09 Oct “The Unbreakable Virgin Islanders” Shine at USC in Los Angeles

Peter Bailey in front of the Steven Spielberg Building, named after USC’s legendary trustee

The first US mainland screening of “Paradise Discovered: The Unbreakable Virgin Islanders” was met with applauds by those at the historic event hosted by the University of Southern California’s esteemed schools of cinema and journalism.

The screening on Oct. 5 marked the first time that a chapter of Virgin Islands history was showcased in cinematic form at USC’s film school, the most prestigious in the nation whose alumni group includes George Lucas, Ron Howard, John Singleton and its legendary trustee Steven Spielberg.

“I’ve always felt the magic of our Virgin Islands story should be celebrated worldwide,” says journalist and filmmaker Peter Bailey. “It’s a dream come through for me to make that belief a reality.”

Peter Bailey pictured with family (Rudy Vanterpool, Helen Vanterpool, Amanda Vanterpool, Ryan & Marilyn Vanterpool) at USC’s screening of “Paradise Discovered: The Unbreakable Virgin Islanders”

During a Q & A session immediately following the film, journalist Desa Philadelphia asked Bailey why he chose to share the VI story.

“We in the Virgin Islands get to say we weathered life’s greatest storms and actually mean it,” boasted Bailey. “We alongside the larger Caribbean community should serve as an inspiration as to what can occur when people believe in each other.

Philadelphia, a former colleague of Bailey’s while they both wrote for Time magazine, invited Bailey out to USC after witnessing Bailey advocate on behalf of the Virgin Islands recovery efforts in the wake hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Bailey’s visit was part of the university’s “Our Voices” speaker series which invites some of America’s most iconic filmmakers to campus for a discussion on race and diversity. Past speakers include directors John Chu and Tim Story.

“Peter’s work is so important to the national discourse today,” said Philadelphia who heads USC’s Voices Program . “Their should be many rich discussions centered around the themes he explores in his work.”

Bailey’s first screening on St. Thomas held on his birthday September 16 was well-received by those who packed inside Prior-Jollek Hall. “We don’t do enough documentaries that tell our story as a small territory so I really want to commend the artist and all those who are responsible for this production,” said US Virgin Islands Senator Myron D. Jackson who serves as Senate President.

Bailey dedicated the film to his father Joseph Bailey who passed away on Sept. 3 and was laid to rest on September 15, the day before the screening.

Charles Hamilton and Virgin Islands comedian Buttah Man attend USC screening.

Based on his New York Times Op Ed “Has America Forgotten the Virgin Islands” Unbreakable is the second film from Bailey’s “Paradise Discovered” series. The first film, The Anguilla Connection debuted in Anguilla on July 7th.

A-list manager, TV producer and agent Tamra Goins of Innovative Artists attends USC’s screening of “The Unbreakable Virgin Islanders”

On Wednesday those in attendance who included USC students, professors and entertainment executives were happy to be educated about the Virgin Islands.

Charles Hamilton, a fellow St. Thomian and lead attorney at Warner Brothers Records called Unbreakable “an inspiring film for those of us who don’t ever see our story told. Even the small things felt relatable.”

“When I saw Peter’s images on social media from the hurricane I was really moved,” said Tamra Goins, an A-list manager who heads Innovative Artists comedy division. “This film really introduced me to our fellow Americans in the Virgin Islands and I’m now in full support of helping to share their inspiring story.”

Goins who has worked with Kevin Hart, Mike Epps, David Alan Grier alongside producing Shaquille O’Neal’s All Star Comedy franchise, has been advocating for Unbreakable to be picked up by a major distributor.

Peter Bailey meets with Quincy Newell, EVP & General Manager of Codeblack Films and Chief Content Officer of Reign, the new streaming service geared towards African-Americans

Unbreakable’s next screening on the US mainland will be at the University of Delaware on November 13.