St. Croix native Johanna Bermúdez-Ruiz of Cane Bay Films, LLC premiered the trailer of her newest documentary “Sugar Pathways” on Thursday, at the Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse in Christiansted. The documentary explores the migration of Puerto Ricans to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Following the presentation, Bermúdez-Ruiz gave a lecture about her experience making the nearly hour long documentary and why it is significant historically. Another screening and discussion will be held this Sunday, October 16, at 1 p.m. the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts in Frederiksted.
Awards / Nominations for Johanna Bermúdez-Ruiz:
- Best Female Film Director of Color Nominee at the African Diaspora Film Festival
- Best Short Documentary Winner at the Maffa Film Festival
- Best Short Documentary Winner (aka The Pitirre Award) at the San Juan Cinema Festival
- Special Jury Mention Award Winner at the Image Nation Film Festival
- Special Selection Bermuda International Film Festival
Acclaimed Films / Documentaries by Johanna Bermúdez-Ruiz:
- “Better To Be Human”
- “Exiles”
- “Forgotten in Paradise”
- “Rage: the Anger Boiling In”
- “Spirit of Expression”
- “Sugar Pathways”
- “Vieques: An Island Forging Futures”
Ms. Bermúdez-Ruiz earned her bachelor’s degree at Antioch College in Ohio. After school, she studied film-making worldwide including California, Florida, London and New York City. She is a member of the International Documentary Association and the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (in which she is a founding member of the New York City chapter).
These screenings are a perfect way to end the week of Virgin Islands / Puerto Rico Friendship Day and highlight Hispanic Heritage Month. If you’re ready to live on a tropical island filled with rich culture, St. Croix may be the perfect place for you. Contact Chris and Kerri of Farchette & Hanley Real Estate to help you find the perfect home or condo. You can also download their complimentary St. Croix Event Guide here: