Hollywood-style premiere
for Ian Valz’s ‘Panman’
PHILIPSBURG--Movie stars, celebrities and paparazzi gathered around the red carpet in front of Philipsburg Theatres late Saturday afternoon for the Hollywood-style grand premiere of St. Maarten’s first feature film “Panman, Rhythm of the Palms.”
The film, directed by debuting Dutch director Sander Burger, tells the story of the rise and fall of steel pan player Harry Daniel. The leading role is played by playwright Ian Valz, who wrote the screenplay for this movie.
Harry Daniel is an icon of the Caribbean whose personal life suffers when he places his music above his family because he is desperate to pass the pan culture to a younger generation.
During Harry’s crusade to keep the music alive in his beloved St. Maarten, he meets the exceptionally talented Jacko, who becomes his star apprentice and hope for the future.
Harry treats him like the son he never had. However, when Harry’s fame begins to diminish, Jacko turns against him and embraces instead the world of rock music. Harry is bitterly disappointed, but as he battles a life threatening illness he still pins his hopes on Jacko to carry on his great legacy of steel pan.
The history of the creation of the film produced by St. Maarten Independent Theatre Production goes back 15 years. Valz got together with long-time friend, and mentor Bill Nichols and businessman Jerry Sardine to attempt to make St. Maarten’s first movie with a local cast, based on his successful play “Rhythm of the palms.”
Thirteen years later, after numerous rewrites, the devastating effects of hurricanes on the island, Bill Nichols’ death, and the unending quest to find funding, Valz met Norman de Palm, who agreed to co-produce the film.
This movie, in which the steel pan is symbolic of St. Maarten’s culture and roots, features a cast consisting of Earl Duzong, Rita Gumbs, Cedric Ortega, Gary “Gee Money” Euton, Shama Flurton, Ruby Bute, Andrew Dick, Betty Nisbeth, Angla Johnson, Edmund Paul, Marcus Natianny and Liesbeth Kamerling.
Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards was among the speakers during Saturday’s premiere. Richards, who also plays a small role in the film, said St. Maarten was put on the map with a film depicting the problems of youth in St. Maarten.
He said he was proud of this movie, which was not made with Hollywood dollars, but with love for culture and the support of local sponsors, among whom he specifically mentioned Imran MacSood.
To the applause of the 300 invited guests at the premiere, Richards said the island was in need of a local movie theatre that should specifically cater to the island’s youths.
“Panman is a must-see for every visiting Dutch politician,” co-producer Norman de Palm said. This may be an exaggeration, but the film is highly recommended to every resident of St. Maarten, who will certainly enjoy the film, filled as it is with lots of familiar faces, filmed against the island’s familiar backdrop.
