring artists from Nigeria, South Africa, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and India.
The film, entitled A love like this, is co-produced by Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), High Street Riviera, Film Location Services and Golden Effects Pictures.
Rahul Nehra representing the production team and Africa Film Factory was also in Seychelles. He comes from Bollywood, India, where tens of thousands of films are produced each year, making it the biggest film industry in the world.
While most Indian films would show you the lighter side of life with lots of love, singing and dancing, a small number of films cut across serious issues of life and showcase the country’s pluralism in racial, cultural, religious and linguistic heritage.
Indian films have a global audience. Nehra was heard saying, “making an international film involving people from different countries is not an easy task.
But, the team is truly professional and everyone knows what they are doing, that makes things easier for us, the producers”.
Playing the leading male role is handsome Gabriel Afolayan, son of a popular film maker, from Nigeria. Gabriel, who is an aeronautical engineering instructor in the film, falls madly in love with a girl and goes through numerous obstacles before marrying her (not the end of the story, mind you). He has many talents, and acting, singing and dancing are certainly at the top. But make no mistakes, he can ride a jet ski as skilfully as a well trained jockey would handle his race horse into the fiercest competition. Gabriel brings Nollywood experience to the film from African continent. It may surprise you to know that Nollywood is the second largest film industry in the world after Bollywood in terms of the number of productions per year. The Nollywood films tell African stories to a global audience.
Shoki Mokgapa is from South Africa and she plays the girl Gabriel falls in love with. She is training to be an aeronautical engineer in the film. Shoki is good looking, young, talented and a celebrity in her home country and abroad. She is a graduate from the Film School in South Africa. In Africa, millions of movie goers adore her in whatever role she plays. Undoubtedly, her appearance will make the film a ‘cannot wait to see’ one in South Africa too.
Reigning Miss Seychelles 2014 is indeed a lucky lady. Camila Estico has just cut her teeth in acting with a bang, playing the girly companion of Shoki on that fateful day when she falls in love with her instructor, Gabriel, at a party by the pool of Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay hotel. Camila looked glamorous and confident when she faced the big camera for the first time. She certainly has a future in films, if she sets her sights in that direction.
Apart from the above, over 30 young Seychellois men and women got the opportunity to be in the film when they attended the party by the pool and danced their favourite traditional dance to the tune of Creole songs. Rutnam looked quite pleased with what he was able to capture on camera that evening. So much so, he could not resist throwing caution to the wind and joining the dancing men and women in the end -- I suppose he did so after saying ‘cut’ to the cameraman -- for he was no match to those dancing machines.
The shooting was done in numerous attractive locations including Beau Vallon Bay beach, Eden Island, Victoria, View Point, Roche Caiman and Mission Lodge.
As a co-producer of the film, SBC provided logistical support and invaluable assistance to the crew offering much needed advice on locations and selecting local talents. Director Rutnam was also assisted by professionals of international repute like Jagath Seneviratna, Assistant Director and Chandana Jayasinghe, Director of Photography, who had won many awards for their work in Sri Lanka and abroad.
The crew including three Seychellois counterparts, Patrick, Julius and Alan, together with Gabriel, Shoky and Camila, are now in Sri Lanka where they will be shooting the remaining scenes and wrap up the film in time to be released towards the end of October this year.
The film will showcase the natural beauty of Seychelles, Creole culture, food, dance, music and the talents of local youth to a global audience giving much needed publicity. This will snowball into bringing in more tourists, visitors as well as more filmmakers to our shores. The local film artists will have the opportunity to work with foreign film crews and learn from them without having to go overseas for learning the techniques.
Film making is really a big industry worth trillions of dollars annually and hopefully, Seychelles will be able to carve a piece from the pie in the not-too-distant future.
It is high time we told our stories to local audience as well as international audience by ourselves through films. In this respect, SBC has taken a step in the right direction.
The accompanying photographs highlight some moments during the filming here.
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=242757
Sirop14- Posts : 26456
Join date : 2008-06-02
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Seychelles EU Connection :: Republic of Seychelles National Economy Main ( UN visit 20/09/06 :: Tourism
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