TO SEE THE Father of Independence and his journey represented on the big screen has always been the dream of many a Barbadian. That dream was finally realised last week Saturday night, at the premiere of Barrow: Freedom Fighter.
Dignitaries such as Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave, Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley and Minister of Labour Esther Byer Suckoo, to name a few, gathered at Limegrove Theatres in their finery to view the fruits of the film cast and crew’s labour.
The docudrama, just over an hour long, chronicled both the political and personal journey of the Rt Excellent Errol Walton Barrow before and after he became known as the “Father of Independence”.
Following the screening, the audience had the opportunity to give their comments and questions, and the general consensus was one of great appreciation and enjoyment for the film, with Prime Minister Stuart praising it as a “true to life” representation of the Errol Barrow that he knew.
“I think the cast is to be congratulated for the exquisite production which we saw here tonight.”
He added that though not knowing what to expect even after hearing rave reviews about the film in London, he reserved his judgement until he saw the film for himself.
“Everything I heard about it from London was verified and justified here tonight, so I really want to congratulate everyone . . . .You did a great job.”
Sir Elliott aid that while he liked it a lot, he wished it included more of Barrow’s famous speeches, such as a longer excerpt of his thought-provoking Mirror Image speech.
Positive feedback came also from the film’s immediate cast who were present, all of whom expressed their appreciation for being a part of it.
International actor Adrian Holmes, who played the titular role of Barrow, said the project was one which he was the most proud of in his 25 years of acting.
“When I really started to understand the magnitude of this project, fear set in in a huge way . . . . I didn’t want to let anybody down. I wanted to make sure that this was a project everyone could be proud of. I hope that it transcends borders and goes into all the school systems and everybody gets to see it.”
Additionally, local personalities Mac Fingall and Stedson Red Plastic Bag Wiltshire, who played Sir Frank Walcott and Dick Sealy, respectively, said working on the film was a learning experience for them.
The future of Barrow: Freedom Fighter does not end here, however, as the film’s producers, namely Marcia Weekes and her husband Dave Weekes, said plans were being made to take the film to the diaspora and beyond.
“One of the founding objectives of creating this film was to showcase leadership, a hero, our Caribbean heroes,” said Dave.
“We’ve always seen heroes from other countries – the Thatchers, the JFKs, the Malcolm Xs, and so on, but they have never seen a Barrow and it’s about time they see a Barrow.” (SOM)
