CREATE

Holding true to her culture and self, the decision to take the film in this direction has proven sound judgment with The Coming of Org already being accepted into the Cannes Court Metrage (Short Film Corner) at the widely acclaimed international film festival. The recently released film has been well received, especially in Martinique where the French Creole linkage is prominent in the Caribbean. The Coming of Org generated a much better response overseas than it did at home however and Lee would receive an abundance of positive feedback from “homesick Caribbean people residing away.” While calling for more public support for Caribbean produced films, Lee noted that her family has been extremely supportive and instrumental in developing her career. Lee’s father is a writer, mother a photographer, sister Esther a partner in Lee Productions and brother a member of the crew in The Coming of Org. A family comprised of all creatively inclined individuals, this is perhaps partly what enabled a firm support structure encouraging Lee into the emerging field. “When I came to Caribbean Export, I made it a mandate that the creative industries were going to be high on our agenda,” recalls Pamela Coke- Hamilton, Executive Director of Caribbean Export. “It is where we have a natural competitive advantage and we must do everything in our power to see the potential realized.” The Government of Saint Lucia has recognized the importance of the sector and with the introduction of the Ministry of Tourism, Heritage and the Creative Industries, has taken a bold step towards expanding creative industries. Lee applauded the change, “with steps such as this the creative industries are now seen as an option” and although not integrated into the school curriculum as yet, “the foundation has been laid towards getting there.” Noting that traditionally students were encouraged to set sights on white- collar careers, in recent years the creative industries are increasingly being perceived as legitimate, viable careers paths and it is hoped that wider support and acceptance follows. Lee is an advocate for continual studies, training and professional development. Acknowledging the efforts of the Saint Lucia Coalition of Services Industries Inc. (SLCSI) and Caribbean Export to facilitate the opportunity, Lee says she acquired “pertinent knowledge” through attending Study Tours to Manchester, Liverpool, Berlin and Paris. The first-hand knowledge gained about the world stage, would serve to “open (her) eyes to the possibilities” of working together with fellow regionally based partners. Coupled with attendance to WOMEX (World Music Expo), another initiative coordinated through Caribbean Export, these international platforms provided a wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with Caribbean partners, directly increasing business for Lee Productions. While on the one hand it is encouraging to note the direct correlation between attending these exhibitions and establishing partnerships for increased revenue, on the other hand Lee was disappointed to observe that for regional business partnerships to be established and developed, travel to international countries was required. Lee voices the concern that there is a crucial need for more regionally based opportunities for Caribbean and the Creative Industries, has taken a bold step towards expanding creative industries. The Government of Saint Lucia has recognized the importance of the sector and with the intr oduction of the Ministry of Tourism, Heritage

businesses to interact, “we should not need to go to a world stage to meet other Caribbean people.”

With the production and release of her first film, The Coming of Org, Lee observes the importance of international exhibitions such as Study Tours and WOMEX, as more than a mere convergence for regional attendees. The venues are essential market places towards providing international exposure of regionally produced films. This promotes the country and by extension the Caribbean, enabling a platform for business tourism development. We are not just showing a movieLee says, we are exporting the whole country thr ough f ilm - the actors, the music, the location, the culture, the ambiance of Caribbean is what we showcase to the wor ld. “We are not just showing a movie,” Lee says, “we are exporting the whole

84