THE SANDALS FOUNDATION LAUNCHES NEW VIDEO PRODUCED BY GIL GREEN

October 16, 2024 - Sandals Foundation - Jamaica

The video was created to bring awareness to the Sandals Foundation’s cause in a cinematic form, and was shot entirely on location in Jamaica by famed director, Gil Green.  Entitled the “Soles of Our Youth,” the 3 ½ minute short film hopes to raise awareness, create attention, and bring in needed funding to support the multitude of programs and initiatives the 501(c)(3) reinforces within Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, The Turks & Caicos Islands, Grenada and this winter, Barbados.

While most know the Caribbean for its picturesque sunsets, white-sand beaches and dramatic ocean landscapes, the region is also socially vulnerable. Director Gil Green was able to capture a clear vision of both worlds by filming at Sandals Foundation’s adopted schools and community centers, a football field, marine sanctuaries, local beaches as well as at several Sandals Resorts in Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Whitehouse, Jamaica.

On hand was Heidi Clarke, the Sandals Foundation’s Director of Programs, to give an insider’s perspective of the Foundation’s core pillars -- education, community, and environment – from a genuine and raw perspective.  Specific programs featured include:  Project Sprout – early childhood development, Care for Kids Scholarships, Cricket & Golf Academies, and Reading Road Trip – the Foundation’s weekly voluntourism program.  Healthcare initiatives and youth engagement through sports, mentorship, and environmental stewardship are also high on the Foundation’s priority list.

Adam Stewart, President of the Sandals Foundation and CEO of Sandals Resorts International, sought the expertise of Gil Green after viewing the NBA’s Miami Heat 2024 Player Intro which Green directed.  Stewart was also impressed by Green’s extensive list of music videos and commercials which have earned him award-winning status.  Coincidently, Green’s innate love for Caribbean music, food and overall culture set the platform and tone for the unique partnership. “This new video showcases a feeling of responsibility, community, and hope that the Sandals Foundation shares for the Caribbean. While most tourists may have a perception of sunny days and blissful beaches, this film portrays a Caribbean world that is more true to its citizens; we showcased how the Sandals Foundation is tackling many of those challenges with the hopes of a brighter Caribbean,” Green reflects.

After a nine-day shoot, the end result delivers an intrusive, memorable, and persuasive message of sustainability in The Islands. Describing Green and his crew as passionate, creative and professional, Heidi Clarke said “Our team is eternally grateful to Gil for his time, dedication and drive to help us continue to “do good” here in the Caribbean.”   The new video is currently featured on the Sandals Foundation’s website at www.sandalsfoundation.org and on their Facebook page.