A COMMENT on the BEEFTA's

A lot of comments are flying back and forth about last night's events. And I had thought to stay out of the fray (in very much the same way i stayed away from the festivities - I attended the show, did photography at a customers request BACKSTAGE, took some shots on the red carpet and promptly left even before the what was an almost 2hour late start).

But with sooo many people asking my opinion on it this morning I think I WILL comment here.

Many things went WRONG!! Seating, refreshment, running order. And we are quick to judge because we expect 'standards'. And rightly so. And while we are quick to take note of those things that DID go wrong, because they were so 'glaring', let us not forget the many people that were hard at work on the things that did go right. The lightening and sound techs, the make up and hair people that worked ceaselessly backstage from 9am till show start AND BEYOND. I was there with them, I saw the effort they put in to make the night come off a success.

And yes things went hopelessly wrong, but while we primped and preened at home at turned up immaculate and flawless, many people behind the scenes worked tirelessly to ensure that there WAS INDEED A NIGHT TO ATTEND. They are the unsung heroes of an event that is catering to support and make mention of people within an industry that perhaps sometimes get passed over.

If I question anything about the awards, (and i do not in any way take away from those who won in specific catergories) I question judging criteria that awards winners based on popularity and not necessarily quality of work. I question the nomination process where someone can be nominated for an award and have to be informed by another NOMINEE rather than the governing body/committee. I question striving for excellence yet catering to nepotism.

This said, it is early stages. Rome was NOT built in a day and the old adage goes, and if we are not open to fact that so much has be done by these awards to boost the confidence of so many within their fields; to recognize their efforts in the continued strides for excellence and creativity and to bolster their faith in the products and services they develop and provide, then we have truly missed out on the beauty and achievement of the BEEFTA's.

If only to be stood in the company of so many talented and beautiful black brothers and sisters, gathered in one place to celebrate OURSELVES.., if only for that... then the night was a success.

RASCONRAD - model, photographer, poet