Celebrated Caymanian screenwriter and film director, Frank E. Flowers Jr., recently took time out of his busy schedule to join forces with the Ministry of Education to conduct workshops and give talks in local schools.
Mr. Flowers was in Cayman promoting the release of his feature film, Haven.
During an assembly at John Gray High School, Mr. Flowers addressed hundreds of riveted students, talking about social issues facing young people today, a theme which is prevalent in his work, said a press release from the Ministry.
Delivering powerful messages about the value of developing personal qualities such as discipline and passion, Mr. Flowers engaged his audience by calling for a show of hands in response to his questions pertaining to their experiences and perceptions of life in Cayman.
He placed an emphasis on encouraging students to identify positive goals, and to avoid life-choices which can have destructive consequences for themselves and for others.
Mr. Flowers reminded students that advocates of youth want to listen to what they have to say, citing the Ministry and himself as examples, and telling the children, ‘You have our attention.’
A smaller group of drama students later took part in a questions-and-answer session with Mr. Flowers, following a screening of his short film, ‘Swallow’, which deals with the issue of drugs.
The working group concentrated on numerous aspects of film-making, from creative to production, as well as opportunities for careers within the industry.
The group’s drama teacher, Nasaria Suckoo Chollette, said the session was beneficial to her students. ‘He put all of their dreams into perspective,’ she said.
‘He let them know how rare it is for someone to make it as an actor, and warned them of all the hard work and dedication required to be a success in the film industry.’
She added, ‘Overall, he inspired them to reach for higher goals by bringing them face-to-face with the reality of the work that it takes to get there.’
During his subsequent visit to the George Hicks Campus, Mr. Flowers engaged drama students in another lively debate.
Once again, the Caymanian film director kept the focus clearly on issues facing Cayman’s youth, demonstrating a keen interest and awareness on the matter, as well as an innate ability to connect with students on sensitive issues.
The week’s sessions were organised by the Ministry of Education, Training, Employment, Youth, Sports & Culture.
Minister Alden McLaughlin was excited by the collaborative efforts of Mr. Flowers and the Ministry, remarking, ‘As an accomplished young Caymanian with an awareness of social issues impacting upon young people, Frank Flowers Jr. is well-poised to win the hearts and minds of those who may be most susceptible to the negative influences of peer pressure, and to help in guiding them down a more productive path. By working with him, we have an ideal opportunity to send powerful positive messages to youngsters, and also to demonstrate to them that they have access to a support structure, which understands and cares.’
He added, ‘Students will benefit also from learning first-hand about Frank’s remarkable achievements, which serve as a compelling reminder, both of the potential rewards of working hard, and also of the fact that in making life choices, they need only be limited by their imaginations.’
The Ministry is now working with Mr. Flowers to organize similar sessions during Mr. Flowers’ planned return visits to Cayman later this year.
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