Short Poetry Film | 6 mins
Subtitles: English, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese and French
Join a young Bermudian Gombey on a breathtaking journey as he encounters his ancestors in a tale that’s as gripping as it is mystical. This poetic six-minute short film captures the essence of the Bermuda Gombey and Bermudian culture in a way never seen before.
Rooted in themes of ancestry, identity, and spiritual guidance, Thoughts Become Things weaves traditional Gombey imagery with a dreamlike narrative grounded in spoken word poetry. This film invites audiences into an immersive world where the past and present dance in unison.
Developed in collaboration with Bermuda’s active Gombey troupes and local cultural torch bearers, this award-winning film is both a cultural celebration and a call to remember who we are.
Selected by 25 international film festivals across 12 countries, subtitled in 5 languages, won 13 awards including two Telly Awards and has received a Webby Nomination and Honoree recognitions. Thoughts Become Things brings Bermudian storytelling to the world stage, proudly and unapologetically.
Trailers
Short Film Credits
DIRECTOR
CINEMATOGRAPHER / EDITOR:
Marquedelle Philip Rodriguez
(@i.marqr)
WRITER
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
Stephan Johnstone
SJD World Ltd
(@sjdworld)
MUSIC
COMPOSED BY
Derek G. Simmons
(@derekg.bda)
GOMBEY TROUPES
Places gombeys (@placesgombeytroupe)
SMS Gombeys (@sms.gombeys)
H&H Gombeys (@hnh_gombeys)
Warwick Gombeys (@warwickgombeys_bda)
Gombey Evolution (@gombey.evolution.troupe)
Gombey Warriors (@gombey_warriors)
AFRICAN ANCESTORS
BDA Donquili (@bermudadonquili)
NATIVE AMERICAN ANCESTORS
Antione Lugo (Millet)
Chelsea McNorton (Carlington)
St. David’s Islander & Native Community
(@stdavidsinc)
PHOTOGRAPHER
Jayde Gibbons (@lokqul_)
SET DESIGN
Sinead Simmons
MOBYLETTE SUPPLIED BY
Mikey Dread from the 2 Stroke legends
ADULT VOICE:
Stephan Johnstone
KID VOICE
Marcelo Johnstone
SPONSORED BY: Our Culture Bearers
Bermuda Arts Council (@bdaartscouncil)
Margaret & Robert Harvey
Margot Kerry Harvey & Travis Cooper
Harvey Cooper Award (@HarveyCooperAward)
Melrindo Caines
Walk Together Bermuda (@walktogetherbermuda)
King Alpha Productions (@King_Alpha_Way)
Department of Culture (@bermudaculture)
I.B.A (@inspiredbda)
SPEXX Eyecare – Wannita Smith (@spexxeyecare)
Monica Dunstan
Bermuda Tourism Authority
The Bermudian Publishing Company (@TheBermudian)
Jubilee Richardson
Rudi Haak & Helen Ponte (@balance)
The Frith Family
J.F Peniston
SUBTITLE TRANSLATIONS
Naomi ( Japanese )
Trevor & Maricela ( Spanish )
Raquel ( Portuguese )
Dino ( French )
This project was built by many hands, voices, and hearts. We are deeply thankful to every person who contributed—named and unnamed.