The Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) announced today that actress Sydney Tamiia Poitier (“Death Proof”, “The List”), daughter of legendary Oscar winning actor American/Bahamian actor Sidney Poitier and actress Joanna Shimkus, will be honored with BIFF’s signature Shining Star Tribute. The announcement was made by BIFF Founder & Executive Director Leslie Vanderpool.

The Festival’s prestigious Shining Star Award is given to an actor or actress whose noteworthy performances have put them on the path for elite and lasting stardom in the industry. Sydney Tamiia Poitier will be on hand for the special award tribute presentation on Saturday, December 8th at the Atlantis Theater on Paradise Island at 7pm.

Commented Vanderpool, “Nobody embodies the spirit of BIFF’s Shining Star Award more than Sydney Tamiia Poitier. She is one of the most gracious, exciting and multi-talented performer who excels in Film and TV, we know the Bahamian community will embrace her and help us celebrate her past, current and, most certainly, future success. As anyone who has seen Sydney’s collection performances can attest, Sydney is definitely one of the most gorgeous and talented actors who’s star is shining brightly and rising rapidly.”

A graduate from New York University, Poitier was featured as one of People Magazine “50 Most Beautiful People in 2001, Won Best Actress for “Nine Lives” at the Lorcarno International Film Festival and nominated for Best Ensemble Cast for the Gotham Awards.

Poitier appeared in a leading role in the film, “Death Proof,” (2007) as character Jungle Julia, directed by Quentin Tarantino, co-starring Kurt Russell, Zoe Bell, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito and Rose McGowan. Poitier also appeared in “The List” (2007) as Cecile, which she was nominated for Outstanding Actress at the Image Awards.

Sydney Tamiia Poitier has landed many TV Series and TV Movies such as “Private Practice” as Michelle; “Knight Rider” as Carrie Rivai; “Grey’s Anatomy” as Deborah Fleiss; “Joan of Arcadia” as Rebecca Askew; “Abby” as Abby Newman and “Free of Eden” as Nicole Turner, where she co-starred with her father Oscar winner, Sidney Poitier.

BIFF 2012 begins Thursday, December 6th in Nassau and runs through Sunday, December 9th. Additional announcements pertaining to the Festival will be made in the coming weeks.
 

About the Bahamas International Film Festival
The Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) is a nonprofit organization committed to providing the local community and international festival-goers with a diverse presentation of films from the Bahamas and around the world. In addition to showcasing films that might not otherwise be released theatrically, BIFF provides unique cultural experiences, educational programs, and forums for exploring the past, present and future of cinema. www.bintlfilmfest.com