Free Spirit Media announces its first in-person public screening in over two years. In association with IFA Chicago, Free Spirit Media presents the premiere of Bermuda, a short film written by Jasmine Ogunjimi and directed by Lorenzo Leyva on May 21, 2022.
On the evening of her 25th birthday, Tomi Adebiyi is surrounded by half-packed suitcases in a frantic attempt to book a one-way ticket to the island of Bermuda. An all too familiar interruption from her hysterical praying mother and proverb reciting uncle serves as a frightening preview for what’s to come for life in her adulthood. Unless she can escape.
Bermuda follows Tomi, a mid-20s Nigerian-American woman in pursuit of self-liberation. She struggles to escape the control of loved ones by unraveling the sexual freedom she’s been seeking in her life.
Writer and actor Jasmine Ogunjimi knew this was a story she needed to tell, “It was important to convey the story of Bermuda in this way. I don’t see controversial topics like sexuality, culture and conformity discussed enough (if at all) on screen. In telling my story, I hope to make space for people like me, and other creators in the Diaspora to feel seen.”
Director Lorenzo Leyva felt grateful for the trust to bring Jasmine’s story to life, “Working on Bermuda allowed me to learn how to work with production, cast, and crew. There aren’t many opportunities at this early stage of my career to direct such a large project with all of the qualities of a professional set. It was very intensive and equally thrilling.”
Created and produced in Chicago during the height of the pandemic, Bermuda demonstrates the power of young filmmakers. Free Spirit Media Executive Director, Aurora Toshiko King is excited to finally share this short film with the public, “Bermuda represents the culmination of the collective work of two cohorts of brilliant young filmmakers and the visionary storytelling of Jasmine Ogunjimi. Not only did this group of filmmakers create something beautiful, they did it while navigating a world health crisis. It was a truly inspiring process to witness and the outcome is equally beautiful and important. Free Spirit Media is grateful to partner with such visionary storytellers.”
This film is a production of Free Spirit Media’s InPathways 2020 and 2021 cohorts in partnership with Optimus, Keslow Camera and the Chicago Film Office.
Free Spirit Media is excited to partner with IFA Chicago to bring you this premiere of Bermuda (Running Time: 22 minutes) at The Hub at Cinespace, 2602 West 16th Street, Chicago, IL 60608 on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 3 pm to 5 pm. The premiere includes a Panel discussion with the filmmakers and meet and greet with other Free Spirit Media community members.
Tickets for this May 21st premiere are available on Eventbrite.
