Fire in the Ocean: The Women of Andros Island

Andros Island, the largest in the Bahamas (although sporting the smallest population for its size) is the setting for Fire in the Ocean, a half-hour documentary that dips into the lives of four generations of Bahamian women as they talk about their lives, families, struggles, and aspirations for their children, weaving a collective narrative that reveals the importance of family and religion. From the casual narrative of the eldest, Corine Saunders, who sings and reminisces about raising children during the early 20th century, to the bustling ambition of teenager Chizelle Duncombe, who hopes to leave for college, viewers witness familiar generational tales from a not-so-familiar environment. As each of the women provides an impressionistic portrait of island life, the program also touches on the importance of female bonding during economic hardships and the generational continuum of cultural traditions. Although a bit unfocused, the film is full of wonderful nuance and atmosphere as the camera lingers on the quiet landscape and allows each of these interesting women to tell her soulful story. Recommended for larger collections. Aud: C, P. (A. Cantú)